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I snatch the phone, trip over my feet, and nearly fall on my face. Again.
Seated across from him, I stare at the grainy photo of my son, and tears fill my eyes. I now understand Jackson’s irritating smile.
The ultrasound pic doesn’t reveal more than the baby’s closed eyelids, button nose, and pouty lips, but it’s a small glimpse into my future, making everything incredibly real.
Holy fuck, I’m having a son.
I swallow the lump in my throat and return his phone. “Can you text it to me?”
His knee bounces. “Yeah, now, get out of my room.” Not glancing my way, he gestures toward the door.
“Jackson—” What could I possibly say to ease his heartache? “I’m sorry.”
He glares at me, his jaw clenched so tight, the muscle furrows. “I won’t let you have her.”
“I never thought you would.”
TWENTY
AURORA
I emerge from the bedroom,smiling. “Good morning, Ricky. Ready for prenatal yoga?”
It’s impossible not to be happy here. Sam, the concierge, calls every evening to arrange meals, activities, and any other requests for the next day. The penthouse is unbelievable. The infinity pool overlooks the ocean, and the plush king-size bed is to die for—like sleeping on a cloud.
The kitchen has all my favorite foods and beverages—coffee, bubbly water, fresh fruits and vegetables, hummus, Greek yogurt, kettle corn, cheeses, pasta, and bread.You know, all the essential carbs.
Jackson must have specified what to bring. He always teased me about my picky eating habits. That boy is a garbage disposal. He can eat anything and everything without aversion or consequence.Not me. If I even taste a tiny sliver of pickle or olive, I’m throwing up and avoiding food for days. Don’t get me started on slimy foods—eggs sunny-side up, clams, oysters, mayo—I gag thinking about it.
Ricky stands beside the elevator door, the same as yesterday. I offered him a chair, but he declined. When I texted Jackson about not needing a bodyguard, he insisted, stating that Ricky is well-compensated to ensure my safety. Now I feel a little less guilty having him follow me around.
“Good morning, ma’am.” He gives a sharp nod. “Wherever you want to go.”
I toss my gym bag over my shoulder. “How old are you?”
Midnight-blue eyes focus on my belly, and a frown creases his brow. “Twenty-nine, ma’am. Should you be carrying that?”
“Should you call me‘ma’am’ when I’m much younger than you?”
The corner of his lips twitch. “Suppose not.”
“Then we have a deal.” I hand him my bag. “You can carry my bag and follow me as long as you stop calling me ma’am. I’m not ready to be thirty.”
He shakes his head in amusement and leads the way into the elevator.
Driven by excitement and a hint of guilt, I invited Emily to stay tonight. Being alone at the penthouse solidified my decision to move into our own place—baby and me. While here, I plan to break the news to her. She’s not only my assistant, she’s also the only friend I have. I hope she understands, and we can fix this tension between us, but I doubt that’ll happen.
The viral elevator videos haven’t helped. I’ve been brushing off her incessant texts about Jackson, and I didn’t tell her I was staying in a place he’s paying for.She’ll figure it out as soon as she walks through the door. There’s no way she’ll believe Felicity afforded me this luxury, and Emily will demand the full rundown of our current relationship,whichI’m unsure of myself.
In case I needed anything, Jackson had me unblock him before he left for the start of the season. Now, we text back and forth, and every time my phone lights up, a wave of anticipation hits me. Butterflies flutter in my stomach, and I have to fight a smile. I blame my stupid,stupidheart.
He called before flying out yesterday. Initially, it was awkward, and neither of us knew what to say. He broke the silence by asking how my day went and how I felt. He listened as I blabbered on about the baby, morning sickness, food cravings, and going to prenatal yoga.
A few hours later, aMorning Sickness Emergency Kitarrived, containing everything from ginger pops to essential oils to wellness tea. After was a delivery of organic cacao dark chocolate bars, free of heavy metals—something I hadn’t realized was a concern. Next was books and a plush pregnancy pillow.
Again, it’s impossible not to be elated when you’re being spoiled.
Exceptwhenevery package is signedLove, Jaxand you’re confused and reminded of your painful breakup.