His blood ran cold as a possible reason leapt into his mind. Could she be pregnant?
Ashton closed his eyes and breathed deeply, willing away the panic.
He would have been over the moon if she had told him this three months ago, but they weren’t together any longer and the thought of being a single dad and estranged from his baby’s mother, filled him with dread.
When?His response was terse.
Today?
I’m at home
20 mins ok?
It wasn’t okay, but he had to know why Lacey wanted to see him.
Ashton snorted in derision. Be careful what you wish for, he thought. He had been scared of being lonely now that Carla had gone, but if Lacey was carrying his child, very soon he wouldn’t have time to feel lonely.
What a bloody mess.
He went in search of something alcoholic, guessing they both might need some fortification, before remembering that pregnant women probably shouldn’t drink.
He tried to recall what Lacey had been drinking in the restaurant, but all he could see was the look on her face. Had she known then that she was pregnant? If so, it would explain her odd expression.
When the doorbell rang, he flinched. Here goes, he thought, steeling himself. If she was indeed pregnant, he wanted to be part of his child’s life and was fully prepared to fight for that.
Lacey was standing on the step, looking as lovely as always. A little tired perhaps, but if his suspicion was correct, it was to be expected.
‘Can I come in?’ she asked.
‘Sure.’ He held the door open, her familiar perfume wafting over him as she stepped inside. She appeared nervous, and he didn’t blame her. He would be nervous, too.
Hell, hewasnervous.
‘Tea?’ he asked.
‘Can I have a glass of water?’
‘Of course.’ He poured one for her and one for himself, despite preferring something stronger, then sat down and gestured for her to sit.
She perched on the end of the sofa. ‘I’ve, um… I don’t know how to say this.’
Ashton waited.
‘I think I’ve made a mistake.’
‘You think…What?’
‘Okay, IknowI’ve made a mistake. I should never have broken up with you. I wasn’t thinking straight.’
‘Pardon?’ He was struggling to get his head around what she was saying.
‘I still love you, Ashton.’
‘What?’ he repeated incredulously. This wasn’t what he’d expected her to say.
‘Can we try again?’
‘Me and you?’
