This is the first of many jerseys you’ll wear in your life. I can’t wait to meet you and see you and your beautiful momma matching at my games. I already love you more than you’ll ever know.
Love, Jordan
And just like that, the floodgates open and I am crying uncontrollably. My parents freak out, thinking I’m upset, but I start shaking my head and they realize what it is. Tears of joy and gratitude for the man who has so quickly righted my upside-down world.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-ONE
MACKENZIE
September 20
Trey, I need to talk to you. It isn’t a text conversation.
October 18
I know you’re busy. I wouldn’t reach out if I didn’t have to.
November 1
Call me back. This isn’t about you and me.
December 3
Trey, this is ridiculous. I’ve called and left messages. When I get home we have to talk. If you can’t respond, then you leave me no choice.
My anger spikes every time I look at the message thread with Trey. I’ve called and left voicemails. He won’t respond, so I’ll have to track him down when I get home next week. This isn’t how I wanted to tell him aboutthe baby. I’m showing now, and despite my efforts, I’m sure he will twist it and blame me for not telling him sooner. One thing is for certain: I have no love left for Trey Spencer in my heart.
A few days later,tears slip down my cheeks as I hug each student for the last time. “I’m going to miss you,” little Colin says, hugging me again before running out the door.
“Me too.” I look up to see Lance walking in, a half-smile on his face.
“You knew I was leaving just after Christmas.” I smile back, but sadness tugs at me, too. I hug my friend and coworker goodbye, then start packing my things.
“Are you going to be okay, Mackenzie?”
I blow out a deep breath, then give him a smile and a nod.
“Yeah, Lance. I really think I will be.”
When I took the contract, I knew I was covering maternity leave until just after the new year. The full-time teacher will be back, and I’ve never felt so conflicted. My life was shattered when I walked into this classroom just a few months ago. Now, as I prepare to leave, I realize it was these students, this school, and the city of London that helped put me back together.
“I’m going to miss you, darling. You’ve quickly become my favorite person in the city.”
“And you, mine. You’ve been the best friend a girl could ask for.”
A wide smile fills his handsome face, and we embrace once more before he leaves.
The thought of returning to North Carolina—a place filled with so much pain—sends a wave of nausea rolling through me. I met with my OB here yesterday to make sure everything’s set to transition to my doctor back home. Thankfully, all is well, and I’m leaving in the morning.
It’s surreal to think that I spent most of this pregnancy alone—and now I’ll be back around my parents and friends.
And Jordan.
The thought of seeing Jordan brings a smile to my face, and butterflies take flight in my stomach. He’s picking me up from the Charlotte airport. It feels like we’ve been living in a bubble of our own making—but when I get home, we’ll have to face reality.
CHAPTER
