Page 78

“Just hold on to me so I don’t fall over and roll into the street like Veronica fromWillie Wonka and the Chocolate Factorywhen she blew up into a blueberry.”

I chuckle and make sure I have a hold on her arm tucked tightly into my elbow.

“I’ve got you my beautiful blueberry.”

“Haha. Just you wait till we’re in the delivery room. It won’t be so funny then,” she says.

I’m not afraid of the delivery room. I’ve watched the birthing videos and am as prepared as I’ll ever be. I think. I don’t think anything will prepare me for the first time I’ll see my son.

I’m so focused on Bambi and watching the road, I don’t immediately realize when a couple comes to stand before us just in front of the café we were heading to. I look up when Bambi stops abruptly and spot the last two people on earth I expected or wanted to see. My parents. Fuck.

“Mister and Misses Graham. What a surprise,” Bambi says just as stunned as I am.

I’m thankful she can speak because I can’t, and if I did I don’t think anything nice would come out of my mouth.

“Raelyn, you’re looking well. It’s almost your due date is it not?” my mother asks in a polite tone. She was always good at public pleasantries, that’s why people never believed me when I told them how horrible it was at home.

“Yes. Less than a week and I can’t wait.”

My father remains stoic next to my mom and eyes us both suspiciously. Mom being the public speaker for them both turns her gaze to me and smiles politely. There is absolutely no love behind that expression.

“Warren. Glad to see you again.”

“Are you? I vaguely remember you not caring one way or the other what happened to me.”

“Nonsense, of course I’m happy to see you, and with Raelyn. We heard about the baby and wanted to congratulate you.”

My dad scoffs loud enough to draw everyone’s attention. He’s still glaring, but I can tell he wants to say something but has no doubt been told not to by my mother.

“You have something to say?” I ask, needing him to open his big lying mouth so I can rip into him the way I want to.

“Of course not,” my mother interjects, trying to diffuse the situation before it ignites, which it is very close to doing. “Nothing but congratulations.”

She eyes my father who is rolling his eyes but weirdly holding his tongue. Even though I know I should let it go, let them pretend everything is okay for the sake of publicity, but I don’t give a damn about people watching us. I want to know what he really thinks, I want to hear him prove my justified hate for him.

“No, I think he does have something else to say. Don’t youDad?So go ahead, spit it out.”

My father chuffs and turns his beady eyes on me, narrowing them in cruel delight. He always did enjoy tormenting me.

“Fine, you wanna know what I think? I think it’s funny that you managed to do the one thing you said you never would,” he responds with a sneer.

Oh, how I would wipe that look off his face if Bambi weren’t standing right beside me. The only thing keeping me from hitting him is her hand still on my arm. She’s not holding me back physically, but her touch alone keeps me from getting arrested today. But that doesn’t mean I can’t verbally spar with my sperm donor.

“And what is that exactly?” I tilt my head and drop my eyebrows low over my eyes as I look down at my father, because he is slightly shorter than me. I could easily have him flat on his back and bleeding with one swing if I wanted.

“Knocking up some poor girl and dooming her to a life tethered to you. I feel bad for the kid, he doesn’t know what he’s in for.”

I begin to lunge for my father, my hand already balling into a fist ready to knock out every one of his teeth. Only Bambi’s soft grip on my bicep and her strong voice hold me back.

“I’ll have you know I am very happy to be having his baby!” Bambi’s words are a near boom from her angry beautiful mouth.

Everyone, including myself, swivel to stare at her. All of us dumbfounded at her stern expression and determined scowl. She’s never been the one to raise her voice or participate in arguments and shouting matches, especially in public.

That doesn’t seem to bother her today though, because she continues in a furious torrent that stuns me.

“I like being tethered to Warren and the only thing our baby isin for, is a life filled with happiness and love. Something you forgot to give to your son. And even after all the years he spent afraid of you and hoping to earn your affection to no success, he’s become the most loving and supportive man I know. Despite your deliberate efforts to break him down and crush his spirit, not to mention his bones, I’m glad to say you have failed.

“Warren is a great man who will be a great father, and if I have anything to do with it, we will never see or speak to you again. You will never know our son or any other children we may have. Your opinion will never be wanted and neither of us give a flying fuck what you think. So, I suggest that from now on if you see us walking down the street, you cross to the other side. If you see us in a restaurant, you leave. And don’t even think about setting foot in my bookstore, because you are not welcome. The next time I see you I won’t be as pregnant or as restrained, and if you even consider speaking to us it’s not Warren who will need to be held back. In case that’s not enough, just remember, I knowthe truth of who you are and what you did to him, and I have no problem making sure everyone else finds out.”