Chapter 28

Dani

’m fucking worn out, sick and emotional as hell. But still I smile as I stand in front of the mirror in Cash's hallway and stare at the slight bump forming under my tank top.

I’m twelve weeks and one day along, and I had an Ob/Gyn appointment yesterday. Cash went with me and held my hand as they confirmed that the baby is healthy and thriving.

This is really happening. I’m going to be a mother.

Cash strolls into the house, startling me as I turn to look at him. “Hey.”

He laughs and places his keys on the table by the door. “What's up?”

I walk into his living room, trying to play it cool and sitting down on the couch. “Nothing.”

He doesn’t believe me, but shrugs and takes the seat next to me. “You call Monroe back yet? Give him an update?”

“No. Of course not.”

He’s about to lecture me, and I’m not in the mood. “Dani.”

“I don't want to hear it Cash. He was a prick.”

He places his feet, shoes still on, up on his coffee table. “Well, you’re gonna. Women and men are different. And yeah, every situation is different, but when Beth found out she was pregnant, she got clean, and I mean the fucking second she found out. Me? I wound up two states over with no memory of the last forty-eight hours.”

“What's your point?”

“You guys become mothers almost instantly. But for us, at least some of us, it doesn’t really hit until we see those little eyes looking up at us for the first time.” He smiles sadly. “She had been so fucked-up for years, but the minute she found out she was pregnant, she did what was best for the baby and stayed clean until the day we lost Shay. I don't think she's been clean for more than a few days since.”

“Can't blame her.”

“No, no blame. Shay was our life, but I never would have seen that coming when I first found out I was going to be a dad.”

“You’re not Michael. Even if he says he wants to be a part of our child's life, how I am I supposed to believe that's what he really wants. I saw the fear, the absolute panic in his eyes. He doesn’t want this.”

“Give him a chance Dani. It's a lot to process and it’s a big deal. Michael is a genius that overanalyzes everything. It’s how his mind works.” Both of our attention are pulled toward the large window that looks out to the front of the house as a black car pulls into the driveway. Cash grins. “Speak of the devil.” 

I glare in Cash's direction. “Did you know he was coming?”

“If you mean, did he tell me he was coming? No. But yeah, I knew he'd show up.” He starts toward the stairs that lead to his room. “Go answer the door, and don’t be a total, stubborn asshole.”

He disappears as I hear the doorbell ring through the house.

Michael has an effect on me like no one ever has. He makes me want to be weak, to give in and surrender to him.

I’m just not sure if that’s what’s right.

Cash was correct, though. Now that I know I have a baby growing inside of me, I’m a mother, and I will do what is right for the baby, no matter what the sacrifice.