Intense (Dark Hearts)

“That’s bullshit. I can’t say I wasn’t shocked, but I know her. She’s lied to me my entire life—why would she suddenly have the urge to tell me the truth? Besides, I didn’t believe you would do that to me.”

“Oh. Well, at first, I wondered, but then I thought better of it. I was going to call you, but since I figured she was here after seeing you, then it must be bullshit. I rushed to get away from her and ran straight into that asshole guard you hired. He’d been following me for days, so I thought he would help me, but he pulled a gun on me.”

“What happened in the car?” the detective asks.

I go on to explain what happened, and everyone gasps when they admitted to trying to kill me. “I did what I had to do to give myself a chance.”

“That’s very brave,” the detective says.

“Is it really, when it’s the only choice I had?”

“Yes. Many would beg for their lives or something.”

“Thank you. I didn’t know where they were taking me, but I found the first chance I got and took it.”

“That’s incredible. It’s probably the only reason you’re alive.”

“Yes, if she knew you could testify against her, there’s no way Anna would have let you live. What I don’t understand is her motives?”

“I think I do. When she came to my office, she screeched about you ruining her relationship with the love of her life.”

“How did I do that? After she and I divorced, I fought her for you, but when they said I wasn’t able to get you because I wasn’t your father, I threw in the towel. I never spoke to her again.”

“What happened with her lover?”

“He left her for another woman when I was seventeen.”

“And she blames me?”

“I think she’d blame everything on you if she could. Her hatred for you made no sense to me until today. It really has to do with me. She wanted Amelia out of my life. I realize I resemble my sperm donor. When I cut her out of my life, she blamed you. I told her it was all her, but she’s fucking delusional.”

“What happened to the other guy? Why doesn’t she hate him?” Rachel asks.

“He died of a heart attack, ironically, with the other woman, leaving me his company when I was nineteen. He said he made mistakes, and not giving me the life he gave his other kids haunted him. So he left it to me. I built it up and sold it, giving my half siblings a big chunk of the sale.”

“That’s generous.”

“It’s not. It should have been theirs to begin with. He was never my father. He abandoned them after claiming to love them. Damn, my lineage is really fucked up.”

“It’s time to start over.”

“Oh my goodness. Speaking of, Ms. Reeves. We need to speak in private.”

“I don’t think there’s anything you can’t say here.”

“Actually. Our blood tests in the lab took a while longer because we have two people out sick, but we need to inform you that...” The doctor takes a long pause. “You’re pregnant.” I shoot my eyes straight to Roman, afraid of what he’s going to think.

“Pregnant?”

“Yes, but it’s very early. Your numbers just reach that level. We’ll want to do another test before we release you just to measure the levels, but we’re fairly certain that you aren’t far along.” On our one night together, we didn’t use any protection.

“Oh…goodness.”

“I’m going to be a grandma!”

“I’m going to be a grandpa!” They both cheer happily, but I’m looking at Roman who looks stunned, almost frozen in place.

“I’m tired. I would like to sleep, please.”

They all file out but Roman, who stops. “I’m sorry, Roman. I know this isn’t what you expected.”

“Amelia, we weren’t careful. And although I should feel bad that I got what I wanted, I don’t. I love the idea that you’re pregnant with my baby. It’s you I’m worried about.”

“You want me to have your baby?”

“Of course. I mean, I would have liked a little more you and me time before then, but I love you, Amelia. You make me want things I didn’t know I needed.”

“So we’re having a baby.”

“Do you not want it?” The absolute look of horror on his face nearly breaks my heart.

“Of course I do. I would have just done everything I could to raise the baby alone.”

“Over my dead body, Princess.” He reaches out and presses his hand to my stomach. “You’re my world. The both of you are.” He bends and kisses my lips. He’s tender and careful.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this?”

“Amelia. I’m not a man who changes his mind. I wanted you from the first day we met, and that’s what made me an asshole. I’d never felt that way before. I almost lost you. You have no idea how much my world felt like it was crumpling. You’re lucky if I ever let you out of my sight again.”