[Southern Heart 01.0] Southern Pleasure

by Kaylee Ryan

  I knew it was a crazy thought. Aaron just helped me remember that. I’m desperate to keep my unborn child safe and it kills me that I can’t be there.

  Pulling into the lot of the attorney’s office, I put the truck in park, but let the engine run. Picking up my phone, I check the time. I’m ten minutes early. I don’t see Misty’s Jeep, so I’m going to wait. I tried to convince her to let me pick her up, even told her we could grab something to eat afterward. She was adamant she could drive and she’s capable of feeding herself.

  Frustrating woman!

  I can already see I’m going to have to fight her tooth and nail in order to be involved. I want to be there for the appointments, especially the ultrasound. I read last night that they have 4D ultrasounds. I called Misty’s doctor’s office and they don’t have them, but they gave me the number of a place that does. The nurse made sure to tell me they are usually not covered under insurance. It’s worth it. I saw a few pictures online and the detail is amazing. I’m excited and scared as hell. It’s going to be a long seven months.

  Twenty minutes later, Misty pulls in beside me. She’s ten minutes late and I want to berate her for it, but I bite my tongue. I don’t want anything to stop her from signing these damn papers.

  Quickly hopping out of the truck, I jog to her door and open it for her. “Hey.” I keep my voice light.

  “I can open my own doors, Evan. I’m not an invalid, I’m pregnant,” she smarts off.

  Taking a deep breath, I reply, “I know that. I was just trying to be nice.” I place my hand on the small of her back and lead her into the office. “How have you been feeling?” I ask, keeping my voice soft.

  She softens a bit at my mellowed tone. It wasn’t a question to make casual conversation. I really am interested.

  “Good, still no signs of morning sickness.” She shrugs. “I must be one of the lucky ones.”

  “Good. I’ve been reading, and for most women, it already happens so you just might be in the clear. Nine weeks right?” I ask.

  She stops and stares at me. “You’ve been reading?”

  I hold her stare as I answer. “Yes, I only have a few months to learn what I need to. I’m going to be doing this on my own and I need to be prepared. I also want to be there for you. Reading helps me understand what you’re going through. I don’t want to miss any of this, Misty. I know we’re not together, but this baby is a part of me.”

  She nods once and turns to approach the reception desk. “Evan Chamberlin, we have an appointment,” she tells the lady at the desk. She’s casual, as if what she’s about to do isn’t a life-changing moment. She’s signing over the rights to her baby, the one she’s still growing inside her.

  “Of course, Mr. Fields is expecting you.” She points to the door just down the hall. “You can go on in.”

  I wave in greeting and follow Misty. My palms are sweaty. This day has consumed me from the minute I got her to agree to this.

  “Evan, hi.” Mr. Fields stands from his seat and holds out his hand. I extend mine as well and we shake.

  “This is Misty Newman. Misty, this is Mr. Fields,” I introduce them.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Newman,” the lawyer says. Misty doesn’t respond. Instead, she takes a seat in one of the two chairs directly across from him.

  “Okay. So, Evan gave me specifics over the phone, but I first have to read through them with you so you understand what you’re signing.”

  “I trust Evan. I don’t need to read it. Just tell me where to sign,” she answers.

  “Ms. Newman, I highly advise against that. I need to make sure you understand what it is you’re doing today.”

  “Trust me, I know what I’m doing. If it were any other guy, I wouldn’t be sitting here. Evan wants this baby. He’s a good man, so that’s why I’m here. I want no part of this child’s life. I don’t want to be a mother.” She finishes quietly.

  “What about your family? Have you discussed this with them?”

  Misty scoffs. “Yes, and they agree that to us, the Newman’s, this child doesn’t exist. He or she will be a Chamberlin and Evan will be the sole parent. I plan to move as soon as the baby is born. I’ve officially worn out my welcome in Kentucky.”

  “Misty—” I say her name, but she cuts me off.

  “No, Evan! You can’t change my mind. I want nothing to do with this. I meant what I said. For any other guy, I would have never agreed to this. I’m doing this for you. I know what this means to you and your parents.”

  My chest tightens at the mention of my parents. I called them the day after I’d found out and we’d talked on the phone for over an hour. They were both so damn excited. Mom called the next day saying she’s not seen Dad in this high of spirits since his initial diagnosis. I want this for them and for me. I want him to see my children, or at least this baby.

  “Ms. Newman, I’ll read through this quickly. My paralegal—-” he points to the corner of the room to a girl typing away, who I hadn’t even seen join us “—-is going to document the session. What you say could come back to haunt you later . . .”

  “No, it won’t. I want it documented that neither my family nor I want anything to do with this child.” She points to her belly. “I want to sign over all parental rights to Evan Chamberlin.”

  Mr. Fields looks over at his paralegal and she nods—their unspoken acknowledgement that she did, indeed, get Misty’s words recorded.

  “All right, in summary, you, Misty Newman, are signing over any and all parental rights to the father, Evan Chamberlin. Evan will take financial responsibility in regards to all medical bills, clothing, and any other expenses incurred throughout the pregnancy.”

  “Yes, okay, where do I sign?” She sits on the edge of her seat and reaches for a pen from the holder on the desk.

  Mr. Fields instructs each of us where we need to sign. As soon as she scrawls her name in all the necessary places, I feel a little of the weight lift from my shoulders.

  I’m going to be a father.

  I’m glad I’m sitting because there is a slight tremble in my knees. Misty passes me the pen and I see the same quiver in my hands. I’m scared out of my fucking mind, but I want this. This baby is a part of me. How could I ever not want that?

  I scrawl my name on the line and push the papers back toward Mr. Fields. “Misty, what about your family?” Mr. Fields asks.

  “What about them? They told me to get rid of it.”

  Her voice is flat, no emotion, no feeling. My gut twists at her words and my eyes fix on the papers with both of our names on them. This day could not have come fast enough.

  “Just as precaution, I urge, once the baby arrives, there be a paternity test to validate Evan is the father.”

  Misty’s head snaps up and she stares at him, processing what he just said. “I don’t want to be a mother. This baby is better off without me, and vice versa. However, I didn’t cheat on Evan. This is his baby. If it were anyone else’s, it would be a non-issue.”

  Again, her words cause my stomach to churn. She’s calm, her face void of any emotion. Did I ever really know her?

  “Fair enough, but as reassurance to my client, it’s best to do this as soon as possible. This prevents surprises years down the road after emotional bonds have been established.”

  “Whatever,” Misty quips. “As long as it’s understood I’m not, nor is anyone in my family, going to be involved, I don’t care what you do.”

  I clench my fists. How is it possible that this is the same girl I’ve spent the last several months with? I want my child to have a mother, but in this moment, I have to agree my baby is better off without her.

  It’s been a week since I’ve been back, and Dorothy was right—-there is no place like home. I spent the morning on Savannah, my horse, riding the property. I took my camera and caught the sunrise. I love being behind the lens, capturing life’s little moments. My plan is to start my own photography business. My parents are on board to help me as much as possib
le. Last night, Dad even offered to rent me a studio in town, but I don’t really think that’s the angle I want to take just yet. Instead, I’m going to set up a mini studio here on the farm. We have an apartment over the garage that has an outside entrance. I’m going to clean it out and start collecting props. I’m excited to put my degree to use and start this next chapter.

  I’m sitting on the front porch with my laptop, going through this morning’s pictures when I hear a truck pull up. I know who it is without even looking. Evan’s had that old thing since he was sixteen. It had been well used when he got it. I hear the creak of the door as he opens it, and I can’t help but grin. You know you missed home when the sound of a rickety old truck door can bring a smile to your face.

  I’m still looking at my computer screen, flipping through images, when his footsteps approach. I don’t look up, assuming he’s going to walk right past me and into the house like he always does. Only he doesn’t.

  Looking up, I see he’s not wearing his usual dusty, worn jeans, the ones that hang just right. These jeans are more . . . I don’t know, dressy, I guess you could say. It’s obvious he hasn’t been working today. His flannel shirt is pressed and tucked in with the sleeves rolled to his elbows. He’s sexy as hell no matter what, and it’s with that thought I realize I’ve been staring at him. “Hey, you look fancy.” I smile big, hoping to cover up my ogling.

  The corner of his lips twitch in amusement, but it’s not the megawatt smile I’m used to.

  “Bad day?” I ask hesitantly. I know he has a lot going on with the baby and Misty. Last I heard, he was still trying to track her down to meet with his attorney and sign the custody papers.

  “Yes and no.” He climbs the last step and takes the seat beside me. Leaning over, he glances at my computer screen. “You’re really good.”

  I can feel the blush coat my cheeks. “How do you know these are mine?”

  He gives me that look, the one that says I’m not an idiot.

  “Aren’t they?”

  I look down at the screen, averting my gaze. My face is on fire. I’ve displayed my work hundreds of times in college, and I’ve never had this kind of reaction to a compliment.

  It’s Evan.

  “Thank you,” I say, finding my voice. We’re both silent and I breathe a sigh of relief as I get myself under control. Finally, I turn to look at him. “You want to talk about it?”

  Closing his eyes, he rests his head back against the chair. “I just left my attorney’s office. Misty signed the papers.”

  I wait for him to say more, but he doesn’t. I can’t even begin to imagine how he’s feeling. He’s going to be a father—-a single father. This isn’t how anyone plans to join the ranks of parenthood.

  My eyes stay glued to him. I wish there was something I could do or say, but there’s nothing. This is a bad situation all around. The only good is the miracle of a new life, his baby.

  Turning his head, he opens his eyes and the brown pools stare into me. “It didn’t even faze her, Kinley. She waltzed in there and made sure it was known she wants no part of this kid’s life and signed on the fucking dotted line.”

  Instinctively, I reach over and place my hand on top of his. It’s a lame attempt to comfort him.

  “It’s like she’s not even the same person. How . . .” he stops and swallows hard. “What if I can’t do this?” he asks. His voice is soft and pained. He grimaces. “What if I screw this kid up? What if I can’t be what he or she needs?”

  Before I can answer him, my mom opens the front door and steps out. “Oh, Evan, I didn’t know you were here. It’s good to see you.” She takes the chair on the opposite side of me and leans forward. “How have you been?” Her eyes flash to my hand still clutching his. Reluctantly, I let go and place my hands back in my lap.

  “Hey, Mom.” Evan spent as much time here growing up as Aaron and I. He’s always called my parents mom and dad. He looks at me to gauge if she knows. I shake my head no. Releasing a heavy sigh, he drops the bomb. “I’m good, a lot going on.” He swallows hard. “I found out about a week and a half ago that I’m going to be a dad.”

  Mom’s eyes widen and she glances back and forth between the two of us.

  “Today’s been a . . . bittersweet one.” He goes on to explain. “Misty, she doesn’t want the baby. I had to plead with her to keep it.” The last part is choked out. “This morning we signed custody papers over to me. They still have to be filed with the court, but by the time the baby is here, I will be the sole custodial parent. Misty will have no rights whatsoever.”

  “Oh my.” Mom stands and walks over to Evan. Leaning over, she places her hand on his cheek. “You’re an amazing young man, Evan Chamberlin. This baby is lucky to have you.” She taps his cheek and goes back to her chair.

  “So, what’s next?” I ask him.

  “I don’t know. I’m out of my element here. I mean, I’m excited about the baby. I’m scared as hell and it’s not how I envisioned it, but I want it—him or her. I hate calling my baby it.”

  Mom chuckles. “Well, why don’t you try something else like peanut?” she asks.

  Evan smiles fondly at her. “Is that what you did?”

  She grins. “Yep. We didn’t find out with either of them. We wanted to be surprised.”

  I look at Evan. “Do you want to know?” I ask him.

  He doesn’t answer at first, and I can tell he’s never really thought about it. “I don’t know.” Leaning his elbows on his knees, he buries his face in his hands. “I just always pictured having ‘the one’ by my side during all of this.”

  “The one?” Mom asks.

  Evan turns his head to look at her. “Yeah, the one woman who makes my heart race, who consumes my thoughts. The one I spend the rest of my life with. I never pictured this scenario, and I’m at a loss,” he confesses.

  My heart melts and aches at the same time. Evan is such a great guy, any woman would be lucky to have him. I hate that this is happening. Not the fact he’s having a baby out of wedlock, or even the fact Misty is not ‘the one,’ but the fact he’s having to do this alone. His parents are in Alabama as his dad battles cancer for the third time and both sets of grandparents are getting up there in age.

  “Well, for us, we wanted to be surprised. Of course, it was hard to shop. We had lots of yellows and greens,” Mom laughs. “I assume you will be there for all her appointments?”

  “Yeah, I don’t want to miss any of it. I already heard the heartbeat.” The dazzling smile I’m used to lights up his face.

  “Well, how far along is she?” Mom asks.

  “Nine weeks or so. Everything happens in weeks,” he mumbles.

  Mom and I chuckle at that. “Yes, certain weeks are markers. Usually, it’s about halfway—so twenty weeks—when they do an ultrasound and determine the sex of the baby,” Mom explains.

  “Hey, what’s going on out here?” my dad says as he and Aaron come walking up from the barn.

  “Just enjoying the day,” Mom says, not missing a beat.

  Aaron and Evan bump fists, and Dad nods in greeting. “So what are you getting into?” Aaron asks Evan.

  “Just got back from the attorney’s office.”

  “She sign?” Aaron asks.

  “Yeah,” Evan sighs.

  “Good. Give me ten to shower and we can go grab a bite to eat.” Aaron doesn’t wait for an answer. He races into the house and flies up the stairs.

  Mom and Dad both just shake their heads and grin. Aaron and I are twenty-two and twenty-four years old, both old enough to be living on our own. Aaron loves the farm and one day in the near future it will all be his . He’s in no rush to live on his own. He’s content. It helps that our parents are awesome. At least I have the excuse I just graduated from college.

  “Shower’s calling my name too.” Dad leans down and kisses Mom quickly.

  “I’ve got a meatloaf in the oven.” She stands and looks at Evan. “I’m proud of you. You need anything at all, you let m
e know.”

  Evan nods and we watch as my dad holds the door open for her and they disappear into the house.

  And then there were two.

  “That goes for me too,” I tell him.

  “Yeah?” he asks. His voice is soft and his brown eyes are watching me intently.

  “Yeah.” I bump my knee into his.

  Aaron comes barreling out of the house, having taken the quickest shower ever, hair still wet, pulling his t-shirt over his head. “Ready?”

  Evan stands but doesn’t take his eyes off me. “See you around, Kinley.”

  I wave and watch as the two of them climb into Evan’s old truck and head down the drive.

  As we drive to town, I catch Aaron up on the day’s events.

  “It just goes to show, you never really know someone,” he says.

  “I agree to an extent. But really, I can only blame myself. I didn’t try to get to know Misty. We were exclusive, but it was just fun for us. We both knew that’s what it was and we were okay with that.”

  “Yeah, you two did seem sort of an odd couple. Especially with her always saying she was leaving and this was just a detour in the road for her.”

  “Even though I knew that, I never would have imagined her being so indifferent toward her unborn child.”

  “It’s all good now, my man. She signed the papers and that’s what matters. You got a kid to think about now.”

  “Your mom and Kinley both said they would help,” I tell him as we pull into the local diner.

  We slide into a booth near the back and the waitress is there as soon as we sit, so we go ahead and order. We have the menu memorized.

  “You know they would love to. Hell, Mom keeps telling me I need to settle down and give her some grandkids. She’s going to go nuts over your baby, man.”

  “True. I’m going to need all the help I can get.”