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“It’s more complicated than that. And there are two options here… which I will make clear after I explain more.”
“Options? For Chloe? Is she like… getting an abortion?”
“No.” I shook my head. “That would be her business, but no. She’s very much going to have a baby in June—or July.”
“Depending on when she releases the hostage?”
I snickered, unsurprised by her using a phrase horse breeders had for mares who refused to just get it over with. You needed gallows humor for all the sleepless nights—something we were about to experience as our own mares delivered their foals.
“Yes. But… Piper… it’s more complicated. The baby is… mine, too.”
Piper cocked her head. “Dad, don’t be stupid!”
“I’m really not.”
“So, like… as a sperm donor?”
“I’m afraid not.” I winced.
She stood, hand covering her mouth. “Why? Why would you—why would she? How? When?”
I declined answering her final questions, proceeding with my careful speech.
“Piper, I know it’s odd and probably messy, but Chloe and I started to see each other. You know how I feel about introducing you too soon to anyone. Then, as I was about to say something, you left and Chloe went to Florida. I didn’t know she was pregnant, okay? She took her time to decide what she wanted to do.”
Piper discarded her burger before pacing. Unable to speak, she wrapped her arms around Fable’s neck, burying her head in the mare’s mane. I let it go, sat, and waited for her words.
She turned. “Who knows?”
I sensed she was mortified more than anything. That wasn’t what I predicted, but I could handle it all the same.
“All the barn workers. A couple clients. Chloe’s family. Grandma and Grandpa. I told them last week.”
“God, are you not totally embarrassed?”
“Shit happens, Piper,” I snickered. “No one has been mean. Are you worried about that?”
“Uh… yes!”
“Because?”
“Chloe is super hot and way too young for you. And you’re like a million years old and should not be having a baby.”
“Your mother is also older—”
“And that is also mortifying. But at least her baby was made with science. You…” She lowered her voice. “You had sex with her!”
I resisted the urge to burst into laughter. “Piper, that is how most babies are made, yes. It wasn’t intentional. Accidents happen, but this baby is wanted. We’ve decided to move forward. You can feel however you want about this because it affects you, too.”
“I will.” She moved quickly to throw open the stall door and race out.
“Where are you going?” I called after her.
“For proof!” Piper shouted back, steamrolling ahead.
* * *
CHLOE
