The Sweetest Revenge

My heart starts racing in my chest and I stare at Libby, my eyes wide. I know I need to talk to him, but I figured he would still be at work for at least a couple more hours, giving me some time to prepare myself on how to deliver the news.

Libby puts her hands on my shoulders and whispers, “Just breathe. It’s okay.”

I follow her directions, taking deep breaths, in and out, until my heart slows to a normal rate. She points at the phone and I remember I have to say something.

“That’s great,” I say into my cell. “Sure, I’ll stop by in thirty minutes if that works for you?”

“Can’t wait, sweetheart,” he growls. “And wear something sexy.”

“Bye,” I manage in a slightly choked voice. Clearly, Jack has no idea of the bomb I’m about to drop, given that he’s still being playful and flirtatious. He’ll have no idea what just hit him when the time comes.

Meanwhile, Libby presses the end button on my phone and I take a deep breath before meeting her eyes.

“How am I going to break the news, Libs?”

She merely smiles gently.

“You are stronger than you think, Dakota. You can do this! Just go over there and be straightforward - tell him you’re pregnant with his child. The man knows how babies are made, nor is he dumb or ignorant. This was always a possibility and today you’ll find out if he’s the man you think he is.”

I’m still really scared though.

“But what if he doesn’t want it or me?”

Libby pulls on my shoulders and as I sit up straight, she cups my face so I’m looking right in her eyes. “If that’s his decision, then he doesn’t deserve you.” She glances down at my belly, and then back up at me. “Either of you,” she says in a firm tone.

I take a moment to let her words sink in and then nod.

“Okay.”

“Good,” she says in a business-like voice. “Now, let’s get you ready. You heard the man – dress sexy! No seriously, whatever the outcome, you might as well go over there looking beautiful. Show him what he’s got to lose if he doesn’t act right.”

I laugh softly despite myself. “Thanks, Libs. I don’t know what I’d do without you. I love you.”

“You’d be lost without me,” she says with a big smile. “And I love you, too, sweetie. Now let’s get to work.”

The next twenty minutes go by in a flash. Libby picks out a demure but attractive outfit and puts product in my curls, giving them shine and bounce. Since I’m not big on wearing makeup, she keeps it simple with just lip gloss and mascara. It’s a version of my daily look, but Libby somehow makes it better.

“You’re gorgeous,” she says. “Now, go!”

I smile and wave while stepping into my car, although my cheery demeanor covers the fact that I actually feel like a zombie. Nerves strike again, and I wonder if I’m going to be sick.

Fortunately, Jack only lives a few streets over so it isn’t long before I’m pulling into the driveway. Just like the first time, I pull all the way around so that my vehicle can’t be seen from the street. Then, I turn off the ignition and drop my head to the steering wheel. Am I really ready for this? I want to pull together my thoughts, but it feels impossible seeing how my brain’s flitting about. If Libby were here, I know her advice would be for me to just be blunt. Don’t sugar coat anything and leave no room for doubt. Her approach makes sense, it’s just that I’m not sure I can do it.

Sitting back up, I stare at myself in the rearview mirror and count to ten in my head. “It’s going to be okay,” I whisper to myself. “You’ll be fine, Dakota.” Then I force myself to step out of the car.

I knock, and then try the front door. Sure enough, it’s open and I let myself in. When I turn after shutting the door, Jack is walking into the foyer to greet me, a sexy smile on his face. He looks so handsome with his chiseled features and black hair, and my heart seizes with longing. But I have to stay sane. I can’t forget my mission.

Meanwhile, the alpha male wraps his arms around me and kisses me. “Hey gorgeous,” he murmurs against my lips.

I swallow heavily.

“Hi Jack,” I manage to get out without sounding too wretched. He merely smiles and kisses me again, and for a few minutes, I let myself forget why I’m here. I close my eyes and kiss him back, and just enjoy the way my body comes to life under his touch. No one has ever made me feel more desirable, more wanted, or more loved than Jack, and I wish this could last forever.