Rugged Daddy

“What’s that?” he asked. “Did you go to the doctor?”

I couldn't speak. Instead, I slid the piece of paper over to him. He picked it up, holding it in his fingers as his eyes flickered across the highlighted words.

Then, his eyes widened.

“You’re pregnant?” he asked.

“I, um, I mean, I hadn’t been feeling well the past couple of days. I figured it was the flu or something, so I booked an appointment and the doctor came back with this.”

His eyes fell back to the sheet of paper before a huge smile crept across his cheeks.

“Heather, you’re pregnant,” he said.

“I know,” I said.

“Do you need anything? Wait a second, how much was that appointment? That’s my bill to foot. Are you feeling sick right now? Because we can leave and go get you something for it.”

I reached out and took his hands in mine to settle his questions. They were sweet, but I wasn’t concerned about that. I knew Andrew would take care of me. I knew he was that kind of man, but that wasn’t where my worry lied.

“We canceled our agreement,” I said

.

“That doesn’t matter. You’re carrying my child. This due date on the paper, it lines up with when—”

“I know,” I said. “But the reason we canceled in the first place …”

His eyes met mine, and I watched him nod.

“I’m okay,” I said. “I’ve got a bottle of prenatal vitamins in that bag along with a lot of information to read over. I’ve got a headache, but that’s been normal for a couple of days now. I’m struggling with some recipes in the shop, but nothing I can’t handle. That’s not what I’m worried about.”

“You’re worried about us,” he said.

“I am. The status of our relationship is shaky, at best.”

“I wasn’t under that impression when I left.”

“We didn’t really … discuss things,” I said with a grin.

He chuckled as his hands encompassed mine. It felt good to be back within reaching distance of him.

“It’s good to see you,” I said.

“It’s good to see you, too, and I don’t want you worrying about all this relationship stuff. It’ll work out, okay? I’m here, and I’m not leaving your side. Whatever you need, it’ll be covered. Agency or not. I’ll be there for every appointment, and if you ever need something, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Okay,” I said. “I believe you.”

“Good,” he said as he bent down to kiss my hands. “That’s good. That’s a good start.”

“So how was your trip to see your family?”

His face grew somber, and it made me worried.

“Let’s focus on something happier,” he said. “Like this. Like you. Like us. Like this child.”

“You don’t want to talk about it?” I asked.

“Not right now, no.”