The Better Brother

“I don’t want your goddamn money, Reed. And I don’t want you.”

The hurt that flashed across his face was visceral. I knew I’d cut him, but in my mind, he’d had it coming. I expected an argument, a show of his power, but instead he bowed his head and a tear slipped down his cheek.

Without another word, he got up and walked out.

*

It would be some time before I’d see him again. He didn’t push himself on me, but he did take care of me financially, and I let him. After all, it was his child I was carrying.

Kayla had been my biggest supporter otherwise, and finally, at four months, she’d gone with me to see the first ultrasound that would determine the sex of our baby.

“You’re glowing, Bella. Just think, when we leave this appointment, you’ll know if you’re having a son or a daughter, and Auntie Kayla will be able to buy gender-specific presents and plan your baby shower.”

“Don’t go spending a ton of money. This little one will have more than enough of what he or she needs.”

“Speaking of Daddy Babybucks, don’t be mad, but-”

My head snapped around to see her wince. “You didn’t.”

“You’ve been miserable without him, admit it!” She held a hand up defensively.

“So what? He lied to me. ”

“Yeah, I get that, but tell me something, if he’d asked you, what would you have said?”

She knew I’d have been all for it. That I’d always wanted a baby and that I had had enough faith in Reed to try.

“I’d have said yes. But he didn’t ask.”

“And since you sent him packing, he’s miserable, Bella. Rick said he’s not eating, he’s not sleeping. He’s afraid you’re not going to let him see the baby too.”

The thought of strong Reed having a tough time was enough to tug my heartstrings, and I’d been very careful not to let myself feel sorry for him or miss him too badly. But it was hard not to have him there with me through it. When I’d learned I was pregnant, I’d been so relieved that he’d been excited and that he’d wanted the baby. I had wanted someone to go through it with me, someone to share the experience with, and Kayla hadn’t been my first pick.

“I’d never keep the baby from him. I’d like to see him, but I’m still angry. I don’t know if I can forgive him, Kayla. I want to, but I’ll always know he lied.” I wondered if that was why he’d never wanted me to know.

“Yes, he lied, and it was a total asshole move, but he loves you. And don’t forget that he signed all of that money over to you. In my opinion, he’s more than proven that he’s in this for the right reasons, regardless of how it all started out.”

I knew she was right and that my own stubbornness was making me as miserable as it was apparently making him.

“He’s inside waiting. You can be mad if you want, but I think you two should try and fi

x this. You love each other and this baby, boy or girl, is going to need both parents.”

I knew she was right, but it was hard to face Reed and not fall apart.

“I just felt it was only fair he be here for this.”

“You’re right,” I finally admitted.

I got out of the car and headed for the office, and sure enough, Reed was sitting in the waiting room, surrounded by other expectant mothers and staring at his shoes. He looked up and saw me from across the room and stood up, his hands wringing together.

“Bella. You look beautiful.”

My heart ached, and I wanted to hug him, but I couldn’t.

“Thanks.” I sat with him and kept quiet, and he and Kayla spoke a little back and forth as I signed in. They brought us right back, and I was confused why I hadn’t had to wait.

“You paid them to get me in sooner?” I let out a breath and held back a smile. Of course, he wouldn’t want to sit and wait any longer than he had to.