Page 22 of CEO April: Zed Barker

“Zed, I have another reason for meeting you. I’m going to turn down your offer to represent my book, or whatever you call it.” She didn’t look at me while she spoke.

“Why? It’s a great book. I couldn’t put it down.” I hadn’t actually discussed contract terms with her, however.

For a moment she stared into the distance. Then she turned to face me. She placed her palm on my cheek and smiled, cocking her head to one side.

“I had the best weekend with you, and you’re right. Something did happen. Something I’m thrilled about. Meeting you opened my eyes to something that I never believed possible, for reasons I’m sure you don’t want to know. Zed, I’m pregnant.”

I didn’t speak. I tried but the words were stuck in my throat. I think I might have gurgled and she laughed.

“I’m fine, the baby is fine, and you can be as involved or not, whatever you choose. I don’t need money; I’m wealthy in my own right. My bio is absolute fact. I wanted you to know that this baby is your child.”

“I don’t know what to say,” I finally mumbled. I wanted to ask, ‘Are you sure?’ but knew how insulting that would be, and also knew I was the first man she’d had sex with. “I’m…”

“Yes, so was I when I found out. It’s early days, just three months, and I timed this meeting because I’m due at the hospital tomorrow for a scan. I wanted to have my baby in London at The Portland.”

“Ours, Daryl. Our baby,” I finally said, and no matter how hard I tried; I couldn’t stop the grin.

I jumped up from the bench and shouted. “I’m having a baby!”

“Shush, you’ll scare the doggers,” she said, giggling.

“I don’t care. Oh my God. Right, yes, obviously I want to be involved, to the fullest. Erm, what about us? Can we have a relationship beyond just parents? How will it work, London, Devon, I’ll need to get a better car.” I was totally aware I was rambling and pacing.

“Zed.” she called. “Sit down, calm down. We’ve a lot to discuss and perhaps tonight isn’t the time to get it all straight. As I said, it’s early days.”

“I want to come tomorrow. Can I?” I asked.

“Of course. Here…” She fished around in her handbag for her mobile. “Give me your number.”

I didn’t just give her my number, but my work one and home address. “Where are you staying? Will you come home with me?” I sounded like an excited puppy, I was sure.

“I have a hotel booked and I’ll stay there tonight. You might need some space to process and I know I do. How about we meet for breakfast before the appointment?”

“I’m here whatever time you need me to be. Daryl, I’m not walking away from this, or you. I wasn’t joking when I said you took a piece of my heart and to know you’re carrying my child, well… It’s a shock, for sure, and I’ve no doubt when I come down from the high, I’m going into panic mode, but I’m not leaving you to deal with this alone.”

She stood and took the couple of steps needed towards me. She wrapped her arms around my waist. “I didn’t dare hope for this reaction, but I did, if that makes sense. I can do this alone. I’ve been alone most of my life, but I know I’ll be a great mother—”

“I wouldn’t let you do this alone, even if you wanted to,” I said, cutting her off. “I mean it, Daryl. We might not know each other as well as we should, considering, but we’ve got something special going on.” I took a step back and placed my hand on her flat stomach. “Hello, baby,” I whispered.

“I need to go now,” she said.

I didn’t want her to; I wanted to know more. How was she feeling? Had she been sick? What did she mean, she’d been alone all her life? There were a million other questions floating around my mind. “What time tomorrow?” I said, as we started to walk to the gates. I wasn’t letting her leave without a firm commitment.

She flagged down a taxi. “I’ll text you,” she said, climbing in.

I closed the door and just as she pulled away, it occurred to me that I hadn’t taken her number. I ran alongside the taxi.

“I don’t have your number,” I shouted. She raised her phone.

I stood, grinning like an idiot, waiting for her text. It came and I grinned some more.

“I’m so pleased to have met you back then, and now. I’ll see you in the morning, meet me at The Royale, Suite 17, for breakfast.”

I stood for ages, totally unsure what to do. I realised I ought to make my way home and knew I could walk through the park. I wanted to jog, to wear off some energy. Instead I picked up my phone.

“You are not going to fucking believe who D Harrington is and what just happened,” I said when Rebecca answered. I didn’t give her a chance to speak. “My life has just dramatically changed.” I cut off the call.

I had no idea what was going to happen, other than it was going to change. I didn’t care where we lived as long as it was together.

I knew in that moment I wasn’t letting Daryl go again.

“I’m going to be a dad,” I said, whispering to myself and loving the sound as the words left my lips.

I had absolutely no doubt the shock would wear off and I’d go through all sorts of emotions. I’d be scared, angry maybe. I’d always known I wanted children and I guessed the unconventional way it had happened was, really, just perfectly Laura.

Yes, she was perfect. She was the woman of my dreams. My multi-coloured mermaid, the siren who had drawn me in for keeps. Andkeepswas exactly where I wanted to be.

The End