Perfect Bastard (Mason Creek)

I’d planned to tell Nate, but he’d been so distant. He hadn’t responded to my apologies. I feared if I told him, he’d think I was trying to trap him.

“Avery, honey, I know this is your choice. But give him a chance to be a part of the decision.”

“He doesn’t want to talk to me.”

Dad came and sat on the bed next to me. He stroked a hand down my hair. “Then I’ll go with you. You’ll need someone after.”

“I’ll think about it.”

He coaxed the appointment place and time out of me, warning someone should know where I’d be in case. With Haley gone and Mom still in Florida, I gave him the information he requested, though I made him promise not to tell Mom. Given she’d had me and married Dad, I didn’t think she’d agree with my decision.

I curled up in a ball on my bed. My heart was way too heavy. I didn’t want to do it. At the same time, I thought it was for the best. I’d done enough harm to Nate. I could do this for his sake.

And that was how I stayed until it was time to leave for my appointment.

TWENTY-NINE

Nate

Since I recognized the truck, I ignored the knock at the front door until Sunshine came and got me. “There’s someone here for you.”

“Tell her I’m not here,” I said.

“It’s not a her, and he says it’s urgent.”

I took my time getting to the door, knowing who was there. I held onto the frame as I opened the door. Sure enough, Avery’s father stood on the other side.

“I’m really not interested in anything you have to say.”

“I think you might be.” He held up a Ziplock bag with the unmistakable pregnancy test stick inside, the word ‘pregnant’ very visible on the display.

There was not a hint of amusement in my dark chuckle. “What, she couldn’t blackmail me with the article, and now suddenly she’s pregnant? And you’re here as the concerned father to sell this pack of lies to me?”

“You have every right to be angry. But not with her. This is all my fault—for my jealousy of your father. And my own insecurities in my marriage and other things. But—I’m not here for that. The other can wait. Right now, I’m here because you deserve to know.”

I slow-clapped. “You guys make a great team.”

“She didn’t tell you. She doesn’t plan to tell you because,”—he looked at his watch—“she’s on her way to get rid of it. I didn’t think she’d go through with it. But when I woke up this morning, she was gone. She says she’s doing it for you. That you hate her enough. And maybe that’s true, but I’d be short an amazing daughter if her mom hadn’t told me. I did a lot of things wrong—a lot of things—but she is the very best of me. I don’t think she wants to do this. She’s doing it to spare you. There are other things I need to say, but I woke up late. And it doesn’t leave you a lot of time to stop her.” He rattled off the name of the place and the time of her appointment. “Do with that information as you please. Again, I thought you should know.”

He left, and I stood there with the door in my hand, fighting for breath. Had everything she said been true? Was what her father was saying true? Was she killing our child because I’d been a straight asshole to her? I wasn’t sure what I felt, but if she was only reacting to me and not making her own choice, I had to stop her.

I called out to Sunshine and Dad, letting them know I was leaving. My brother called when I was in the car. “I have the contract. I’ve reviewed it. It’s ready for you to sign.”

“Later,” I said.

“Nate, what the fuck, man? You’re sitting on your ass all day—”

I hung up on him as I flew down the highway. I kept checking the time, wondering if I’d make it.

THIRTY

Avery

How was it possible to still have tears? I hadn’t stopped crying. Could you dehydrate yourself from crying? I’d pulled over twice, wondering if I was doing the right thing.

By the time I made it, I was firm in my decision. The tears had dried up, and I parked. My earlier indecision made me nearly late, so I was running to the clinic that provided all types of care for mothers to be when I spotted Nate.

I tried to walk by him, but he stepped in my way. “Please, move aside,” I said.

“We need to talk.” His statement brooked no argument.

“I’m going to be late.”

“You can get another appointment after we talk.”

“I don’t know what my father told you,” I began because Dad was the only one who knew, as Haley was still out of town, “but I’ve decided to keep it. And I’ll sign whatever you want. You don’t have to pay child support or see me and my child. My mom gave me a little money and we’ll be fine.”