A Baby for the Babysitter

I sigh. “Well, we went to the police, of course, but according to them, there isn’t much they can do unless I press charges. And I just didn’t feel comfortable doing that.”

Pet stares.

“Yeah, but he punched you. I remember the bruise on your cheek.”

I nod and look down.

“I know, but I felt like pressing charges meant I was going to have to re-live the whole thing, so I decided to give myself a break. I mean, of course I told Child Mine about Tristan, and they banned him immediately. There’s also a central database that I guess all the babysitting agencies use, and they red-flagged him, so I think he’s going to have a hard time finding help from here on out. So at least on that front there are some protections in place,” I say. “I don’t want what happened to me to happen to some other unsuspecting woman.”

Pet takes my hand. “No, it’s fine,” she says softly. “Every woman has to do what’s right for herself, and I can only imagine how awful that was for you.”

I squeeze her hand. “I’m okay, honestly. I’m just thankful that Jared showed up when he did, although I guess I’m just worried about Tristan’s kid— that poor baby is going to grow up with a horrible person. I hope he just doesn’t become a horrible person because of all the bad influences.”

“Well, I’ll punch this Tristan person if I ever see him on the street,” Pet says in a vengeful voice, already beginning to shadowbox. “What an asshole!”

I giggle.

“Um yes, but also how would you even know what he looks like? You didn’t meet him,” I tease my buddy. She shakes off my doubt with an airy toss of her head.

“Oh trust me, I would know. Instinct. That prick wouldn’t stand a chance.” Pet makes a fake karate chop in the air. “Anyway, what about that di—” she looks over at my mother and lowers her voice. “Are you and Jared going to come back to Sanctum at all? We haven’t seen you in a long time.”

I lean in close so that our voices are barely above a whisper. After all, my mom and Vivi are in the room, and even if they’re giggling about their own little inside joke, I still don’t want them to overhear this particular part of the conversation.

“I don’t know,” I whisper. “I think so, and I kind of hope so. The club is always so much fun, and Jared and I definitely like to keep things spicy so to say.”

Petunia giggles, her brown curls bouncing.

“Well, I hope you come soon because as an FYI, they just redid the below-ground pool in the basement and wow, have I heard some stories about the crazy parties going on there.”

I shoot her a meaningful look.

“You mean, parties as in orgies?” I say in a wry tone.

Pet winks once more.

“Girl you know it. I live for that shit.”

I laugh too, my insides going warm.

“Oh my gosh, that is so naughty, but yeah, I’d definitely like to try it out sometime.” But then, I shoot my friend a stern look. “Wait, have you been to the new pool yet?”

She gets a devious look in her eye.

“A couple times already,” she admits in a low voice. “It was so filthy, and Marce, I’m surprised I’m not pregnant from being in the water alone, there’s that much debauchery going on.”

I stare, my mouth dropping open.

“Holy shit.”

She nods knowingly.

“Hell yeah. They’re going to have to add spermicide to the water soon if they want to keep the girls from getting pregnant.” But then, my friend starts and squeals, looking at something over my shoulder. “Hey, you’re not supposed to be here!” she exclaims.

I turn around and shriek, my hands going down to cover my dress.

“OMG Jared, no! You’re not supposed to see me in my dress before the wedding!”

“Too late, I’m coming in,” Jared growls, laughing as he strolls into my bridal suite. I blush profusely as he stops dead in his tracks and stares at me. “Oh my god, baby,” he says, his voice catching. “You look stunning.”

I giggle a little because my wedding gown is absolutely gorgeous with a sweetheart neckline, long sleeves, and a bodice which hugs my waist. There’s a long lace skirt which is a bit old-fashioned, but I love it nonetheless, and I’m wearing the palest of blue slippers beneath the hem.

“You like?” I ask softly, my heart swelling with love.

His azure eyes flare.

“I definitely like. You’re the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on,” he growls before leaning in for a kiss. Then he whispers in my ear, “God I can’t wait to marry you, sweetheart.”

I giggle a little and hide a bit behind my handsome groom so that my mom and bridesmaid can’t hear.