“Dad, what the hell? Are you stalking me? You know damn well that’s a crime.”
“I’m not stalking you. It’s not hard to tell. Besides, your mother was very hurt to learn of the accident from the news.”
“I didn’t want to worry her. It’s not like I was seriously injured.” It’s a lie, but I’ll keep that to myself. I’m surprised the jerk didn’t hack into my medical charts. I wouldn’t put it past him.
“Benedict, are we going to meet this woman soon?”
“Yes, when we both have time. I’m just getting back to work, and we’ve been dealing with everything that you read about.”
“Yes, so is she after your money?”
“She has her own money. She’s a…”
“Yes, a cop. I read that too. That’s not a good profession for a wife, Ben.”
“Dad, I know it’s not, but we’re not having kids right now.” Not that I don’t plan on trying every chance I get, but she’s on the pill.
Another knock at the door ends this conversation. I get up and get it. Mira is standing there looking a little off color. “What’s up, babe?”
“I came to see how you’re feeling. It’s your first day back.”
“I’m great now that you’re here.”
“Ah, so this is the lovely Miracle.”
“You told him my real name?”
“No. Mira, this nosey and rude man is my father Benedict Carrington Sr.” I look at my father who is smiling like a fool. “Dad, this is my woman Mira Richmond.”
“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m sorry about your family and your home.”
“How? You told…?”
“No, the world is on the internet. All I have to do is look.”
“My dad is one of the big tech guys before it ever became popular. He’s been working in the industry for the past thirty-five years.”
“Oh. That explains a lot.” I narrow my eyes at her because I know where this is going.
“Yep, the kid hates technology. It’s like a sports star whose kid hates sports. Well please come have dinner with us soon.”
“We will,” Mira says. As soon as he’s out the door, she crosses her arms and waits for an explanation.
“What do you want to know?”
“Is he the reason you are averse to tech gadgets?”
“Yes. Our house had a million different electronics, and I was forced to learn about all of it. I hated it. I wanted to play sports, build things with my hands that were made out of more than metal and wire.”
“I get it, but it does explain a lot. Your generation is the first to have cell phones.”
“Enough about my past. What’s really up?” I knew she had a female check up this morning. I hope nothing’s wrong.
“Um…I don’t know how to say this. Goodness. I can’t, but…” She’s playing with the bottom of her shirt, refusing to look up at me.
Fear of the worst comes over me. What if she’s deciding that she can’t be with me? I won’t let that happen. She’s mine, and that’s it. “But what, Mira? You’re freaking me out.”
“I’m pregnant.” I’m shocked speechless for a whole two seconds. This is what I wanted.
“I told you my guys couldn’t be stopped.” I grab her around the waist and twirl her off her feet.
As I set her right, she slaps my chest and says, “Shut it. You’re not upset?”
I lean down and kiss the tip of her nose. “Why? It’s what I want. I know that you’ve been faithful to me, so there’s nothing to be upset about.”
“I’ve been freaking out the entire way here. They say birth control pills can fail, but I expected it after we had sex lots of times.”
“Babe, my swimmers are Olympians. I didn’t know they could find out so soon.”
“Ha. I agree; they’re Olympians on steroids. I was surprised when the doctor told me she wasn’t refilling my pills. They did the first test and followed it up with bloodwork. I go to the doctor at the hospital for my annuals, so they have the equipment to test sooner.”
“Man, I guess some tech is great. I’m so happy. Marry me, Mira.” She cocks her brow then a look of sadness comes over her face. “Don’t. I’m not asking because we’re having a baby. Never mind. Forget I asked.” From the look on her face that didn’t go over well either.
“I should go you have work to do.”
“No. I fucked this up. It’s not the way I had it planned out.” I dig into my pocket and pull out the ring I bought before the accident. I stand before her taking her hand in mine and intertwining our fingers. “I’m madly in love with you, and I have been since the moment we met. I had hoped to ask you tonight, but I got carried away with the news.” I open the small box, then drop down on one knee. “Will you be my forever Miracle?”