It's Our Time (Carolina Rebels 3)

“Ian,” I start. “She’s three!”

“And it’ll last her a lifetime,” he replies calmly. “You’re not going to change my mind, so either help me pick or be quiet.” He looks to Katie. “Can you go ahead and get me that chain? In silver, please.”

“Of course.” She seems relieved to be able to walk away.

“I know you want to do it, and I know why, but it’s outrageous to spend that much on her at this age, Ian.”

“So, you’re saying you like the heart one better?”

I sigh and look down at it. “I really love it, but I’ll strangle you if you buy that for her.”

“Good to know. Now, for real, go look at engagement rings while I make my final decision.” He gently pushes me away.

Please, dear god, do not let him spend a thousand dollars on our child. I walk in the general direction of the engagement rings, but it seems silly and I’m too worried over what he’ll do. I know he can afford it because I’ve seen his bank account. Ian, I’ve learned, is mindful when it comes to spending his money. He doesn’t spend money unnecessarily or ridiculously. Except when it comes to Savannah, apparently. You could count me too, I guess, since he’s paying for everything for me and let me go on a shopping spree and redo Savannah’s room.

I’m looking without really looking when Ian comes up with a small bag. “Well?”

He hands it to me. I look inside and see three boxes. One would be the smaller chain.

“You got her both?” I glance up with wide eyes. “I’m going to kill you!” I whisper with vehemence. “Ian!”

He laughs and shakes his head, reaching in to grab one of the boxes. “I got the heart one for you.”

“What?”

“Turn around, babe.” I do. “You kept looking at it and drooling. So, it’s yours. Happy You Gave Birth to My Daughter and I Love You for It Day or Birthing Day for short. You deserve something, too.” The necklace rests on my chest and a moment later, he clasps it, lifting my hair so the chain lies on my skin instead. He removed the birthstone necklace he gave me and put it in the box, so now I’m wearing only this one. “You’ll have to alternate or something. I don’t know. Can’t wear both, though.”

I turn to face him, speechless, so I kiss him. “Thank you, but you didn’t have to do that.”

“Welcome. Let’s keep shopping. You can thank me again tonight.” He grins and I roll my eyes.

We took too much time in the jewelry store, but that’s okay. It doesn’t take us long to pick out a few toys for her. Then, we’re on our way to the airport. I probably shouldn’t be this nervous about seeing Mr. Rhett, but I am. Ian said he didn’t actually dislike me, but what if he did just a little bit? That had to play a part in why he didn’t tell Ian about me being pregnant. Or maybe I’m being selfish in thinking I had any part in it.

“Stop worrying, gorgeous.”

“What makes you think I’m worried?”

“Your legs do the nervous jig. Dad knows he’s on thin ice. He’ll behave.”

Mr. Rhett doesn’t just behave. Ian and I are standing in the open lobby-like area of the airport. Ian sees him first, tapping his fingers against my lower back where his hands rest to get my attention. When I see him, my first thought is that he hasn’t aged at all. Mr. Rhett looks exactly as he did when I last saw him. Then, it’s a flashback to our last conversation.

“I haven’t heard from Ian. Did you tell him?”

“Yes, I told him.”

“Oh.” And he hasn’t messaged me at all? My throat tightens. He must have taken advantage of the fact that I said he didn’t have to be a part of the baby’s life if he didn’t want to be.

“I’m sorry, Sydney,” Mr. Rhett says.

My throat tightens now, just as it did then. It’s always bothered me that he outright lied to me. I’d rather that he tell me he hadn’t talked to him yet and then ignore my calls than to lie to me. That broke my heart, him telling me that. My eyes well with tears, remembering the days of tears that came after until I found the resolution to accept it and continue moving forward.

“I don’t know if I can do this,” I suddenly whisper.

Ian’s head jerks down to look at me. “What?”

“I know it was my idea that you give him a second chance, but,” my chest heaves as the whirlwind of emotions from that time overwhelm me, “I don’t think I can do this.”

“Babe,” Ian begins, but he’s cut off because the distance between us and his father has finally been eliminated.