Page 90 of Clear Shot

“I might have to go back to Slovakia.”

“What? Why?”

“Because I’m not going to stay here, using him for a visa when he obviously doesn’t trust or care for me at all.”

“It might not be that black and white,” she says slowly. “It might be that he does have feelings for you but doesn’t know how to handle them. And because he also has strong feelings about not fathering a biological child, he wouldn’t even entertain that option.”

“I think that makes it worse, not better,” I whisper, fighting back tears.

“Don’t cry.” She hugs me tightly. “We’re going to figure this out.”

She’s right that I need food and a nap.

When I wake up I need to sit down and go over my finances and make a plan.

Then I’m going to call my grandmother.

She’s always the voice of reason and doesn’t hesitate to tell me when I’ve screwed up. Not that this is my fault but I’m desperate for some clarity.

“Claudia?” I meet her gaze guiltily. “I need a really big favor.”

“Anything.”

“You can’t tell anyone anything.”

“Uh, there’s no way I can keep this from Anders.”

“I’m not going to tell my brother what’s going on yet,” I say. “At least, not until after tonight’s game. I have to come up with a story that’s going to keep the peace on the team. You know this is going to impact his relationship with Aiden, and the last thing I want is the guys on the team taking sides or something.”

She grimaces. “Yeah, that would be bad.”

“When Anders gets home, we have to talk to him together. I’m sorry to put you in the middle but I don’t have anyone else right now.”

“It’s okay. Anders understands the best friend situation. He’ll keep your confidence once he hears the story.” She pauses. “I really don’t think you should go back to Slovakia, Hana.”

“I don’t want to, but that might be my only option. If and when you get your company going, you’ll find a way to bring me back. But I want to release Aiden from his commitment, and the marriage, as soon as possible.”

“Regardless of what he thinks, it’s still his kid,” she says firmly. “And it took two to tango. If the vasectomy failed, that’s between him and his doctor, but he still owes you child support.”

“I don’t want anything from him.”

“It’s not for you. Babies are expensive. Trust me on that. You’ll need diapers and formula and clothes and furniture. A crib and a car seat and so many things. Even if you don’t get the most expensive items, it adds up.”

“I can’t think that far ahead.”

“You’re not considering…terminating?”

I pull in a sharp breath and shake my head. “No. I did think about it, but no matter how much he hurt me, I love him and I already love this baby.”

“And Auntie Claudia and Uncle Anders are going to love it too.”

I blink away tears. “I’m so scared, Claudia. I didn’t want a baby right now.”

“I know.” She reaches for my hands. “But you’re not alone. You have me and Anders, and you’ll have Johan and Sloane once you read them in.”

“I don’t want there to be trouble on the team. I never wanted that. That’s why we didn’t date in the first place.”

“Look, this isn’t on you. He told you he couldn’t get you pregnant. Then he did. At some point, even if it’s not until the baby’s born, he’s going to have to own up to his part in that.”