Page 107 of Pregnant By the Playboy

I want to be under that cherry tree again. I want a chance to do it over and say yes.

As I trace my bare ring finger, a wave of grief overtakes me. I clutch my stomach and bend over, but I can’t cry anymore. It’s too horrible to cry.

I’m making a scene, and I hate making a scene.

I consider calling my mother, but I can’t stand the thought of telling her all this. Pearl is probably picking up her kids from daycare.

Carrie. I’ll call Carrie.

Before I do, though, I try calling Vince. It immediately goes to voicemail, and the sound of his voice causes a painful knot in my chest.

Then I call my friend.

“I’m at the ultrasound clinic,” I say.

“Is something wrong with the baby?” she asks. Because I must sound terrible, and I’m calling rather than texting.

“No, but Vince isn’t here. He’s really late and not answering his phone. I think something bad happened. He never breaks his promises. I think...” I can’t even say it. “My dad went to the convenience store and he never came back and I can’t deal with that again. Vince proposed to me on Saturday and I said no and...”

She doesn’t tell me I’m being stupid. “I’m going to get an Uber. I’ll come to you, okay?”

Carrie is my friend for going out and having fun. For taking me to house parties where I make out with handsome strangers.

Still, I know I can count on her.

“Okay,” I say. “I’ll text you the location.”

I end the call and close my eyes. Maybe this will be okay. Carrie is coming. I won’t be alone. But Vince...

I keep clutching my stomach. I’d forsake dim sum and cheesecake for the rest of my life if only I could see him again.

Vince, I love you so much.

“Marissa.”

Chapter 29

Marissa

I open my eyes cautiously, afraid to hope.

Vince is kneeling before me.

I reach out tentatively and pat his arm. He’s real. He’s not a ghost.

“You’re here,” I say, launching myself at him.

“I’m here. I’m so sorry I’m late.”

“I love you.” I have to say that before anything else. “I love you and I’m sorry I didn’t realize it before but I do.”

“I love you, too,” he murmurs, his arms coming around me.

“I thought you were dead and I’d never get to tell you.”

It sounds foolish now. He was less than fifteen minutes late, and I totally lost my shit and assumed the worst-case scenario.

“You thought...like your dad,” he whispers.