I’ve had a lot of women come and go in my life. Some have stuck around a lot longer than others. And when they wanted to end things, I’d move on to the next without a second thought. Because none of them ever mattered—until Emily.

And so there I was, on Christmas Eve, trying to figure out how to get her to take me back.

At least, things were looking up. I knew I wasn’t out of the doghouse yet, but the fact that I was here at all was a big step forward. If this was going to work, I had to keep the pressure on. I had to convince her that I could be the man she wanted.

And I had to keep my fucking temper in check.

It wasn’t going to be easy. I needed to bring my A-game these next few weeks before I leave for Spring Training. But I was up for the challenge. By the time I was done wooing her, she’d be madly in love with me. Easy as that.

I jumped out of the shower, ready to put that plan into action right away. Only one problem. I wasn't prepared. The only thing I had to wear was my gross gym clothes. I would have been more than happy to spend the next twenty-four hours in Emily's bed naked, but I also didn’t have any more condoms.

I could always run back to my house, pack a bag, and grab a dozen or more condoms. I could even stop and get some bagels for breakfast in the morning because I’m still not sold on her rice and eggs.

I finished drying off and snatched my shirt from the counter. A bright pink box sitting on the floor caught my eye. I yanked my shirt on and bent down to pick it up.

One-Step Pregnancy Test.

I read the label again, sure my mind was playing tricks on me. Early result pregnancy test. Ninety-nine percent accurate.  I opened the box, but it was empty. I checked the trash and the counter, but there was no sign of the test anywhere.

Pregnancy.

The word alone sent my brain racing in a million different directions. How did this happen? How could she be pregnant? I’ve always been so careful. But then I remembered coming over straight from the airport. Safety had been the last thing on my mind that night.

And now she was pregnant.

Was I ready to be a father? Would I even be a good dad? My own father had split. I would never do that. We had to get married. Tomorrow, as far as I was concerned. We could catch a flight to Vegas in a couple hours and be home by Monday.

Home. That brought up another issue. Where were we going to live? The penthouse wouldn’t work, and this place was way too small. I could call Ben on my way to pack a bag and have him start looking for someplace with a yard. Although, maybe calling Ben wasn’t such a great idea. I needed to wait until after we were married.

I read the box again. Seven days sooner than any other test.

How long has she known?

My mind pieced together snippets of conversation. All the signs were there. Tony commenting about her being sick. Emily mentioning the stomach flu and being tired. She was emotional. Tony insisting that she needed to see a doctor.

She’s known for weeks. She’s known for weeks and didn’t bother to tell me.

I cross the hall, box in hand. “How long have you known?”

She sat up in bed, all the color draining from her face.

“When were you going to tell me? After the baby was born?” I tossed the empty box onto the bed and started to pace her small room.

“It’s not what you think.”

“So you didn’t take a pregnancy test and not tell me about it?”

“I did, but—”

“You’ve known since the Market, haven’t you? Tony wanted you to go to the doctor. Why did you tell him and not me? It’s my fucking baby.”

“I thought it was the flu,” she said, grabbing my hand, forcing me to stop. “I came home that night and took both tests. I have an appointment with my doctor on Monday morning. I didn’t want to tell you until I saw the doctor.”

“Damn, Emily. You still took the test. It’s positive, and you didn’t call me.”

“I didn’t want to worry you until I knew for sure. I didn’t think—”

“What? You didn’t think I wanted to be there for you? I would have come over and been with you. Or did you think I was the kind of guy who wouldn’t care?” He ran his hand through his hair and shook his head, frowning. “Is that really the kind of man you think I am?”

“That’s just it, I don’t know.” She pulled the blankets around her. A few tears streamed down her cheeks. “We don’t really know each other. I don’t even know if you want to have kids.”

“Maybe. I don’t know.” I rubbed the back of my neck, fighting my anger. She was right. I didn’t even know if I wanted kids. How could I expect her to know? “I’ve never been with a woman I wanted to have a baby with. I always thought, someday sure. But you have to believe me, I’m not the kind of guy that would let you do this alone.”

“I believe you. I wasn’t trying to keep this from you. I needed to be sure.” She looked down at her hands. “This changes everything. It’s not just about you and me. I don’t think we can go on like this anymore.”

“Are you breaking up with me? Again? After telling me you’re having my baby? Are you serious?”

“Maybe. I don’t know. This isn’t working. I think we should slow things down and get to know each other better.”

“You’re the one that invited me in,” I snapped.

“I know,” she said, covering her face with her hands. “I didn’t expect to see you tonight. And when you gave me that gift… I wasn't thinking.”

“And if you hadn’t invited me in, when exactly would you have told me?”

“I swear, I would have told you. After my doctor’s appointment. That’s why I wanted to go out Monday.” She bit her lip and sniffed, looking defeated. “I’m sorry.”

“Not as much as I am.” I grabbed my pants off the floor and yanked them on. My mind was swirling in all different directions. “I need some time to think.”

I spent the drive home trying to figure out what I was going to do next. I was angry, frustrated and disappointed all at the same time. She didn’t trust me. But then again, I hadn’t done much to instill trust.

I’d gone there tonight with the sole purpose of mending our relationship. I left with more doubts than before. I needed some advice, and there are only a few people I trusted enough to not pull any punches.

Once I got home, I packed a bag and headed to the airport.

Cooper: I’m leaving town for a couple of days. Be back by New Year’s Eve. I’ll pick you up at seven for the party.