Sex, Vows & Babies: Claim Me, Baby (Kindle Worlds Novella)

by Heather Stone

  “Is that a decision you have control over? I mean, what about your bills? I’m not going to lie, this has me worried. Help me understand.”

  “I wouldn’t do anything that would put our finances in jeopardy. We have money, Kate. I’ve been saving for years. Everything is going to be all right, I promise.”

  I believe him. I can see that this wasn’t a decision made lightly. I sigh with relief.

  “I’m so happy for you, Dad. Congratulations.” I hug him and he holds on for what feels like forever. I feel so safe in his embrace and I don’t attempt to break the contact. It’s nice.

  We talk about the girls, my work, and life in general for well over an hour until the dreaded topic is brought up.

  “How are you doing, Kate?”

  The question is so loaded, but Mom doesn’t bother to elaborate on the reason for it. I know she’s referring to the divorce, and honestly, I’m not in the mood to discuss it, but will I ever be?

  “I’m fine, Mom. I’m just glad it’s over.”

  “Katelyn, you don’t have to lie to us, we’re your parents.” She frowns. “What that man did is abominable. If your father could, he’d castrate Travis himself.” I chuckle at the visual. Travis would deserve it.

  “I can’t say it hasn’t been a nightmare. You’ve witnessed it first hand, but it’s getting better. I’m getting better. Just right now, financially, it’s tough. He screwed me over in the settlement. I’m left without savings, insurance, or retirement. I’m starting over after fifteen years, and I’ll never catch up.”

  “Kate, you can only do what you can do. Take care of yourself and those girls. Material things mean nothing at the end of the day. Travis may be able to buy their love and forgiveness, but he’ll never have their trust.”

  I sigh, eyes going to the ceiling in frustration. “I don’t have their trust, Dad. I caved on them when they needed me the most. I’m just as bad.”

  “Don’t say that. You did what most people in your shoes would’ve done—you grieved. If you hadn’t, you would only be a shell of a person. Now you can pick things up and you have a shot at one day being whole again. Meeting someone, loving someone, and hopefully finally learning how to trust again.” He looks at me, shakes his head, and drops his eyes.

  My mom gets up and leaves the room, giving us some space before my father spills his greatest fear. “I put that mistrust in you and for that I’ll always hate myself.”

  “Dad, please don’t blame yourself. It was a miscommunication between you and Mom.”

  I should’ve gotten over it. Mom did, so why couldn’t I? He pulls me into another hug, this one longer than the first. I feel tears on my shoulder but I don’t dare look up. If I see my father cry, I will lose it. I just hold on tighter, hoping he knows that I have forgiven him and I love him dearly.

  I whisper the words I’ve felt for a long time but have never told him. “I forgive you, Dad. I did a long time ago. I thought you knew, but I should’ve told you anyway.” I hear him release the breath he’s been holding before he says, “I can die a happy man, baby girl. I love you.”

  I huff at his words. “Not anytime soon, we need you around here. I love you too, Daddy.”

  And the baby I’m carrying will love you too.

  I don’t say it, though. I’m not ready to go there.

  “Kate…I have something else I need to tell you.” My father’s soft voice has me straightening. The way he says it gives me an indication of the seriousness of the impending conversation.

  “Okay, Daddy. What’s up?”

  “The real reason I’m able to retire is because Travis came to me shortly after the first loan I gave him and asked me to go into a partnership with him.”

  I gasp. He’s the silent partner?

  He chuckles. “From that reaction, I’d say you already know the specifics.” He shakes his head. “Nothing in this town ever stays secret.”

  “I don’t, actually.” I bite my lip. “I’ve heard the rumors that a silent partner was holding out on Travis. I also heard the partner owns controlling interest of all of Travis’s companies.”

  “Let’s just say not only is he a cheat, he’s also a bit of a moron when it comes to money.” My dad’s eyes roll. “He’d have had you bankrupt years ago otherwise. I had to take over.”

  “What sort of control do you actually have, Daddy?” I ask tentatively.

  He smiles.

  “If I let him pay me off now, I stand to make a cool seven million.” He stops.

  “But…”

  “You and I both know I’m not stupid with money.” He winks. “I won’t be selling my portion to him anytime soon. I’d sooner sell the companies back to their original owners than allow him to profit so much off doing nothing.”

  “Is that why you’ve stayed quiet?”

  “This town is small, Kate. Some of the ways in which Travis has acquired these companies isn’t exactly aboveboard.” I frown. “Nothing illegal, just really undercutting.”

  I nod, knowing far too well how devious Travis Stone can be. “In any case, I told him I won’t give him any more money and I don’t want a stake in any deals moving forward, but the companies he’s purchased up to this point, I own eighty-five percent of.”

  I swallow hard.

  “How much money are we talking?” I ask. Even though I know it’s none of my business.

  “Right now, the net worth is twenty million dollars.”

  I take a deep breath and quickly drop my head in disgust. “It’s even worse than I thought!” I cry. “Part of his share should be mine!”

  I don’t even consider how my words could come across to my dad. My dad owns the bigger share and he did it to help us, but his silence about the deal he had with Travis and Travis’s refusal to buy him out before the divorce screwed me out of money I deserve. If Travis stands to make millions off of money my family invested, it’s not fair that he got off nearly scot-free in the divorce.

  “I’ve considered that. It’s why when he wouldn’t buy me out when the divorce was under way, I refused to sell after the divorce was finalized.” He huffs. “Your ex thinks I’m an idiot and couldn’t figure out what his plan was.”

  I smile at how smart my dad really is.

  “I’m glad you and Mom got your money back and then some. What you did for us I can never repay.” I can feel a tear slide down my cheek. He leans forward, wiping it away.

  “I’ve already set up a trust for the girls, including a college fund,” he says. I swallow. “I’ve also paid off your house and have an account set up to pay your monthly bills.” Tears turn into a river.

  “But how? I never noticed anything.”

  “That’s why I’m telling you now. I just got done taking care of everything. By next month it would have been obvious to you,” He smiles and a checked sob escapes my lips. “Hush now. You are right, you deserve this, Kate.”

  “I don’t, Daddy. You don’t owe me anything, I owe you.” I sob.

  “I’d never let you miss out. Besides, that’s more money than your mom and I could ever spend in a lifetime.” He winks.

  I embrace my dad, saying every word of thanks that comes to mind. What he’s done for us can never be repaid. I vow here and now to do my best to work hard and make him proud. Between the tears and the weight being lifted off my shoulders in terms of finances, I will sleep like a baby tonight.

  The baby.

  12

  Jack

  Well, shit. If I didn’t feel like an asshole before, now I feel like the world’s biggest prick. I can’t believe she took what I said the way she did. I wasn’t even thinking about how that might sound. I’m such a fucking idiot.

  Stone: Katelyn called, says she’s sick. Call her and plan to meet tomorrow. This shit has to get done. 555-832-1011. Whatever you had planned to do tomorrow, get someone else to cover. I’m off the next two days.

  Waste of fucking space. Of course, he’s off. Jerking off would be more accurate. I don’t even know w
hat to say to the douche bag. So I just don’t respond.

  I seriously owe that lady a huge apology. She saved my ass by saying she is sick, because there is no doubt Stone would’ve fired me. Forget that I am the glue holding this business together. He thinks a monkey could do this job. I’d like to see him have to learn the hard way, but it wouldn’t help my finances.

  I head to Google White Pages to search for Kate’s address. Very rarely does that site fail me. It’s the perfect page for stalkers and those of us who don’t own an address book. I type in “Katelyn Cooper” and direct the search to Nebraska. There are tons of Katelyn Coopers in Nebraska, so this could be an issue. Then it dawns on me: she’s still Katelyn Stone legally and the Stones lived in North Platte. So I refine my search and bingo.

  I call up the local flower shop and a familiar voice answers. Christy’s mom.

  Fuck, it slipped my mind she runs the place. She also heads up the local gossip mill. Before dinner time, the town will think I’m either in a relationship, someone died, in a relationship with someone who has a family member who died, or some other variation of the truth. I’m cringing just thinking about it.

  I decide to head it straight on.

  “Hi, how are you doing, Mrs. Smith? It’s Jack.”

  “Jack Kincaid! To what do I owe this call?”

  “I’m in need of a beautiful flower arrangement for a business associate that I managed to upset.” Hopefully, this will be enough to stave off her curious mind.

  “Okay, who do I need to send it to, how much do you want to spend, and what message do you want written on the card?” She hardly takes a breath. It’s like the longest run-on sentence I’ve ever heard. She’s always been like that.

  I give her Kate’s name and address along with the other details. I pay, thank her, and then thank God when I manage to get off the phone after only having spent ten minutes talking to her.

  I pace back and forth for a few hours until I am sure the flowers have been delivered. Stone put it on me to reach out to Kate to reschedule for tomorrow. I have no choice but to bite the bullet and call her. I just wanted to make sure the olive branch was extended before I made the call.

  Why the fuck am I so nervous? Grow a pair, Kincaid. I rehearse what I’m going to say for another half hour before I finally give up, because nothing I come up with sounds right. With shaking hands, I search for Kate’s number and hit send.

  It rings and rings and with every ring my nerves tense even more. I’m literally fucking sweating. I can barely hold the phone, my palms are so clammy. When the number switches over to voice mail, I just about break out into a dance. Messages I can do.

  Hi, this is Kate. Sorry I can’t come to the phone, but leave a message and I will be sure to call you back. Thank you and have a great day.

  Her voice is so sexy, she has my dick at attention. The way she affects me is unsettling. I could listen to this girl talk all day, and that is a very big problem. The only way for me to be around her and not aroused the entire time is to simply turn on my inner asshole. Which I won’t do to her.

  I hear the beep signaling for me to leave my message.

  Kate, this is Jack Kincaid. I hope you got the flowers I sent. Listen, I am sorry about earlier. I was out of line, and I apologize. I appreciate what you did covering for me with Travis. He asked me to call you to set up a meeting for tomorrow. Can you give me a call back on this number when you get a chance? Kate, I’m really sorry. I hope we can put this behind us and work together. Talk to you soon.

  I hang up, feeling better just having said the words out loud. Regardless of whether it was her or voice mail, I said what I needed to say. I decide to go for a run. I’m getting antsy sitting around waiting for her to call. I can’t shake her sexy voice from my head. Seriously, it sounded like she recorded it post orgasm, all breathy and raspy. I am getting stiff just thinking about it.

  I lace up my favorite pair of Nikes and pop in my ear buds, searching for my current running song. I finally find “Breath” by Breaking Benjamin and hit the pavement.

  Taking all my frustrations out on the road beneath my feet, I run faster and harder than I have in some time. Breathing heavily, I round the corner sharp and nearly knock someone down.

  Her hands fly out in front of her to stop the impending collision. Trying to step to the side as it’s impossible for me to completely stop at this point, I grab her waist, spinning her with me.

  My ass hits the concrete, pain shooting through my body. The girl lies over my chest, panting.

  It takes my eyes a second to focus on her face. You have got to be fucking kidding. God certainly has a sense of humor.

  Kate stares back at me in shock. I am staring directly into her eyes, moving down to her lips, which are less than an inch away from mine. The urge to kiss her has never been greater.

  The urge is not mutual. “What the hell, Jack? You nearly ran me over. Do you have it out for me?”

  Her voice brings me out of my stupor. She sounds so irritated that I can’t help but laugh. Her brows rise until she finally joins me, laughing at the absurdity of the situation.

  “I’m beginning to think you are definitely following me.”

  I am joking, but she obviously doesn’t think it’s funny.

  “Yeah, because girls just can’t resist your charm.” The sarcasm is so thick it’s practically oozing out of her mouth.

  “Kate, I’m kidding. Are you always this temperamental?”

  “Temperamental? You nearly knocked me down. I could’ve been hurt. God only knows what could’ve happened to the baby.” She gasps at her own words.

  “The what?”

  I swear she said…

  “I’m pregnant.”

  My stomach drops. The thought of her carrying another man’s baby makes me physically sick. Which is insane.

  “Jack. Are you okay?”

  “Yeah. I’m fine. I’m so sorry, I had no idea you were pregnant. I mean… God. We just had sex.” The thought has me seeing red. “You were pregnant?” Now I’m just pissed.

  She let me put my dick in her while she’s carrying another man’s baby? Who the fuck does that? She puts her hand up.

  “Jack, calm down. I can explain. We need to go somewhere quiet.”

  I’m not sure I care to hear the details, regardless of the situation with us. The fact that she’s pregnant ends any possible future for us. Hell, she’s probably in a relationship. This just gets better and better.

  I motion to a bench across the path from us. She takes a seat, looking like she might pass out.

  “Everything okay with the…a…baby?” I stammer.

  “It’s fine, I’m just nervous.” I raise a brow at that. What the hell does she have to be nervous about? “I guess I’d better start,” she says, averting her eyes. “I haven’t slept with anyone since the bar that night. And then the construction site.”

  I wait for her to say something else, but she doesn’t. She just stares at me. Why she felt the need to tell me that, I have no idea.

  “Jack. Did you hear what I said?”

  I nod. “Yeah. I heard you.”

  She raises her hand, gesturing wildly. “Well…”

  “What do you want me to say? ‘Thanks for not sleeping with anyone since…’ ” and that’s when it all clicks. My blood runs cold.

  “Jack. Say something. You look like you’re going to pass out.”

  She’s not too far off. The world is spinning at this very moment.

  “I just have to clarify…are you implying I’m the father?”

  She bites that damn lip again.

  “Yes. You’re the only person I’ve slept with in over a year.” She turns away.

  I have to admit I’m speechless, shocked, scared to death…but I’m not angry. In fact, I’d go as far as saying a sliver of happiness has rooted itself deep within me.

  I’m going to be a dad.

  The fact that she has only been with me in over a year since her divorce brings my
caveman instincts to the forefront. This woman is mine for the taking, and right now, I can think of nothing more that I want. I smile wide at the look of pure alarm on her face.

  “Y-you’re not mad?” she asks.

  “I can’t say I would’ve chosen this, but the thought of you having my baby doesn’t suck.”

  She frowns.

  “Doesn’t suck?” Now I see the anger building behind those beautiful blue eyes. It might be wrong, but I love it. “I’m so glad to hear this doesn’t suck for you. Try explaining to a fourteen-year-old and ten-year-old that their mother is having a baby with a complete stranger.” Her voice rises in pitch. Fortunately, there is no one close by.

  “We’ll tell them together.” I grin. “Once we’re not strangers.” I wink and I think the chance of her murdering me at that point is pretty high.

  “You are joking with me. As soon as I leave, you’re going to run off to Mexico or Canada, aren’t you?” She points her finger in my face, looking furious. I laugh, because it’s comical, it truly is.

  “It’s not funny.” She starts to cry and I feel like an ass.

  “Come here,” I say, pulling her to my side. “I’ll take care of you. I want to. The thought of watching your belly grow with our child thrills me. I can’t explain it, but it just does.” Her eyes glaze over. “I want you with me from now on. I’ll take care of you.”

  She shakes her head.

  “It’s not that simple, I have kids,” she says through sobs.

  “Calm down. Let’s take this one step at a time. Let’s get to know each other a little and we’ll take it from there.” She inhales and then exhales, calming herself marginally. “Does that work?” She nods.

  “Can I start by asking what happened with you and Stone?”

  I expect her to tell me to go to hell and it’s none of my business, but she looks at me, contemplating her move. For whatever reason, she decides to open up and let me in.

  “He cheated. A barely legal blonde—her name is Carly. He’s still with her. It went on for a while, apparently, but I don’t think she was the first.” She sniffles.