Chapter 1
Finding out you’re pregnant can be a huge, massive shock when it’s unplanned. And telling my partner, that made me even more of a nervous wreck. And I was already an emotional wreck. How was he going to react? It was hard to think when so many emotions were flooding through me.
I gripped Marcus’s hands. “Baby, I’m pregnant.”
His jaw dropped. “Wait…what? What did you just say?”
“I’m having a baby, our baby. I know this is unexpected and sudden, but I knew I needed to tell you right away.”
“But I thought you were on birth control,” he said.
“I was, but it happened anyway. And I swear I took those pills like clockwork. But still, there’s a tiny chance you can get pregnant. Damn, maybe I should play the lotto.”
He touched my stomach. “You’re…?”
“Yes,” I whispered.
“Really?”
I smiled as he tried to process my words. “Welcome to fatherhood.”
“I’m going to be a father?” he asked.
I nodded. “Yes!”
He wrapped his arms around me as excitement overwhelmed him. I could tell how happy he was by the tears welling in his eyes. “I’m nervous, but I’m super happy.”
“You’re happy about this? I thought you’d be furious with me.”
“I’m a little scared, confused, and shocked. But how could I ever be mad at you? It might not be planned, but a child is a blessing.”
“I’m still trying to process it myself,” I said.
“Yeah, I’m trying to figure out what it all means.”
“It means you’ll have to drink less beer and play fewer video games.”
He laughed.
We both stared at each other in complete and utter disbelief.
“I wasn’t sure how you’d want to handle this,” I said. “We do have choices or options. But I want us to decide what to do together.”
He softly touched my stomach and pondered. “There’s another life growing inside of you. He or she is going to gradually develop into a person with a unique personality, interests, and talents. I want to meet my son or daughter.” His gaze narrowed. “Rebecca, I don’t want you to get an abortion. I know it’s your decision, and I’ll stand by whatever you choose. But please think about this long and hard. But whatever you choose, I will respect it.”
“I was talking about adoption.”
“I’m not giving our child away for somebody else to raise.”
I clutched my heart. “I’m kind of freaking out here. How am I going to do this?”
He wrapped his arms around me and spoke words of encouragement. “You’re not alone, and I’m going to be there every step of the way.”
I clung to him. “Things just changed big time. Nothing will ever be the same again. And we don’t even really know each other. Are we ready to handle something like this?”
He pondered, then let out a long breath. “It’s bit of a shock, but it’s about time I grew up anyway. I’m going to be a man, Rebecca. I’m going to take care of this baby. I’m going to be a damn good father. No nannies. All hands on.”
He seemed so sincere, and I nodded.
“I knew the stakes were high when I met this amazing woman who literally blew my mind,” he said. “And I know I don’t want to lose her. Not ever. So I started getting my act together because I don’t want to lose the most wonderful thing in my life.” I smiled, and he continued. “I miss you when I’m not with you. When I’m not with you, all I do is think about you. When I think about you, I just want to be with you. When I’m with you, it’s like all of my dreams have come true.” He softly touched my cheek. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” I said. “And every time I see you, I just want to hold you in my arms and never let go.”
“I had lots of depressing days before you came along. But I know one thing for sure. You’re worth waking up for. And having a baby with you, it’s the most exciting thing ever.”
I kissed his lips, and we shared a gentle kiss.
I touched my stomach. “I can’t believe I’m going to have a baby.”
“I’m going to be…a dad.”
And I’m going to be…a mom.”
I smiled as he kissed my lips.
“Let’s confirm your pregnancy by having an ultrasound,” Marcus said, “and then we can meet with a pregnancy counselor to discuss our situation.”
I nodded.
Chapter 2
Marcus got me into the doctor’s office right away.
I’d developed a little game to pass the times in my life when I had to face difficult situations.
The game was this: I’d shut my eyes—just for a second—and think of a time before. Any time, it didn’t matter. Studying at the library, renting my first car, coming home after a bad date. Anything. I’d focus all my energy on that one little thought. And for a moment—just a moment—I would forget what was happening.
Then I would open my eyes and snap back into reality.
“Lie back,” the tech instructed, guiding my feet onto the padded exam table. “Now, try to relax. This is going to be a little cold.”
Try to relax.