Page 6 of Hold 'Em Tight

“We haven't decided,” I start, but Missi cuts me off.

“Late fall, early winter. We want to be married before our little one arrives, but I also don't want to be a whale in my dress,” she says, then does the fakest laugh I have ever heard.

“Oh, that sounds perfect. We have some rich chocolate cakes, or even red velvet. That's popular for winter weddings. Or we have the traditional vanilla, vanilla bean, or even a tart, refreshing lemon?”

The girl looks at me for my opinion, and I'm now guessing this is Maggie.

“I'm fine with whatever she wants. I'm just the bankroll,” I joke, then hiss as Missi kicks me under the table.

“Perfect. I'll bring out a sample platter for you.”

Missi glares at me and taps on her phone. I hear Rylee's laugh and Donny's voice playing through the speakers, from the day we went up into the mountains.

My heart races and I feel sick. I grab her phone and turn it off as she gives me a devilish grin.

I wish I could find the original copy and delete it. Then all of our troubles would be over. I can be a dad to this baby and not be with its mother.

People co-parent every day, but with the blackmail she continues to hang over our heads… Fuck, my life.

Maggie brings over some cakes, and I zone out as Missi feeds me, giving the occasional comment here and there. She doesn't notice how miserable I am, as she tells the girl all about this magical ceremony she's planned… Yeah, in her head. It's all in her head.

I glance at the time and sigh. “Well, this has been delightful, but I think it's time we go home. I need to make sure this one is well rested.”

Missi preens, rubbing her tiny bump before taking my hand as I help her to stand. Maggie waves as we leave, and I take in a huge gulp of fresh air.

I was starting to feel trapped in there.

“That was so much fun, Lenny,” Missi coos.

I nod again, and she babbles about all the flavors as we make our way to the car. I open the passenger door for her and place the bag of leftovers in the backseat.

Taking a few breaths, I shake my hands out, then climb into the driver's seat.

It doesn't take long to get home, and Missi hops out of the car with a pep in her step.

She waits for me at the top of the stairs, giving me an impatient look, pursed lips and all.

Groaning, I open my door, grab her cupcakes, then follow behind her. The quiet emptiness of the house hits me like a brick to the chest.

This place is too sterile.

I miss the cheer house. I miss Colton's books everywhere, and Donny's messes in the kitchen. I miss Cobbler greeting me at the door with a wag of his tail.

I even miss the smell of Teo’s gym bag. And Rylee… Fuck… I miss everything about her.

We had something special, but it doesn't matter now.

Missi walks up the stairs to the bedroom, kicks off her shoes, and plops down onto my king-size bed.

After that night, I couldn't sleep on the same bed. I replaced it. Not that it matters, since Missi is now sleeping on this mattress.

“I'm going to shower,” I say, and she yawns, rubbing her stomach. I wait for her to follow me, but she doesn't.

Grabbing my pillow, she curls around it and closes her eyes.

I leave her in the bedroom. I'm alone for the first time in two months. I enter the ensuite and close the door softly. I'd really like to slam it, to throw a fit, or shatter the mirror, but I don't.

Instead, I move to the shower and turn the water on, then climb inside, still fully clothed, and let the tears finally escape, washing down the drain.