Colt was quiet for a beat before he said, “Now that I’m having a daughter… man, I’d kill anyone who hurt little Chloe. It’s crazy—she’s not even here yet, and I already love her more than I knew was possible. It’s a love you don’t understand until it happens.”
I let his words sink in, the weight of them settling into my chest. “So… what are you saying I should do? Because yeah, I think I do love Melanie. And I don’t want to lose her.”
“Then fight for her.” His voice was firm, no hesitation. “Show her. Whatever it takes. I almost lost Abigail because I let my fear control me. The second I realized what she meant to me? Mywhole life changed for the better. Don’t wait until it’s too late, man.”
Before I could respond, I heard a female voice in the background. “Baby, who are you talking to? And where’s my ice cream?”
I smirked as Colt groaned. “Ice cream? It’s two in the morning.”
“The baby says it’s the only thing that’ll help her sleep. Vanilla.”
I chuckled. “What the fuck?”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m going.” His voice turned away from the phone. “Yes, baby, I was just talking to Nick. I’m getting it now.”
I pushed open my car door, stepping out into the crisp night air. “I’ll let you go, man. Thanks for calling me back.”
“No problem. And listen—if you want my advice? Show up with baby clothes. If she is pregnant, she’ll forgive you in a heartbeat. Pregnant women eat that shit up.”
I huffed a quiet laugh. “Noted. Thanks again, man.”
“No problem.”
Then I heard Abigail again, her voice dripping with impatience. “Colt, are you two gonna talk about your dicks all night, or are you getting me ice cream?”
Colt groaned. “Alright, gotta go. Pregnant lady’s getting hangry.”
I felt him breathing into the speaker as he whispered, “Those hormones are no joke. Happy and sweet one minute, a brat the next, good luck.” Colt says before ending the call.
I hung up, staring down at my phone, my thumb hovering over Melanie’s name.
In less than twenty-four hours, I’d know if my life was about to change forever.
And if Melanie still wanted me.
53
MELANIE
Iwoke to sunlight streaming through the blinds, warming my face. My head felt heavy, my body sluggish, as I blinked away the haze of sleep. The last thing I remembered was curling up on the couch beside Josh, a movie droning in the background.
Then I felt it—something firm pressing against me from behind. My stomach dropped. A jolt of panic shot through my chest as I twisted away, scrambling to my feet with a sharp, startled gasp.
“Shit! Fuck! What—?” My voice cracked, my breath coming fast.
Josh stirred, groggy and confused, his brow furrowing as he shifted. But I wasn’t looking at him. I was too busy pressing a hand to my chest, trying to steady the wild hammering of my heart.
Breathe. Just breathe. We just spooned. That’s all. We didn’t have sex. You’re fine. It’s okay.
“Nothing, uh, I just forgot where I was for a second.” I exhaled, forcing a shaky laugh as I motioned toward the massive windows. The golden morning light stretched across acres of open land, rolling pastures dotted with grazing cattle and horses. Josh’s parents owned the ranch, had for generations. It was hard, physical work, the kind that built strong hands and calloused knuckles.But Josh had sworn off that life a long time ago. He preferred using his brain to make money, not his body.
Josh ran a hand through his messy hair, watching me with a lopsided smirk. “Yeah, sorry. You passed out during Netflix, but don’t worry—no pun intended, because we did not chill.”
I smirked at his terrible joke, shaking my head. “I’m going to use the restroom.”
I turned to leave, but Josh’s fingers wrapped around my wrist before I could take a step, halting me in place. His grip was firm but gentle.
“Mel, I don’t know how many days you’ve missed your period, but it’s best to take the pregnancy test with your first piss of the morning.”
