Stay with Me (Brook Hollow 2)

“It’s okay. I understand.” She gave him a polite smile, wishing they could at least form a friendship. Right now it was too painful, maybe in a few years. Their baby deserved two parents who were at least kind to one another and not full of hate. “Do you want to reschedule this talk?”

Please say yes.

She led him to the couch and gestured for him to sit down. He did, looking right at her. She ignored her body’s positive signs of excitement. “It’s okay. I have to admit I am very curious. You sounded so serious last night.”

Mia cleared her throat and chose to sit in the loveseat across from the couch. Sitting so close to him would be pure torture. She might as well begin before she lost her nerve. “It is very serious, and I feel scared to tell you, but I also know it has to be done. You already think I am a liar and a bad person-”

“I don’t, Mia,” he interrupted her with a deep frown. “I was angry and blown away. I often don’t think before I blurt shit out.”

“It’s fine, Abel. I’m not here for an apology. I had good reasons for lying but that is in the past.” She turned slightly to look at him. She clenched her fingers together tightly. “First I want you to know this wasn’t intentional and I am not trying to trap you.”

He looked more alert and his brown eyes narrowed but he stayed silent.

“I just found out I am pregnant.” She placed a hand over her slim stomach as if anticipating angry words from him. She braced herself for a lot of negativity. “I am only a few weeks from what the doctor says. I know we used condoms but somehow they failed.”

Abel didn’t say a word. He stared at her as if trying to understand her words. He looked shell-shocked. If he was pissed off, she’d rather he yell or something. His silence made everything feel so much worse.

“Say something, even if you want to call me names.” She forced the words out of her mouth.

Abel finally spoke but his voice was low. “Those were the last words I expected. I am speechless, Mia. My brain is not accepting it yet.”

“I know. I sat in shock when the doctor told me, too. I think he told me several times before it sunk in.” She sighed, pushing a curl behind her ear. “I just want you to know I already love this baby. I am not expecting anything from you, Abel. I just thought you should know. Jessy told me a little bit about your past so I get the fact you might not believe me. I can give you my doctor’s number if you want to call him as proof. I won’t be offended.”

“You can’t leave, Mia,” he spit out suddenly, interrupting her practiced speech.

“What? Why?” She felt confused. He wasn’t calling her names or screaming out accusations, but he didn’t look thrilled either. She wasn’t expecting much from him but it wounded her feelings. This baby was his flesh and blood and had no fault in their rocky relationship. It was obvious he was still clinging to the past and a relationship between them would be impossible.

“How can I get to know my child if you live in New York?” he asked, staring at her with his dark brown eyes. She hadn’t thought of that, but to her, New York City was home.

“I’m not in danger, Abel. Frank is getting help, finally. I have Gwen and her family for support. They know and are willing to help me out until I get on my feet again. Because of Frank I had to drain my savings account, but I will work to make a safe life for this baby.”

“You have me, my family, and Becky here,” he reminded her. “Look, this is unexpected so again I feel overwhelmed with too many emotions. I remember how desperate that first time was. I know you are not trying to trap me. I know you’d be a great mother, but—”

His phone started buzzing. He looked aggravated. “Shit. I have to get that.”

Mia nodded and watched him walk off to the kitchen to answer it. She forgot all about the coffee she had just made. She had googled what not to eat and drink for pregnant women. Coffee was on the list of not so good unless it was decaffeinated. Yuk, she thought. She had yet to make a doctor appointment, but she had to soon.

Abel came back into the room. “I have to go handle something at work. I’d delegate if I could.”

“Of course. I know how busy you are.” She stood up, feeling relief that this was over. She felt awkward and filled with sorrow at the same time. She had high hopes for a minute that she’d finally found a good man only to be fooled yet again. “Again, I just wanted you to know, but I don’t expect anything from you, Abel. If I do stick around town, I hope we can find a common ground and get along.”

He looked like he wanted to say something but he sighed. He ran his fingers thru his shaggy hair. “We’ll talk some more, I promise. I’m glad you told me, Mia. Never be scared to tell me anythin

g. I may act like a fool for a minute but I will come to my senses sooner or later.”

“Good to know.” She smiled for the first time in a long time. She opened the door and watched him leave. After he left, she sat on the couch feeling like Alice in Wonderland going down the rabbit hole. That had not gone as expected but she was okay with that. Abel had not freaked out at least. Maybe they could at least be friends. It made her sad because she loved him so much. She had thought she loved Frank, but she realized now she just wanted to be in love so bad like Gwen and Mitch she had clung to the first man who had paid her any attention. She had grown since then, and now she knew a man wasn’t going to make her happy. She had to choose to find happiness with whatever life handed her. A baby was a wonderful gift. She was sure Abel was not capable of love after having his heart shattered. Maybe he truly loved the woman who hurt him. That made her feel sorry for him. What kind of foolish woman walked away from his love?

* * * *

Mia watched the Christmas parade with Jessy and her younger sister Lily. People came in and out to warm up and order a coffee to brave the cold air. Most wanted to be as close to the street as possible waiting for the main star, Santa. It was really cold outside and they were predicting snow by tonight. Mia was fine with watching from the window in a comfortable chair.

“Oh look how cute.” Lily pointed to a group of small dogs wearing small Santa hats. They were being walked by the local animal shelter with signs that the pets were up for adoption. “I want to adopt one.”

“I doubt your apartment allows pets, Lily,” Jessy said sympathetically as Lily pouted and agreed. Lily shared an apartment with Lincoln’s sister Melanie.

“They are cute, huh?” Mia observed as they walked on their leashes. Most of them were small and had their tails wagging excitedly. People clapped at each float that drove by slowly throwing candy to the spectators. The atmosphere was happy and filled with holiday cheer. Mia felt a little more upbeat today. “Maybe I should get a pet to keep me company.”

“Yes, and I can babysit.” Lily cheered up.