Baby Daddies - Tara Brown Page 0,82
down my throat, but I pour a second one and send it down the pipes too.
She appears in the doorway. Her eyes are wide and crazy, but she manages to keep her temper in check. “I wanted to make my own money. I don’t want yours.”
“Too bad. I’m a package deal. You either take me as I am or not at all. I’m rich. Stupidly rich.” It’s my turn to laugh like a crazy person. “I never imagined in my life that being rich would be the thing I was judged for.”
“I’m not judging you—”
“It’s my birthday tomorrow. You becoming my partner is my birthday present. If you want to argue about that, we do it the way I like,” I say as I grab her face and plant a boozy kiss on her just to shut her up as I walk us to the bedroom. I want to scream at her but fucking might be the better choice.
31
Two is better than one
Friday, September 1
Jenny
The gel on my stomach is cold but it’s worth it when Dr. Almer smiles wide and says, “There’s the baby. See.” She turns the monitor and shows us the little bean.
“Oh man, look at him. He’s huge.” Lori’s eyes are wide with excitement. Seeing his reaction is better than seeing the blob on the screen. Even if we’re hardly talking after the money fiasco. There’s been a lot of angry sex and the paperwork hasn’t left the counter. It sat there through the small birthday party and everything.
Dr. Almer moves the wand on my belly to the opposite side and we all pause. “Oh.”
“What’s that?” I whisper.
“Is that a mirror image?” Lori tilts his head.
“No,” I whimper. “That’s just part of the sack or a reflection or something—”
“No. It’s a sack. That’s a second baby. You’re having twins.” She tries to sound excited but it’s the same as last time. Forced and hollow. She moves the wand all over me, showing us the different angles of the two babies.
The whole world comes to a grinding halt and I scream inside my head.
“Twins.” Lori nods, registering the news so much faster than me. He shrugs. “I mean, how much harder can a second baby be?”
“It’s more common in tall women.” Dr. Almer laughs nervously and I burst into angry tears.
“That’s it! I can’t take one more thing!” I’m lost.
“Red, don’t cry. This isn’t bad news. The babies are healthy. It’s fine.” He hugs me but there’s no consoling me. I don’t even know if this is why I’m sobbing, but I’m lost in it.
“He’s right, they look great. Obviously, this changes your birth plan, but for now just keep doing what you’re doing.” Dr. Almer beams at Lori. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks!” He’s an idiot. He has no idea how terrible this is.
“Two babies! How is this possible? Why doesn’t God love me?” I cry and he laughs.
“I’ll let you guys get cleaned up and dressed.” Dr. Almer leaves us. That traitorous bitch is running away. I wish I could.
“Come on.” Lori kisses my cheek and helps me sit up. He stands between my legs and forces my face up so he can look into my eyes. “This is not bad news.”
“It’s easy to say when it’s not your vagina,” I sniffle. “Or your back. I don’t know anything about babies and now we’re gonna have two.”
“Up you get.” He ignores my insanity and wipes my stomach and helps me put my shirt on while I am stuck blubbering shamefully.
“I used to be cool, Lori. I was a cool girl. Just easygoing and chill and fun. I slept in and drank too many margaritas and had girls’ weekends with my friends. And then I met you—you’ve ruined me. I’m lame.” The words are a wet mess as I wave my arm randomly and point at the door. “Just take me out to the pasture—”
He kisses me. “Why is pity party so hot on you?” He helps me off the table and hugs, taking a deep inhale of my hair. “As of right now, nothing’s changed. You’re just newly pregnant, your morning sickness is vengeful, and we still have what, seven months to get prepared? You need to calm down. And I’m not gonna lie, I still want all-I-can-eat sushi for dinner. You promised. And I’m starving.” He kisses my cheek again, pulls me from the room, and squeezes my hand tight as we walk to the desk.
“All set then?” Janet asks in her telephone voice.
“No. But I guess we