BECKHAM

I’m not sure what we are.

All I know is my cock and Odessa’s pussy are addicted to each other and have been for the last month, ever since she marched into my office and refused to leave the day I met up with Sophie.

She doesn’t ask for labels. We don’t hold hands or talk about the future. I don’t make promises and she doesn’t expect them.

I’ve never been so content with an arrangement before, but I’d be lying if the thought of her meeting another asshole and running off with him didn’t cause my heart to drop into my stomach.

Odessa reminds me not to think about the things I can’t control.

She’s right.

Shit. She’s right about almost everything.

It’s the sexiest, most infuriating feature about that woman.

My attempt to take her advice to heart is the reason I’m hunched over my sink on this Saturday morning in May, staring at an envelope from the Accusure DNA Corporation.

The truth is in there.

Separated by a thick white envelope is the answer to my future, to Sadie’s future.

I want her to be mine more than I ever thought I would.

I never wanted to be a father, but I want to be Sadie’s father.

The thing came weeks ago. I’ve done nothing but stare at it, hoping one of these days I can summon the strength to see what’s inside.

Odessa barges in the bathroom, rifling through my drawers for her strawberry red toothbrush. The one she constantly accuses me of hiding and the one I constantly accuse her of misplacing.

“What’s that?” She stops yanking on drawers when she spots the white envelope. “You didn’t tell me that came in the mail. Oh, my God. Are you going to open it?”

She sweeps her dark, fiery hair from her face and ties it on top of her head, leaning against the vanity.

“Don’t know.” I swipe the envelope and trace my finger along the seam.

“What do you mean, you don’t know?” Her green eyes flash wild. “I don’t understand. Why wouldn’t you want to know?”

“Got a call from Dr. Brentwood yesterday.” I stare ahead at my tired expression. I swear to God I’ve aged ten years in the last two months.

She folds her arms, studying me, waiting in patient silence.

“Apparently Eva has been out of the hospital for a couple weeks now. She made some indication during treatment that she wishes to relinquish her parental rights to Sadie.”

Odessa pops up, her hands covering her smiling lips. “That’s a good thing, right?”

My mouth hardens. “She told Dr. Brentwood that she was fired from the fertility clinic for tampering with medical records.”

“So what does that mean then? Sadie has to be yours.”

“The timeline doesn’t add up.” I fight the choking sensation in my throat as heat creeps up to my ears. “The pregnancy, the due date. Sadie had to have been conceived after she was fired.”

She closes the space between us, her hand resting on my tensed forearm. Odessa hesitates for a moment before pressing her cheek against my arm. She’s a fool for thinking she can comfort me.

“If Eva doesn’t want Sadie.” Constriction in my chest makes it hard to breathe. “And she’s not mine biologically…”

“Don’t say it.” Odessa pulls away, dragging her fingers over my lips.

I have to say it. This is reality. This is real life. Running from the hard truth isn’t an option.

“I don’t know if the court will let me adopt her. I’m just some random asshole Sadie’s mother once fucked.”

“You’re so much more than that, Beck. You’re Sadie’s father. Biologically or not. You’re the only father she’s known. The only person who came to her rescue when she needed someone the most.”

“You make it sound poetic,” I huff.

“It’s a beautiful thing, the bond you two have.”

I shake my head. “How the hell am I going to prove to a family court judge that a two month old is bonded to me? It’s not like she can walk in there and ramble on about our late night feedings.”

Her lips twist into a bittersweet smile. I hope to God she doesn’t cry. Her strength is what keeps me upright most days.

“What if they say she’d be better off with a mom and a dad?” Every worst possible outcome floods my mind all at once.

Odessa’s gaze falls to the floor and then back at me. “I know I’m not her mother, but I’d be honored to be that mother figure in her life. You know, if you’re so convinced the judge is going to go that route. You have me. She has me.”

“That’s a big commitment.”

“I know.”

“You’d do that for her?”

She exhales, her hand lifting to her chest. “Of course, Beck.”