Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 86335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
“I’ve never been enough,” she says with a shake of her head, “and now, I’m pregnant.”
She takes a sip of her water, her hand trembling, and then places it back down. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot the waiter heading over to take our order, so I shake my head, silently letting him know not yet. With a quick nod, he lets me know he understands and walks in the opposite direction.
“This isn’t how it was supposed to happen,” Paige whispers. “It was supposed to be magical. We were supposed to fall in love and get married, create a home together and then have a baby. I was supposed to be someone’s enough. But now, everything’s forced. Just like my mom forced me on my dad, this baby is being forced on you.”
Holy shit. I’d think she was playing a horrible joke on me if I didn’t know how damn serious she was right now.
I’m still trying to wrap my head around everything Paige has dropped on me when she adds more to the mix.
“And then there’s the issue that you don’t live here, and I can’t—no,” she corrects, “I won’t move to wherever you live because I’ve had to move so many times, and there’s no way I’m giving up everything for someone else again. I have a job I love, a house that’s mine. I have friends who care about me. And for the first time, I’m making myself a priority.”
Her beautiful emerald eyes well up with tears, and I realize, in this moment, that I didn’t come prepared for tonight. I was so lost in my own head, excited to be in the same city as Paige, shocked—in the best way—that she’s pregnant with my baby, that I thought we’d, what…pick up right where we’d left off? Fuck, I was so stupid. I’m a businessman, I know better than to think with my emotions, but with Paige, it was just so easy to turn it all off and let my heart guide me.
“I’m glad you found me,” she says softly, her glassy eyes meeting mine, “because I felt so guilty when I wasn’t able to tell you about the baby. But I need you to know that you are not obligated to be in this baby’s life, and I’d rather you walk away now than hurt him or her later on. I don’t want or need anything from you, and if you decide to sign over your rights, I promise this will stay between us. As you mentioned, you prefer your life to be private, and a baby scandal wouldn’t be good for your reputation.”
When she releases a harsh breath and her shoulders sag and she doesn’t attempt to speak again, I know she’s done. And that’s good because after all that, I have a few things I need to say as well.
“First of all,” I begin, forcing myself to remain calm, “your dad and John and anybody else who didn’t think you were enough, who didn’t make you a priority, are goddamn fools because you and this baby are more than enough. You deserve to be someone’s priority, and I have every intention of making you mine.”
She opens her mouth to say something—probably argue—but she had her time to speak, and now, it’s mine.
“You are everything I’ve ever wanted,” I continue without letting her cut in, “and that was before I found out that you were carrying my baby. Hell, when we were in London, I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t fantasize about not pulling out and filling you with my seed on more than one occasion.”
Her cheeks turn the most beautiful shade of pink, and I shrug because it’s the damn truth. Too many times when we were together, I wondered what it would be like to make her mine, to fill her with my babies, and to live a life with her by my side. I just didn’t think it was actually a possibility.
“And while I hate that John cheated on you because you deserve way better than that, selfishly, I’m glad he showed his true colors when he did because it’s what led you to me.”
“I think it was me tripping over the cobblestone and nearly getting run over that led me to you…but yeah,” she mutters, making me laugh.
“That too,” I agree. “But regardless, their loss is my gain.”
“But what are you gaining?” she asks. “We live…where do you live?”
“In Dallas.”
“Great,” she chokes out, fresh tears filling her eyes and spilling over. “We live four hours away from each other, and I’m pregnant.”
Having enough of not being able to hold her, I round the table and sit in the chair next to her, pulling her into my arms. Thankfully, she comes willingly.
“Don’t cry,” I murmur into her hair, holding her tightly as she sobs into my chest. “We’ll figure it out, but the one thing you need to know is that I want this baby very much. I’ve always wanted to be a dad, and I can’t think of a better mother for our child than you.”