I tap the camera button and wait for Callum to accept the video call. When he appears, I can’t stop staring at him. His hair is a bit longer, the curls making it wild. Darker scruff lines his jaw, making him look rugged. His cowboy hat rests on the table beside him. Ria is in his arms, dressed in a cute pink-and-cream outfit with a matching headband.
“Oh my God! She’s gotten so big.”
Ria turns toward my voice, looking for me. I know she doesn’t remember me, but it still warms my heart. She smiles at the screen, and the damn hormones rage through my body, making me cry.
“I’ve missed her so much.”
“She missed you. God, baby, you look so beautiful. You’re glowing.”
I can’t help but preen at his words. I worry my face is fat and I look oily, but I tried to make myself pretty but comfortable today. My hair is up in a messy bun, a few thick curls framing my face. I’m wearing brown maternity bibs with wide legs and a green off-the-shoulder shirt.
“Thank you.”
“Baby, just come home. We don’t have to do this Vegas thing. I just need to hold you and solidify our little family in our new home.”
He’s shown me the house, and I love the design. He says he’s waiting to decorate it more until I come back to him.
“Things have changed. I’ve been keeping a secret from you. I don’t want you to be mad.”
“I won’t be. Unless you tell me you’re seeing another man. You didn’t answer my question. Have you moved on?”
“No. But do you miss us? I miss you so much. I needed time to figure a lot out, and in doing so, I let a secret go on without telling you.”
“I miss us so much. I miss everything about you, Andi. I want everything with you.”
“Do you regret keeping us a secret for so long? Are you sure you want to bring me back when we still don’t have this person captured? What about Ria’s safety?”
“Ria needs you. I regret letting you get away. I wish I had chased after you, but I couldn’t because of Ria. I regret that you overheard only part of the conversation. Mostly, I regret notgetting you pregnant so you couldn’t run from me. I wanted to tie you to me so much.”
Shaking my head, I can’t believe he said that.
I slowly stand, letting him see my body. I turn to the side and show him the bump where his child is growing.
“You don’t have to regret that,” I say.
“What the fuck?” he bursts out, startling Ria. She starts to cry.
I hear a door open and then Lia is taking Ria from him. She turns to the screen and sees me. She gives me a sympathetic look before walking out.
“How far along? Is it mine?”
I remain standing. I want to be hurt that he doubts me, but before I can answer him, he holds up a hand.
“Don’t answer that. I know it’s mine. I fucked with your birth control. I just wish I could have been there with you for everything. What is it? How are you doing? How are they?”
I pull the chair forward and slowly sit down. “I’m twenty-nine weeks along. I don’t know what we’re having yet. I was waiting for you. The baby is doing good, other than being big. I’m good. I have problems with my feet swelling. I can’t wear my boots. I’ve stopped riding, just in case I fall.”
“You aren’t doing the Vegas show.”
“I think I should. I think you should meet me there, and we can talk about what’s next.” I pause to pick up the papers. “I had an attorney draw up custody paperwork for you.”
“Not fucking happening. If I have you in Vegas, I’m marrying your ass, Andi.”
“You’re not mad?”
“I told you this is what I wanted. I’m not fucking mad. I wish you had told me sooner, but I’m fucking ecstatic. I want to hold you. Can I come to you now? Ria and I can be there within a day. I’ll travel wherever you are.”
I pull my top lip between my teeth and think about it.
