“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. I’m gonna handle things a little differently than usual. We have a plan.”
“You’re not going to kill them?”
“No. I’m just gonna make them wish they were dead,” I tell her truthfully. She nods her head as I slip my cut off and lie back down next to her. She slides over next to me and cuddles into my side like she always does.
“I just…I don’t want you to hate me, Tide.”
“I could never hate you, baby. You mean too much to me for that.” I pull Mylah closer to me and hold her like I may never let her go. And I might not. This is it for me. This is what I wanted for a long time now, and now I have her.
There was a time when I didn’t think this would work. That I couldn’t keep her. That I’d never have her. I knew she was with my son. I knew they were together, but I also knew there was something more between us. I could feel it every time I saw her. I could see the look in her eyes, the feelings inside of me.
And as I close my eyes, ready for sleep to come, I know this is all mine and I don’t plan on letting her go. Either one of them.
Chapter 24
Mylah
We met the doctor at his office instead of him coming to us. He said he’d like to do things the right way and get an ultrasound. I’m nervous. I don’t know what to expect but Tide hasn’t left my side. He wanders around the room looking at the machine and the posters on the wall.
“Been a long time since I’ve been in a room like this,” he says as he turns back to me.
“Is it weird?”
“A little. I remember seein’ Christian on that little screen for the first time. It’s…I can’t even describe what it feels like to see your child there.”
“I’m glad you’re here,” I tell him.
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else. I mean it, Mylah. I’m gonna do it all right this time. There’s nothin’ I can do to fix my relationship with Christian, but I’ll do right by this one. By you.”
“I know you will.” The door opens, and the doctor walks in along with someone else.
“This is Angie, she’ll be doing your ultrasound,” he says as the woman sits on her stool. She explains everything she’s doing, right down to the cold gel that she squirts on my stomach. She does a few things, takes a few pictures and then shows us. The little heartbeat. I gasp as Tide tightens his hand around mine.
“Told you,” he whispers.
“Oh my god.”
“You look to be around thirteen weeks.” My heart leaps into my throat when she says it. That means this baby can’t be Christian’s. I look to Tide with tears in my eyes.
“It’s not his,” I whisper as they fall down my cheeks. Tide looks down at me, and a smile tugs across his face. He leans down and kisses me softly before he whispers, “Thank you.”
“Everything looks good, Mylah. I want you to start prenatal vitamins, and we’ll get some bloodwork, but I will see you back in a month.” I look back at the doctor and nod my thanks, too happy to even speak. This baby is Tide’s. There’s no doubt about it. Tears continue to fall down my face as Tide helps me sit up. When the ultrasound tech leaves the room, he’s on me. His lips are claiming mine in a kiss that rivals all others. His tongue sweeps into my mouth, toying with mine. I kiss him back, loving the way he kisses me.
When he pulls away, he grins.
“I’m gonna fuck you all over that clubhouse tonight.”
“You’re crazy,” I laugh.
“You think so? For you, maybe. We’re gettin’ married, Mylah.”
“What? No. No, we’re not.”
“Yeah, we are. I told you I’m doin’ this right this time,” he says while he looks at me intently. He isn’t joking. He really wants to get married.
“Tide, come on. We don’t need to rush this,” I tell him as I climb off the table and stand to my feet. He grabs me quickly, pinning me against the wall.
