Fisting his coffee cup just a little tighter, my dad blows out a breath of frustration. “So, he doesn’t know she’s pregnant? I always knew that boy was bad news, but what if he wants to step up? What if they decide to try again as a family? Where will that leave you?”
“I hear you, Dad. I’ve thought about all of this and Mack and I have had a lot of tough conversations. I know Trey could be in her life permanently for their kid. But what I do know is that she and I are it for each other. He was abusive and toxic. She’s not taking him back,not in that way. I know it might sound naive, but I wouldn’t be jumping into this without careful consideration. I’ve been waiting eight years for her and I won’t let her go again. That kid may not be mine biologically, but I’ll love them like they are.”
A grin spreads across my mom’s lips as she hears me declare my love and intentions toward the girl that I’ve loved my whole life. “Sweetie, you make us so proud. To hear you say those things puts my heart at ease. You love her so much and to be prepared for fatherhood along with it is a lot for this momma to take in. But we will support you and love both of you through this. Is it too early to say I’m excited to be a grandma?”
That lightens the conversation as Dad and I laugh at her. I shake my head, peace and resolve flowing through my veins. The course is set and while we might have obstacles to face, I’m going to stand beside Mackenzie every step of the way.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-FOUR
MACKENZIE
Walking through Belk at our hometown mall with my best friend, I think about all the times we’ve been here over the years. Every Homecoming and prom, we shopped together for dresses, shoes, and accessories. On every beach vacation, we’d hunt for the cutest swimsuits, using the dressing room as our own personal catwalk, cheering each other on the whole time.
Now, we stand in front of the baby section, a scanner gun in my hand, and a clipboard with all the essentials Reagan researched in hers. We freeze, taking in all the tiny clothes, blankets, and more that fill the space to the brim.
Who would’ve thought we’d be planning a baby shower and a wedding at the same time?”
My gorgeous friend smiles, twirling the exquisite diamond and sapphire ring on her left hand before nodding in agreement. “I can’t wait to meet this little one.” She gently places her hand on my stomach just in time to feel a kick. Reagan gasps and lets out a little giggle before looking at me with misty eyes. “You’re really going to be a mom.”
My eyes welling with tears, I put my free hand on top of hers, resting on my growing bump. “Yeah, Rea, I am. And you’re getting married to the man of your dreams.”
Wrapping me in a hug, we both hold on tight, knowing the days of just the two of us are numbered, and we couldn’t be happier. Wiping the tears from her cheeks, Reagan straightens up, a determined look on her face. “Okay, Mack, let’s do this.”
We spend the next two hours working through her list and scanning what seems like a million items. From the tiniest onesies to a stroller and car seat that look far too complicated, we’re both dead on our feet as we return the scanner and walk to the food court for a cinnamon pretzel and drinks. My bestie sucks down her Dr Pepper and I stick to water while we chat about all the details for the baby shower she’s getting organized.
“I still can’t believe you’re not finding out the gender of the baby.” Rea shakes her head—her organized, planning-oriented self unable to wrap her brain around the unknown being a good thing.
“This whole thing has been one giant surprise, and I want to wait until they’re born.”
“Well, I’ll keep everything gender neutral. We need to finalize the guest list and menu…” She trails off and her face goes ghostly pale in an instant.
Reaching out to grab her hand, I shake her gently. “Reagan, are you alright? You look like you’re going to be sick.”
Then one word is spoken and my back goes ramrod straight.
“Kenzie.”
My body flinches when I hear Trey say my name. I close my eyes and take a deep breath before turning to meet his face. His devastatingly handsome face—once capable of sending butterflies flying—stares back at me and I feel nothing. Nothing but an empty, hollow feeling in the space that used to hold my love for this man.
As he takes me in, his eyes widen and I know he’s seen what I can no longer hide. I watch as his mind processes and puts the clues together. All the messages, phone calls, voicemails, and now my physical appearance. It doesn’t take long for it to click. Shaking his head, his eyes bore straight into mine. I give a small nod, confirming before the words are even spoken.
“You’re pregnant and it’s mine.”
Everything fades to black.
A faint beepingrings in my ears as I slowly open my eyes and see an unfamiliar ceiling with intense bright lights that instantly cause me to squint in pain. It takes a few tries, but I’m finally able to see and when I look down I find myself in a hospital bed and my heart rate spikes, causing the machines to start wailing.
“Oh, Mackenzie, baby girl, I’m so glad you’re awake.” That voice instantly calms my racing heart as I realize that I’m not alone in the room. I see my parents and Reagan sitting in chairs around my bed and then my eyes find him. The last person I saw before I ended up here, Trey.
He looks completely helpless and miserable as he hides out in the corner. As soon as we make eye contact, I look away and over to my parents who have deep frowns on their faces.
“What happened?” My voice comes out raw and it takes me a second to clear my throat and ask it again, louder. “What happened?”
“We were at the mall and you passed out. You hit your head on the table and had to have stitches. You also have a mild concussion. I’m so sorry, Mack. I couldn’t move fast enough to catch you.” My best friend is sobbing next to me, and I quickly reach my hand to grab hers, consoling her.
“Rea, you did everything you could. Don’t feel guilty. Thank you for getting me to the hospital.”
