“I thought you two were doing so well?” I couldn’t hide my surprise.
“We are, but we’re kids, Pepper. He’s not ready to be a father.”
“And you are? A mom, I mean. That’s a big responsibility.”
“I know, and I know I have to go to the doctor and get pre-natal stuff handled. I’m scared, Pep.” She leaned her head down on my shoulder again. I wanted to help her, but what did I know about raising children? She’d have to talk to Dad—and Charlotte. They’d know what to do.
“You have to tell Dad and Charlotte. If you’re three months along or so, you’ll need vitamins and baby stuff.”
“I’ll go talk to Fallon first—alone, today. Okay?”
“Okay, and if you need me to be with you to talk to Dad and Charlotte, I will. Just let me know.”
“What about you leaving home? Is this permanent? Are you moving out?”
I shook my head. “No. I mean, I don’t think so. Well, maybe. I’m not sure. Right now, I’m just on a little vacation. You know, kind of like a late summer-spring break.” She nodded, like she understood. “I’m twenty-three now and it’s been pointed out to me recently by someone that I’m not getting any younger. It might be time to fly the nest, my dear, so I can stay out of the fight between Dad and Evangeline. Might be the only way I get some peace, now that I know I’m adopted—and, I’ve decided to go to school and get my degree in Marine Biology.”
“That’s amazing! You mean like a real college degree?”
“Yep, real one!”
She smiled wistfully, probably thinking about how tough it would be to take care of a baby and go to school. This scenario reminded me of Virginia Danielle all over again. Well, that wasn’t going to happen to this baby, not as long as Aunt Pepper was in his or her life! I didn’t want to postpone my decision to go back to school, but what else could I do? I couldn’t think of that right now—there’d be plenty of time for thinking later.
But in the meantime, I heard Mills on the phone with Fallon. “I need to talk to you…no, I don’t plan to break up with you. I just need to talk. Can I come over? I’m on the way, and Pepper is coming with me.”
She’d changed her mind, and I was glad. I silently prayed that this guy didn’t act like a dick and try to deny that he was the father. Everyone knew my sister was a virgin until she met Fallon and while she talked to him as evasively as she could, I stepped out on deck and called Gabe.
“Hey, babe. Sorry to call you at work. I’ve got the groceries and they’re all put away on the boat, but my sister has come over and it looks like I’ll be spending the afternoon with her. I’ll come by and see Singh a little later this afternoon, okay?”
“Sure, no problem.”
I paused on the phone, playfully. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”
“No, I can’t think of anything,” he said nervously.
“Nothing at all?” I laughed in the phone. I wasn’t really going to make him say it, but it was fun making Gabe sweat. “I’m kidding. See you soon.” I hung up and dialed Aven.
“What’s up, Avon!”
“Ugh! You know I hate that. There’s nothing Avon about me. I am Aven all the way.”
“Listen, my sweetie, I have to postpone our tennis game. My sister’s here and she needs me.”
Suddenly, Mills appeared and yelled at me. “Oh, my God! Did you tell Aven that I’m pregnant?”
There was stunned silence on the other end of the phone then Aven said, “What did she just say… that she’s pregnant? What’s that girl doing? I’m on my way!”
“Hold on, Aven! We aren’t at home right now anyway.”
“Oh, okay. Where are you?”
“We’re on Gabe’s boat. Wait a minute, Aven…”
I turned to Mills and said, “I didn’t tell Aven anything, but you just did, big mouth.”
“Great! Everyone will know now,” Mills whined.
“Hey! Tell your sister to shut up. I can keep a secret. I won’t tell a soul.”
“I know you won’t, Aven. I’ll talk to you later, girl. Bye.”
“Bye, love you!” She hung up and I hoped with all my heart that she wouldn’t call the local grapevine and spread the news. She’d said she’d keep it to herself, but Aven could be like that sometimes. I prayed that her newfound devotion to me had changed her somehow, but I wouldn’t bet the bank on it.
“No sense in postponing the inevitable, Mills. Let’s go talk to Fallon before he hears it from someone else.”
She shook her head slowly and we left the boat. I remembered to lock it and flipped off the radio as well. We pulled away from the marina and drove towards the east side of Destiny Beach, where the uber-rich kids lived. I hoped for Mills’ sake that things would go well with Fallon. Bringing a baby into the picture would change all of our lives.
And my new one had just started…
— Continued in —
Destiny Undone 4
...coming July 2015!
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Acknowledgements
I’d like to thank my lovely readers again for your support. Y’all rock! Without you, there would be no reason for me to keep writing these books. You’re all wonderful and I so appreciate you from the bottom of my heart.
I also want to thank my incredible Facebook fans, newsletter subscribers, beta readers and advance copy reviewers. I so appreciate all your help in making this story a success.
I also want to thank my PA, Chris. Without her taking care of things, I’d never get much writing done and also big thanks to my editor, Cindy and cover designer, Barb who somehow make my words and ideas sparkle.
About the Author
Amanda Heartley is a writer of sinfully sexy romance books. She was born and raised in Oklahoma and subsequently transplanted into the hustle and bustle of life in Southern California. She's a country girl at heart with an insatiable weakness for sexy men and feisty women. Her first erotic series was published in July 2013.
At home, she plays Mom, chef, ninja, taxi, and nurse hanging out with her four wonderful children and three loveable mutts.
You can find her drinking a green smoothie, relaxing in the back yard, writing another steamy story.
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Copyright
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.
© 2015 Amanda Heartley
Published By: Heartley Publishing
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of the trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy
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