I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. I know Lacey has her doubts, but regardless, I’ll be the best father this baby could ever have. But will I be lucky enough to carry the same blood? God, I hope so.
I spent half the night last night thinking about my future. Thinking about our future. There’s no scenario in which Lacey doesn’t exist. I can’t picture my life without her in it. I want to make her mine, in every way, but I’ve been waiting on the perfect time to ask her. I thought about doing it before getting the results today. Just get down on one knee, and praying like hell that her feelings are as strong as mine. But what Lacey doesn’t know is she’s not the only one that’s scared. I’m worried she’ll be the one to run if this baby turns out to be Aarons. That’s just Lacey, she’d flee to spare me. I refuse to let that happen, but I didn’t want a ring to tie her hands. No, when I bend this knee, there’s going to be nothing standing between us. No doubts, just us.
We wait patiently for the doctor to make her rounds to our little room. There were people in the waiting room when we got here, so she’s likely busy. I didn’t see nurse-boy, so that’s a plus in my book.
A firm knock comes through the door and the doctor pushes it open once Lacey gives her the okay.
“Good morning,” she greets with a warm smile. “I’m sorry for your wait, mornings can get a bit crazy around here. How are you feeling, sweetie?” She addresses Lacey.
“I’m okay, just anxious.”
“Well, then. I won’t keep you guys waiting.”
She pulls an envelope, the size of a piece of paper, from her clipboard, handing it over to Lacey.
Her head lifts and instantly, our eyes meet.
She’s worried, and so am I. But I lend her my strength, knowing that she needs it more.
Her hands slide across the envelope slowly. She’s stalling, and my heart rate picks up. Come on baby, you can do this, I think to myself, hoping she understands what I’m not saying.
Her head nods in my direction, right before my eyes, I watch as resolve and defeat take over her.
She pulls the papers free from their home. Taking the time to read over the documents, I sit and watch her patiently, hoping to catch a bit of the emotions rolling across her features. Out of nowhere, tears begin to roll down her cheeks. The papers she was holding, now a jumbled mess on the floor.
Standing her up, I pull her into a hug, the results no longer matter. The fact that my woman is breaking down is all that’s on my mind. She clutches onto my shirt, her small hands wrapping around the collar on each side. Her tears are streaming now, leaving tracks down her cheeks, yet she’s still the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen.
“You’re going to be a daddy,” she mumbles into my shirt. I almost didn't hear what she said. I made her repeat it, so I’d know for myself, that I wasn’t just hearing what I wanted.
She pulls away from me, wiping the tears under her eyes with the back of her hand, “I said, she’s yours. Our baby is yours.” There's so much elation in her voice, and I seem to be in a state of shock. Mine? She? “She?”
“Oh, yea, well she’s a girl to me, until I’m told otherwise.” A bright smile now takes up her face. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so happy.
The papers still lay scattered along the floor, I pick up the one nearest to me, it looks to be a report from the DNA lab our blood was sent off to. Just glancing over, I read the part that grabs my attention.
In the case for Paternity concerning the unborn fetus of Miss Lacey Carter, a blood sample was collected from both the Mother and the alleged Father. Patient is ten weeks at the time of testing. Results show that the alleged Father CANNOT be excluded as the biological father of the fetus based on the sample submitted and the DNA extracted from the population of fetal cells.
The paper releases from my hand. I’m the father. “I’m the father!” I’ve never been one for showing much emotion in public, but in this moment, I don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks. I rush over to my girl and pick her tiny body up, crushing her to my chest, tears flowing down my cheeks.
“Are you ready for this?” She asks while her body slides down mine until her feet are planted firmly on the floor. That’s a loaded question, am I ready? I never thought I’d ever have kids. I was prepared for that, but now? Now that it’s staring me in the face, I’m pretty fucking excited.
“Hell yes I’m ready, baby. I’m not saying I’ll be perfect at it, but if we are trying and failing together, I’ll always be ready for what life throws our way.” I’ve all but forgotten about the doctor being in the room, all my attention is on the girl before me and how much has changed since she walked into my life.
Things have changed since we found out Cory’s DNA matched our baby’s. It’s almost like an invisible fog was hanging over us before, graying out everything around us. Everything looks, feels, even sounds so much brighter now.
The house is full of laughter now, especially seeing that I got more good news when I went for my sixteen-week checkup yesterday. This was our second ultrasound and our opportunity to find out if we were carrying a Princess or Prince. I was so nervous, until the tech announced we were having a girl.
My heart swelled with joy. Not that I wouldn’t be equally as happy to have a boy, but, what would I do with one? Cory, however, looked devastated at the news. Muttering something under his breath that sounded oddly like, being doomed with a house full of hormones.
We’ve planned dinner with Amber and Alex tonight at an upscale restaurant in downtown Seattle. Cory has given them both the night off, and since they are our two closest friends, we’ve decided to share the news with them together.
Ding, dong. The sound of the doorbell rings through the house. Beating Al to the door, since I’m just sitting in the family room with a book, I peek through the peephole to see who our guest might be. All I can see is a young-looking guy in a suit. But I don’t recognize him. Against what would likely be everyone's better judgment, I open the door to reveal a kid, sixteen maybe seventeen years old. He’s tall and lanky with pimples riddling his face. His eyes are a bright green and he’s wearing a huge grin. “Are you Lacey Carter?” Umm, yes.
“Who wants to know?” I ask wearily. I don’t have family and I left my friends behind, so I’m baffled at who could be asking for me.
“This is for you.” He simply smiles and hands me a long, white box with a red ribbon wrapped around the middle, then walks away.
“Uhh, thanks!” I shout after him and kick the door shut.
Making my way up to what is now both mine and Cory’s room, I place the box down on the bed, eager to see what’s inside.
Pulling the ribbon free and sliding the top off the box, I’m met with black tissue paper and a dark red envelope.
My heart rate picks up with excitement when I pull the envelope from the paper, removing the small, folded card on the inside.
Lacey,
These are for you. I hope you like them. Can’t wait for tonight, wear something nice. Amber will escort you to the restaurant.
XO,
Cory
The card flutters to the bed and I pull the tissue paper back. Before me sits a box nearly overflowing with roses. White and pink are the prominent colors, but I can see some red in there also. Pulling them from the box, careful not to prick myself on a thorn, I gently raise them towards my nose, inhaling the sweet aroma, unique only to a rose. This man surprises me more and more every day.
Looking back down into the box, I see that there’s something shiny gleaming inside of it, which I learn is a beautiful vase, once I picked it up out of the box. I thought it felt a little heavier on one side.
I walk into our bathroom, gently placing the roses down on the sink, and filling the vase up with water. I place the bundle of roses inside and step back to admire the view. They’re gorgeous and there’s at least a couple dozen here. What could I possibly do to top this?
Knowing he’s not that type of man, though, I walk back out into o
ur room and nearly jump out of my damn skin when I find Amber perched on the edge of our bed.
“What the fuck, knock much?”
“Hey, babe,” she ignores my question. “I have something for you,” she says with a smile, handing over a bag. What the hell is up with all the gifts? It’s not my birthday, people.
“What is this?” I can’t help the frustration in my voice.
“Just take it. If it makes you feel better, I didn’t buy it, just picked it out.”
Okay, fine. My curiosity was piqued, so I did what any normal girl would do, I opened the damn bag.
A lot of red stares back at me. Not a bright, crimson red. This is more of a lush, velvety red. I proceed to remove the fabric from the bag and lay it across the bed, my mouth hanging wide open with shock.
“You, picked this out? Did you forget I’m pregnant? I’m not exactly sporting a tiny figure these days.” I rub my belly for emphasis.
“You’ll fit,” she says with absolute confidence. “Now hurry up, we’re meeting them at the restaurant in one hour.”
What? It’s already that late? I hadn’t even realized.
“Well? Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to come over here and help me get into it?” I ask, staring down at the intimidating material before me. The bodice is strapless and has a velvety feel to it. The length of the dress appears to flow to the floor, but there looks to be a split in the middle that runs from below the breast all the way to the feet, spreading wider along the way. The overlay is a darker shade of red, chiffon type of material. Sheer and see through. Beneath the overlay lies another material that has the feel of silk and a lighter shade of red than the material that opens above it. It’s a beautiful dress.
I begin to undress, Amber can either stand there and watch, or hop her little happy butt over here and help me. I’m sure my arms aren’t going to be able to wrap around my back to pull up the zipper.
I pull the zipper down the back of the dress and she grabs the material from my hands.
“You know, pregnancy has made you a bit bossy.” She states with a wide ass smile on her face, telling me she’s not upset.
“Err, sorry.”
“Don’t apologize, sweetie, it’s good to see your backbone showing.” Her smile is gone; her words are genuine. Friends are rare these days; to find one you instantly connect with, someone who gets you and is not afraid to tell you like it is, and is also there to lift you up when you fall flat on your face, those are even more rare. I find myself lucky to have Amber. I’ve never had a sister, but I’d say she’s the closest I’ll ever get.
She helps me slide the soft material up my body and to my surprise, she’s able to slide the zipper all the way up, and I can still breathe.
“Wow! You’re gorgeous, chick, pregnancy suits you.” Amber whistles from beside me. How am I even supposed to take that?
“Sit, let me fix your hair before you look, you don’t need makeup.” She sets to work on my hair, plugging in my hair straightener and curling iron. Feels like hours pass by as she readjusts my head, time and time again. But I know it’s only minutes since we have reservations to make it to.
“Done,” she announces from behind me. “Go have a look.” She extends a hand out to help me to my feet.
There’s a floor length mirror just inside the massive walk-in closet Cory and I now share. Standing before it, I’m amazed.
I’ve never been a big girl. But in the passing weeks, to say I’ve put on some weight and am feeling a bit on the fat side, is an understatement. If I’m on my feet too long, my ankles begin to swell. And I don’t mean a little bloating around the feet. I mean, stick a finger in it and it’ll leave an impression. I’ve read that swelling during pregnancy is normal in every trimester and it doesn’t happen often, so I don’t worry about it.
With that thought, I’m happy when Amber produces a red pair of flats, perfectly matching the color of the dress. I wouldn’t dream of squeezing these feet into a pair of heels.
I stand before the mirror just staring at myself in awe. I must say; she’s got great taste in clothing. The material hugs my chest, making sure my boobs stay right where they’re supposed to, which to Cory’s delight, have grown at least a cup size recently. The rest of the dress flows to my feet, the fabric on the inside just barely peeking through with the little bump I’m sporting. From the front, you can’t even tell I’m pregnant.
“You look stunning.,” Amber says from behind me. Her arms come around my neck. Watching her in the mirror, and feeling the cool touch of the chain she clasps around my neck, I’m speechless once again.
The chain looks of be made of gold, and laying on my chest, a heart shaped ruby at least the size of a quarter. “Did you buy this?” My voice shakes just a little. I’ve never had something that even remotely looked this expensive.
“No, sweetie. This was all your man. He actually handed me this earlier today when he informed me I was going shopping for you.” She answers on a laugh.
“Now, we only have fifteen minutes to get to the restaurant. You may not know this, but your guy likes punctuality. I’ve witnessed him firing someone on their first day for being late... by two minutes. He can be an ass, but for a reason. So, get your little ass moving.”
We arrive at the restaurant, if that’s what you’d call it, with only a few minutes to spare. The place looks more like a hotel, and maybe it is. The building, or rather skyrise, stretches at least twenty stories high, and that’s just at a glance.
“Where are we, exactly?” I question Amber. She’s been tight lipped since we got in her car. Refusing to give me a hint, other than what I already know. Staying true to character, she only shakes her head and gestures for me to walk forward.
I do as I’m expected and head for the mysterious building, only just realizing there’s not so much as a street light on around here. Okay then.
Fully expecting to meet resistance when I push on the doors, I nearly fall face first when the door easily swings open. I hear Amber’s silent chuckle behind me and mentally smack her upside the head.
Steadying myself with the handle, I take in the room before me. Only, the room is dark and empty, not leaving me with very much to see.
“What is this, Amber?” My anger starts to surface. Why is she bringing me to an abandoned building? Has she suddenly forgotten what I’ve been through?
“Just keep going, trust me.”
And because I do, I keep going until I’m met with another door, not far inside the mysterious building. On instinct, my hand lands on the doorknob. Giving it a gentle twist I slowly push it open. My nerves have picked up. I’m not even sure why.
But when the door completely opens, my heart stops. It ceased to beat completely, then picks up double time seeing Cory standing about ten feet inside the room. He’s in a black suit with a red bow tie that I’m sure is made from the same material as my dress. The suit fits his body like a glove, hugging him in all the right places. His hair has grown out a bit in the last few weeks, giving him a rugged look that I’ve found I love. I refuse to let him do more than trim his facial hair. His scruff has become my weakness.
Seeing him here, now, I can barely contain myself from bursting into a sprint and jumping him where her stands. Down hormones.
“Go,” Amber whispers to me. Fuck! I’ve forgotten she was there. I will my legs to move, slowly putting one foot in front of the other, observing the room as I go.
There are little paper lamps, the kinds that are used by the Japanese, hanging across the ceiling, casting a soft glow throughout the room. Cory is standing beside a round table; it’s the only table in the room. And now that I can see it more clearly, I can see Alex standing a little way behind it. There’s place settings for four and a bucket of ice with a bottle sticking out at the top.
I’m within arm's length of Cory when he suddenly drops to one knee. If I’ve ever thought I’ve felt butterflies in my gut before, they were nothing compared to what I’m feeling at
this very moment. My stomach does a violent flip, and those damn butterflies are taking flight daring to break loose. My knees are made of jelly.
Looking down into his dark emerald eyes, I can see the fire burning deep within them.
“Lacey Carter.” Oh God. “You have shown me what it feels like to love again. I’ve never met another like you. Your brightness has shone a light into my deep, dark world. And, I’m hoping, you’d do me the honor of becoming my wife...”
I’m a blubbering, slobbering mess but I can’t let him go on. “Yes! Yes, of course I’ll marry you.” When he removes the ring, and slides it across my finger, my cheeks flame with heat. Oh, my GOD! This must be worth at least a quarter of a million dollars. I can’t wear something like this. I’m not even worth that much, but damn if it’s not incredible. The band appears to be made of platinum, the diamonds set perfectly among it. There’s an oval shaped diamond in the center with at least twelve smaller diamonds circling around. Don’t ask me about carats, all I know is, the ring is beautiful and flawless.
Still crying and snotting everywhere, Cory rises to his feet and wraps his arms fully around me. He’s lucky he can still to do that. “Are you sure you want to do this? Once those two little magic words are spoken, there’s no going back. You’ll be mine forever, Lacey, cause I’m not letting you go.”
“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life then I am of you, Cory,” I say from the heart. He plants a soft kiss on my cheek and lightly smacks me on my ass as he turns me in the direction of our table. “Let’s not keep our guests waiting, shall we?” I could think of all kinds of reasons why we should, but I keep those to myself.
Amber joins us at the table, a giant grin on her face, “Aren’t you two just the cutest.” She taunts with her sugary sweet voice.
“Shut it woman,” I play with her.
“Are we ready to take our seats?” Alex chimes in making his way to us.
Finding Strength: A Club Dark Novel Page 19