“So what the fuck is going on?” Liam asked coldly.
“Liam…I…shit…” I couldn’t form a sentence to save my life. Liam then started walking over to Caleb and pushed him as he was walking away.
“Are you fucking my wife?” Liam yelled. As Caleb turned around Liam took a swing, but obviously was a little buzzed. He missed.
“Dude, not in the middle of a fucking night club! Want to fucking punch me? Let’s fucking go outside.” Caleb said calmly and started walking towards the exit.
I quickly made my way through the crowd to Courtney and Jason, I briefly told them what was going on and we rushed towards the exit to find them.
“Liam! What the hell are you doing?” I screamed out.
“Are you fucking him?” He asked coldly right in my face.
“Liam…” I whispered.
“I asked you a question! Are. You. Fucking. Him?” He seethed.
“I did. Yes. We had something, we have something.” I said quietly.
“You fucking made me feel like I was the worst person on the planet and here you are whoring yourself around. Are you fucking kidding me?” He shouted out. “Funny, you don’t seem to want to stop doing what you are doing. It would only be fair right?” I asked bravely. I could feel some nausea building up. Liam stepped right up to me only leaving centimeters in between us; I could see the anger building in his eyes.
“Liam, dude, just calm down. What the hell are you doing?” Jason asked trying to calm him down.
Caleb walked over and stepped in.
“Don’t you dare talk to her that way, nor do you get up in her face. I called you out here to talk to you. You don’t fucking touch her!” Caleb said as he pulled Liam away from me. Just as Caleb pulled Liam’s shoulder Liam took a swing with his other hand. This time he didn’t miss and Caleb went stumbling back. He quickly gained his footing and tackled Liam down to the ground. The two of the rolled around, each exchanging punches. It wasn’t until Caleb rolled on top and threw one good punch at Liam in the nose that caused blood to splatter out, Caleb climbed off of him to end it. Two burley security guards made their way over to the guys. They grabbed Caleb as he stood over Liam.
“Hey!” I shouted. “Don’t take him, it’s over.” I tried to grab one of the security guards off of Caleb. Liam was starting to get up off the ground. One of the guards started to talk to him, I couldn’t hear what was being said but I could see him shake his head no.
“Look, they both need to leave. Now! I don’t want to see either of them here ever again.” One of the muscular security guards said to me. I nodded in understanding.
Courtney and Jason were talking with Caleb and I walked over to Liam.
“So.” I started.
“Ryleigh…”He began. I quickly interrupted. “Liam, tell me something; when I asked you if you were still fucking one of your little tramps, I was right, huh? Was it Amber? Or is there someone else? I got a voicemail at work earlier this week and I heard some woman in the background and I swear I heard you as well. Then we get a random call from a girl in OUR hotel room. Care to explain that one?” I yelled.
“How long were you two fucking?” He asked trying to change the subject. “Liam, the fact that you aren’t answering me means that I am right.” I took of my wedding rings and held them out to him. “I want a fucking divorce.” He didn’t take the rings for me so I dropped them on the ground and walked out of the hotel out to the strip.
“Ryleigh!” Courtney was running after me. “Where are you going?”
“I needed to get some air. I truly thought I was going to lose the rest of dinner on the floor. I am so sorry to ruin your night!” I said taking deep breaths.
“Oh my god, you didn’t do anything to ruin it! Come here!” She grabbed me and pulled me into a hug. “Are you okay?”
I broke down and shook my head. “I really want to go home.” I sobbed into her shoulder.
Chapter Eighteen
I spent the night in Courtney and Jason’s room. After the fight Caleb had walked off. I hadn’t seen or heard from him for the rest of the night. I needed to be alone. I didn’t really want to interrupt the newlyweds but they insisted. After Jason had gone to my room to get my things for me, he told me Liam was not there. I was not surprised nor did I even care.
I woke up at 6am and called a taxi to take me to the airport. I left a note for Court and Jason along with some of my winnings enclosed in a note, telling them to have a great time and stay a little bit longer and have a honeymoon without me interrupting. I wanted to get some of my things out of my house before I had to face Liam.
I called my mom on the way to the airport and told her everything that had happened, but left out the part of me being pregnant. I don’t think I could handle any more drama. She had told me that she and Avery would be happy to have me stay with them as long as I needed. I hated the fact that I was moving back in with my mom, but it would help while I could get everything sorted out.
As I boarded the plane I quickly sent a text to Courtney.
Hey, I am boarding the plane now. Call me when you guys get back into town and let me know how the rest of the trip went. I am so sorry again. Love you! The flight was my chance to get a little more rest. I thankfully was able to hold down some croissants and some coffee while I waited to board. I was glad I didn’t have any sickness today, one less thing to worry about. I packed my bag up into the overhead compartment and took my seat. I tried to get comfortable and closed my eyes. What a fucking weekend. I was going to need a vacation from my vacation.
I began to doze off as the pilot came on the intercom and told us that we were getting ready to depart. I obviously needed the sleep, because I was lightly shook by a flight attendant telling me that we had landed in Denver and I was the last one on board. I felt slightly embarrassed at the fact that I hadn’t even noticed that we had landed.
I grabbed my bags and quickly exited. As I walked through the terminal I quickly remembered that Liam had driven us to the airport on Friday and cursed out loud. I must have looked like a crazy person swearing out loud to myself.
I pulled out my phone trying to mentally go through everyone that wouldn’t be mad at me for calling them at this early hour and make the trek to the airport to pick my ass up. I started to dial up my mom but felt someone come up close behind me.
“Need a ride?” A deep voice said. Shooting those familiar goose bumps down my arm. I turned around and found Caleb standing there.
“What the hell? How’d you get here?” I felt stupid for asking that question, like he magically transported here, Ryleigh. I smacked my forehead.
“I caught a flight out really early this morning. Courtney called me when you texted her and told me you were flying out. She also told me that Liam drove here.” He took my bag from my shoulder.
“So you drove out here to get me?” I asked with a smile.
“Yeah, I figured you’d need a way home.” He said returning a smile and started to walk towards the parking lot.
“Caleb?” I started.
“Ryleigh, don’t. It’s been a long night and you have been through some shit. Let’s talk about this another time, okay?” He replied tiredly.
“Alright.” I whispered.
We got in his truck and it was a silent drive except for me telling him how to get to my house.
After we had pulled up, I asked him to just hang outside while I got some of my things and packed up my car. He was happy to do so, even asking if I needed help. I just shook my head.
“Where are you gonna stay?” Caleb asked as he opened up my car door for me.
“My mom and Avery, they invited me to stay with them. I called them on my way to the airport, told them everything.” I said quietly.
“You know, you still have my key. You’re always welcome to stay with me.” Caleb said as he softly grabbed my hand.
“Thanks Caleb. Things just are so messed up right now, I need to have a minute to get my head straight and figure
out what the hell is going to happen.” I gripped his hand tight before pulling it away.
“Well, you know my number. If you need anything at all, just give me a call.” He leaned in and kissed my cheek ever so softly. He still gave me the butterflies, it made me smile.
“Thank you.” I whispered and got into my car. I watched him drive off in his truck and soon followed. I drove over to my mom’s house. She greeted me outon the front porch with a hug and a million ‘I am so sorry honey’.
After I got settled into my bedroom, I found my mom and Avery on the back patio drinking mimosas. I found a glass waiting for me on their table. I wanted to grab it, but rather dumped it down the drain and poured a large glass of orange juice. I was going to have to break the news to my mom. I came outside and sat next to my mom on the swing. We all sat in silence enjoying the morning breeze and sipping on our drinks.
“Are you okay in that room?” My mom asked grabbing my hand.
“Yeah, it’s perfect. Thank you. I’m going to look at apartments tomorrow after work, so I shouldn’t be here for very long.” I said taking another sip of my juice.
“Don’t rush it honey. Just stay here for at least a week and then you can go look. Are you hungry? I can make you some breakfast?”
“I can make some breakfast, mom.” I said with a smile. “Nonsense, we all need to eat. I’ll go make some French toast. You hang out here and enjoy the weather. Avery, honey, will you come give me a hand?” They both headed into the house. I sat on the swing and like my mom suggested, I enjoyed the beautiful weather and the cold glass of juice.
I wanted to call out from work tomorrow, but after having missed Friday; it was going to be a big mistake. I enjoyed the rest of the day relaxing around my mom’s house. After breakfast, my mom and Avery hit the grocery store and came back with fixings to grill up some chicken and vegetables. I was glad that they kept busy; it gave me time to think about how to break the news.
The next morning, I headed into work. I arrived a little early so I didn’t have to walk past Ava. I sat in my office and began to work. After nine, Ava finally poked her head in and was shocked that I was already here.
“I was just about to call you to see if you got home okay.” She said smiling. “How was it?”
I shot her one of my looks.
“That good, huh?” Her smile quickly faded. “What happened?” she stepped into my office closing the door.
“Ava, it was weekend from hell. I finally realizedwhat a complete idiot I was and… I ended things with Liam.” I dropped my head.
“Oh my god! Ryleigh, I’m so sorry! Do you wanna talk about it?” She ran over to me and gave me a hug.
“I appreciate it, but honestly I don’t. I’m sort ofglad that it’s finally done. I am over the whole thing and now I can finally feel like I can breathe.” I said letting out a sigh.
“Wow. I hate to say it, but kinda glad. You’ve definitely had your lifetime of stress in the last month and it just was not worth it. Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.” “No, it’s okay. It really wasn’t worth it. I thought that I could start us all over and try to get us back to where we were and we were never really there.” I said reaching for a tissue. “So, I also found out some ‘interesting’ news.”
“Oh yeah? What’s that?” Ava asked curiously.
“Well…” I paused taking a swig of my water on my desk. “I found out that I am pregnant.” I said quietly.
“Are you serious?!” She shrieked. She quickly paused to make sure somebody wasn’t going to come in. “Sorry, I should have kept that down.”
“It’s okay, I’m sure they will find out soon.” I said pointing to my stomach.
“Does Liam know?” She inquired.
“That is the other thing.” I said shaking my head. “Looking back it wouldn’t be his.” I let out a sigh.
“It would be Caleb’s?” She shrieked again.
“Yeah…” I sighed.
“Does he know?” She asked calmer.
“Not yet, so please, don’t say anything. I don’t want him to find out without me telling him.” I begged. “So what are you going to do now?” Ava asked as shetook a seat in front of me. “Well, I’m staying at my mom’s house for a little bit. I told her I was going to start looking at places but she insisted I stay for a little bit. I don’t want to be there too long and interrupt their lives, but I need to find a good divorce lawyer. I don’t want the house or anything from him. I just want something quick and easy.”
“Have you talked to him at all?” Ava asked. “Nope. I don’t want to either. If I plan on being civil about this, I really have nothing to say to him. I’ll work through email and once I find a lawyer he can talk to them.” I then began to pull up my internet to start the searching. “Speaking of, I do want to send him an email.” I hinted at the privacy.
“Oh. Okay, well I am going to head back to my desk then. If you need anything please let me know, okay?” Ava headed towards the door. “Thanks. I will.” I smiled at her and pulled up my email. I quickly drafted up an email. I read and reread it several times before I hit send. It wasn’t long after I hit send on my email I got a response. Surprisingly, he was very civil about the whole matter. He didn’t want the house either, which kind of shocked me; especially since was the one that fell in love with it when we first purchased it.
We both agreed that we would work civilly as adults and split all of the proceeds of the house down the middle. We both were hurt by one another and it would be best that we didn’t speak for a little while.
I told him I would contact a mutual friend that wasa real estate agent and get it on the market as soon as this week. I couldn’t believe how fast the rest of the day flew by. Ava poked her head in to wave goodbye as I was starting to pack up my work for the night. I made an appointment with my doctor at lunch to confirm my test from Vegas. I kept looking at my ultrasound picture in awe then putting it in my stuff to take home.
“I will see ya tomorrow.” She said smiling.
“Yeah, have a good night! Thank you for listening earlier.” I said with a smile.
“No problem! If you need anything I am here for you. Call if you do want to talk later, I gotta run though, Brantley is downstairs waiting for me.” She said excitedly.
“I’ll ride down with you! I feel bad; I didn’t even ask how your weekend went! How did meeting his parents go? I am going to assume good since you two are still seeing each other.”
“They were just as sweet as he is. It was such a great weekend! I know we are rushing things, but he actually told me he loved me! Ryleigh, I am on cloud nine with him!” She said in a giddy tone.
“I knew it! You two are so great for each other it seems! I’m very happy for you!” I smiled with her. As we rode down, she told me about the size of his parents’ home and how sweet his mom was to her. I was so excited to see she was so happy. I really did feel like an ass for not even bothering to ask her earlier.
I waved her and Brantley off as I headed to the garage to my car. As I drove home, blasting my stereo, my mind for once was finally in a good place. I actually enjoyed the music rather than thinking of a million things at once.
I pulled up to my mom’s house and saw that Caleb’s truck was in their driveway. My heart stopped.
I quickly got out of my car and quickly headed inside to once again find everyone in the backyard. Caleb was in a chair with his back towards me.
“Hey, honey! How was work?” My mom asked as she raised her sunglasses and sat up in her lounge chair.
“It was good, thanks.” I paused. “Hi Caleb. What are you doing here?” I asked confused. “Hey. I wanted to come by and talk to you.” He said turning around in his chair. “We’ll let you guys have some privacy.” My mom said with a smile, obviously knowing something was going on. She hopped up from her chair and grabbing Avery on her way out. I went and took my mom’s seat and sat down with a plop, kicking off my heels.
“What’s up?” I asked with a sigh, I
was exhausted.
“Ryleigh.” He came over and sat next to my legs on the lounge chair and pulled my legs into his lap. “I wanted to come over and ask you out on a date.”
“What?” I asked giggling. “I want to take you out. I want to prove to you that I love you more and more every day. That I’ll never hurt you or make you cry. I want to hold you every night and be excited to see you every morning. You are the love of my life and I want you to hear that all the time.”
I felt the tears start to stream down my cheeks.
“I told you I don’t want to make you cry.” He joked as he wiped a tear away.
“Caleb. I…”
“Ryleigh, I really do love you. I know that you love me. I don’t want to lose another minute without you and not have you in my life.” I was left speechless there in the chair with him. He leaned in and softly kissed my lips. I wrapped my arms around his neck. I could hear my mom and Avery clapping. I shooed them away without breaking the kiss.
“Caleb…” I whispered.
“Yeah?” He responded. “There is something I want to show you.” I reached into my bag and pulled out the tiny photograph. “I found out while I was in Vegas, but I confirmed it today. Before you ask, yes it is yours. I’m very sure of it. I don’t want you to feel pressured or…” Caleb quickly interrupted me.
“Ryleigh stop.” He took a deep breath. “I’m so happy!” He said with a huge grin.
Chapter Nineteen
Three Months Later The next three months were the best I had ever endured in my life. Liam and I had officially parted ways and thankfully everything went smoothly. I never did tell him about me being pregnant; I didn’t want to cause any more problems than we already had suffered.
Caleb and I were finally able to enjoy each other without the feeling of sneaking around. After I had told him about me being pregnant, I worried that we were going to be rushing into things. We started slow for the first month, he was very understanding with me handling the finalization of my divorce.
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