“I didn’t expect that from him either.” She lets out a huge sigh and sags into me further. “I didn’t think he’d be so upset over a baby. We always knew it was a possibility. Maybe it’s just the timing of the whole thing? Because we broke up before I told him?”
“Maybe, but he’s still in the wrong here. You didn’t deserve to be treated that way, to be screamed at and called names. And he shouldn’t have broken your stuff either. He should have been able to control his temper better than that, even if it upset him. That was completely uncalled for.”
We sit in silence for a few minutes. Aside from our breath, the only sound is the ticking from her vintage Kit-Cat Klock (you know, the creepy ones with the tail and eyes that move). Good thing it wasn’t on the same wall as the other artwork that Andrew broke. I remember when Denise found it in a little vintage shop last time we were home. She was so excited to get that creepy thing that she had it professionally cleaned and restored. She even ordered parts from the original company.
“Listen, Ryder,” Denise finally looks up at me. “I’m sorry that you finally got the courage to tell me how you feel and this is how it’s turning out.”
“You have nothing to apologize for, Denise. Nothing. I was the stupid one who waited this many years to realize what I feel for you isn’t going away. It was perfectly normal for you to have a relationship with someone. I have no claim on you. Nothing that is happening is your fault.”
“Well, to hear Andrew tell it, I’m the idiot who couldn’t take birth control properly.” She sneers.
“Denise, Andrew is the idiot. I’m sorry that you have to find out this way.” I smile at her while pulling her against me again.
“Yeah, well, that idiot is the father of this baby growing in me. How do I deal with that now that he’s revealed himself to be a giant asshole?”
She’s right. That will make this situation a lot harder on her. Not for the first time since I found out she was pregnant, I find myself wishing this baby was mine. My heart tightens at the mere thought of Denise having my baby. I hadn’t really thought much about being a father, but with her I want it all.
“What do you want to do?” I have a thought. “Have you checked your phone since last night? Has he tried to call you?”
“I haven’t checked it. I sort of lost track of my purse in all the fuss last night. I had it when I came in, because I took out an ultrasound picture to show Andrew. That was before he flipped out and ripped it to shreds, though.”
“Oh shit, that’s what that was.” I run into the office where I put all the artwork and pictures when I cleaned up last night, and come back with the little pile of ripped up pieces of picture. I also bring her purse, which I’d found on the floor beside the couch, and put in the office as well. “I knew I’d seen it before. These pieces were mixed in with everything else I found last night when I was cleaning up. I’m sorry, but it looks like there’s no way to fix this.”
She takes the pieces from me and puts them onto the coffee table. Then she reaches for her purse and digs through it for a minute, before coming up with her phone and another picture.
“I had the ultrasound technician print two pictures, because I thought Andrew might like to have one.” She’s looking at it with a small smile. “Do you want to see it? You don’t have to, I just thought maybe-”
“Are you kidding me? Of course I want to see it,” I interrupt. “Show me that baby, love.”
She passes me the picture and as soon as I see it, my lungs stop working and I can’t catch my breath. I sit down, hard, and just stare at the blob in the picture. I’ve never been much of a baby person, but this isn’t just any baby. The most perfect, beautiful baby that I’ve ever seen is just laying there, all curled up like a little bean. Before I can do anything, I feel the tears welling up in my eyes.What the hell? I’m crying?
“Oh my god, Denise. He’s beautiful. Look at this baby.” I turn the ultrasound so she can see it again. “This baby is in here.” I reach over and place a hand on her belly, like she doesn’t know. God, I’m an idiot. This amazing woman is growing a human being, inside her body, and I’m sitting here telling her about it like she doesn’t already know. I knew she was strong, but this is something else. I can’t stop looking between her and the picture.
“Ryder, you’re crying?” Denise’s eyes look a little watery and when she blinks, the tears spill onto her cheeks. “Why are you crying?”
I laugh a little. “I’m not sure. You’re just… you’re the most amazing woman, Denise. And you are doing something truly beautiful. You’re growing a baby. I’m so happy for you.”
I reach forward and pull her towards me, my hand on the side of her face. I place my lips on hers, kissing her gently. Slowly, I caress her lower lip with my tongue, urging her to open for me. She meets my kiss eagerly, her tongue sliding against mine. We spend several minutes just savouring each other’s taste, taking our time. This amazing woman is way too good for me, and yet here she is kissing me back. My dick and I both appreciate this a great deal.
I’m about to pull her upstairs to bed when the doorbell rings, followed immediately by a series of loud knocks, causing us to jump apart.
“I know you’re here. Your car is in the driveway. Let me in, Denise. I need to have words with you.”
Oh Shit. It’s Xena.
“Ummm, Denise? I’m so sorry. There’s a chance that I may have told Xena you’re pregnant when I got you decaf coffee this morning.”
And if my plan works out, a few more people will know about the end of the day too. I just hope Denise isn’t too upset with me when it’s all done.
