Page 48 of Pregnant By the Playboy

“That’s not enough, of course.”

“No.” She pauses. “I don’t know him well, mostly just by reputation, but people do change. Maybe Vince could be a family man and a good husband.”

“Whenever I’m craving something, he drops what he’s doing and brings it to me.” I tell her about what happened with the first cheesecake.

She doubles over in laughter. “He liiiiikes you.”

“He’s just being nice to the woman he knocked up.”

“Marissa.” She takes my hands in hers. “I’m sure it’s more than that. You broke Vince Fong. In a good way. And I’m the one who introduced you two!”

“Umm, I don’t think that’s quite how it went. I thought he was hot, you told me who he was. That’s basically it.”

“Details, details.”

I won’t tell her that Vince cried at the ultrasound. It seems too personal.

“Ooh,” Carrie says, “I found the perfect maternity dress.”

“Already? You’ve known I was pregnant for all of ten minutes.”

“My colleague, she’s almost eight months pregnant, and she was wearing such a great outfit the other day. I made her show me where she got the dress. Just, you know, for future reference. You don’t need it yet, but I’m going to get it for when you do.”

I put up the obligatory protest, but I know Carrie will get it anyway.

“I don’t know anything about babies,” she says, “but I will watch YouTube videos—”

“I’m not sure YouTube is the best way to learn such things.”

“—and then I can look after the baby for an afternoon so you can have some me-time. Maybe you’ll just want to shower and nap. But Auntie Carrie will be there!”

I didn’t cry at the ultrasound, but tears come to my eyes now as I think of the family and support network that me and the baby will have.

My mother didn’t have that when I was little. I wish she had.

Carrie hands me some napkins and I dab my eyes. Then she comes around the table and gives me a long hug.

Which is exactly what I need.

* * *

When I get home on Friday, there’s a package waiting for me at the front desk.

Inside the box is a burgundy maternity wrap dress, and I’m pleased it’s suitable for the office. There’s also a gift certificate for a mother-to-be session—whatever that entails—at a local spa, as well as some bling. But although Carrie favors showy pieces for herself, she’s good at understanding other people’s tastes. It’s a simple heartbeat necklace, and considering I recently heard my baby’s heartbeat for the first time, it seems particularly appropriate.

I’m about to text Carrie to thank her for the gift when I get a message from Vince. Can I order you dinner tonight? I have something in mind.

It’s like he knew I wasn’t in the mood to cook.

An hour later, I get a delivery from a Malaysian restaurant. There’s lots of food, including roti canai with chicken curry.

Since it’s more than enough for one person, I ask Vince if he wants to come over to help me with it, but he says he’s busy and today is the day he’s going to tell his family.

Oh. I can’t help feeling nervous.

What if they don’t react well to the news?

Chapter 15