Series Starter : Firsts in Series Collection

by Kaylee Ryan

  “Wow!” is all I can manage to say as I reach for the handle and climb out of the beast. I meet Aaron at the front of the truck, and he throws his arm around my shoulders as we walk up the front porch. Evan opens the door as we reach it.

  “McKinley, welcome home.” He wraps his arms around me and I go willingly into his embrace. Only a crazy person would pass up a heartfelt hug from Evan Chamberlin. He’s tall---six foot four to be exact---with broad shoulders, and he’s…defined. It’s been a few summers since I’ve seen him with his shirt off, but I have a very vivid memory of the rigid planes of his stomach. It’s not an image a girl is quick to forget, especially a girl with a teenage crush as big as the state of Kentucky.

  “Thank you. It’s good to be home,” I say, stepping away. Not that I wanted to, but it’s the right thing to do.

  “Come on in.” Evan moves back and allows us in.

  “What’s up, man?” Aaron gets right to it.

  I watch closely as Evan pulls the ever-present Alabama hat from his head and runs his fingers through his hair before placing it back on. He’s nervous. I start to panic. Did something happen to his dad?

  “You might want to sit down for this,” he tells us.

  I do as I’m told. Kicking off my flip-flops, I curl my legs under me as I take a seat on the couch. Aaron takes a seat in the chair. Evan remains standing, staring out the window. The house is quiet as we let him gather his thoughts. Looking over his shoulder, he takes a deep breath before walking to the couch and sitting beside me. Pulling one leg up, he faces both of us. My heart is beating like a drum as we wait.

  “I got some news this morning.” He pauses and squeezes his eyes shut.

  I tell myself not to panic, but then a slow grin tips his lips as he opens his eyes.

  “It’s news that shocked me, but I can’t be upset about it. Well, not now anyway,” he says.

  “Shit, man, you’re killing me here. Spit it out,” Aaron complains. I’m in agreement but keep it to myself.

  “Misty stopped by this morning.” I remember Aaron telling me he was seeing someone. “She’s pregnant.”

  “Wow, congratulations, man.” Aaron stands to give him a man hug. Once he’s seated, I lean over from my spot on the couch and hug him as well. It’s quick and I fall back into my seat.

  “Yeah,” he says shyly. “I’m going to be a dad.” His voice trails off and a haunted look falls over his eyes.

  “And?” Aaron prompts.

  Evan laughs humorlessly. “Let me tell you about my morning.” He tells us the details of his conversation with Misty—how she’d wanted to end the pregnancy and he’d begged her not to, and her finally agreeing to sign over all rights to the baby.

  As I sit and listen, I can see how much this is hurting him. How the thought of Misty doing something to harm the baby or worse, end the pregnancy sits heavy on his mind. I scoot closer to him and lay my hand over his on the couch, offering what little comfort I can as he continues to talk.

  “I called our attorney. He’s getting papers together as we speak. I don’t want to give her time to change her mind.”

  “Good,” Aaron replies.

  “There’s more. She’s two months along and today she had a doctor’s appointment. She was going to tell them to end it, but she wanted to tell me first. Thank the angels above she did. I was able to convince her, and then we went to her appointment.” My eyes follow his every move as he leans his head back against the couch and closes his eyes. His chest gently rises and falls with each breath. Again, we wait for him to collect his thoughts. “I heard it,” he says softly. Turning to the side, he opens his eyes. Big brown eyes, glassy and filled with emotion, collide with mine. “I heard my baby’s heartbeat.”

  I can’t prevent the broad smile that takes over my face. “That’s amazing.”

  “Yeah,” he says.

  “Shit, man. That’s intense,” Aaron adds. Evan tears his eyes from mine to look at my brother.

  “You have no idea. We’re sitting in this exam room, tension in the air. The room is so quiet you can hear a pin drop, and then there it was, sounding through this little speaker. It was amazing.”

  “So, what now?” Aaron asks.

  “Well, hopefully, the papers will be ready in a day or so. Once she signs, I prepare to be a dad. I told Misty I want to be there for all the appointments and I would pay for anything she needs, clothes and things like that.” He looks at me.

  “Dude, how do you know what a baby needs?” Aaron questions. I want to smack him. I’m sure Evan is nervous enough without him adding fuel to the fire.

  “It’s not that hard to figure out,” I say.

  “Really?” Aaron asks. “Maybe not for you. It’s born into women or something. For guys, it’s different.”

  “I don’t have the first clue. I know I’ll need a bed, and the websites I’ve been on said a baby’s room is called a nursery,” Evan offers.

  “Yes, it’s called a nursery. You need a bed, changing table, dresser, and the small little baby hangers because the clothes are way too small to fit on ours,” I say.

  “Gram said she would help. I haven’t called Mom and Dad yet. I know it’s going to be hard for them, since they’re in Alabama and I’m here. I’m going to be a single dad. I need to learn how to figure this shit out.”

  “I can help.” The words fall from my lips before I realize it. Not that I mind. Evan’s a great guy and Aaron’s best friend, so of course I’ll help him. I admire him for what he’s doing. I don’t know many guys, if any, who would do what he’s doing.

  “Really?” Evan asks with hope in his voice.

  “Kinley can shop with the best of them. You’re in good hands,” Aaron says.

  “Thank you. I can use all the help I can get.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “We better get moving.” Aaron stands from the chair. “I just picked Kinley up from the airport. I want to get her home, so she can settle in.”

  “Sure, thanks for stopping by. I didn’t want to tell you over the phone.” Evan walks us to the door and the two of them make plans to get together later.

  “Wow,” Aaron says once we are in the truck.

  “Yeah. He’s a great guy. Not many would be so adamant and willing to do what he’s doing.”

  “You know Evan. He’s a stand-up guy,” Aaron says defensively.

  “I know that. I just mean, I really think it’s great what he’s doing for his unborn child.”

  Aaron remains quiet until we pull into our driveway. “Thanks for offering to help him. I’m sure Misty will be no help at all. His gran doesn’t get around well, and with his parents living in Alabama, he’s going to need a female perspective.”

  I just nod and smile, ending the conversation. Aaron carries both my bags up to my old room and leaves me to unpack.

  Chapter 3

  Evan

  Finally, after a week of back and forth, today is the day Misty and I sign the papers at my attorney’s office. Mr. Fields had them drawn up within twenty-four hours; he’s compensated well. However, it took me four more days to get Misty to answer her damn phone. I drove by her place, left messages with Heather—her cousin and roommate—and still crickets. This has been the longest week of my life, fearing she’d changed her mind and gone through with, “Getting rid of it,” as she’d said, without telling me.

  Yesterday, she finally called. Her excuse for not getting back to me was she “was busy.” Busy doing what, I have no idea. She very quickly reminded me that just because she’s “giving me the kid” doesn’t mean I can control what she does. These next seven months are going to be exhausting. I’ll feel a little better once she’s signed the papers. However, that still doesn’t mean she’s going to eat right and not drink alcohol. She’s not even supposed to be lifting, at least that’s what the book I’m reading says. How am I going to be able to relax not knowing if she’s taking care of herself and the baby?

  I contemplated asking her to move in.
I even ran it past Aaron. He made a valid point that I have no intention of continuing my relationship with her. How could I? Having her move in may make her confuse the situation and she might try to change her mind. Yes, he has a point, but if that’s what she wanted, she could have had it. No, she’s not “the one,” but I do…did care for her—I guess I still do and always will because of the baby. However, I could have made us a family. I might have moved her in and the rest would have been history, but that’s not what she wanted. The day she came to me, her mind was made up---she wanted no part of being a mother.

  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.

  Chapter 4

  McKinley

  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 possible. 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.