Didn't Expect You (Against All Odds #2) - Claudia Burgoa Page 0,42

looks around the place. “Where are you going to live?”

“Until I find a place that is not too expensive but right for us, I’m moving in with my parents,” I inform him. “Persy has Ford, and I can’t be the third wheel. Eros and I would kill each other in less than a week.”

He shakes his head and says, “Listen, I feel like you’re making hasty decisions. Why don’t you stop for a moment, take a mental break, and then come back to determine if what you planned is really what you want to do?”

I laugh at his suggestion. “I don’t have time to think about anything. According to an online due date calculator I’ll be responsible for another human being by Monday, April twelfth of next year. A Monday…can you believe it? It’s like a sign that from now on my life is going to be an eternal Monday.”

“Children tend to bring chaos, but I’m sure there’s a silver lining somewhere in this predicament,” he offers. “Which is why I suggest you pack your bags and come with me to Seattle. I have the perfect place where you can just relax.”

“I don’t have time to relax,” I remind him.

“Do you trust me?” he asks.

“I just met you, and I’m positive that you shouldn’t be here,” I advise him. “Leave the dog and fly to Seattle.”

He huffs and laughs humorlessly. “No, I am fond of Brock. But I promise to leave him with you while you stay with us in Seattle.”

Instead of arguing with him, I go to the fridge where I have the ginger seltzer Dad made. I keep drinking a few sips during the day, and it’s keeping my stomach somehow calm. However, there aren’t many left, and I think I need at least ten boxes to help me with the morning sickness. If the medical websites are correct, I should be done with this nausea-vomit-fatigue period by September twenty-eighth, or as the professionals call it, the beginning of the second trimester.

According to my goal calendar, I should have a place and a job or steady cases by October first. After taking a few sips, I text Dad about needing a few more cases of his delicious seltzer.

He says he’ll have at least two or three ready over the weekend. Right when I am about to put away my phone a notification pops up. It’s a text from Pierce.

Pierce: I emailed you the papers for you to sign. Send them back once you’re done. The documents for Ed are in a separate email. I recommend you ask him to visit you at your home and settle this as soon as possible. Good luck!

I turn on my laptop and print all the documents Pierce sent. Then, I text Ed asking if he could come to my house today.

Edward: I’m busy. We agreed it was a one time.

Nyx: It’s for a different issue. It’s in your best interest to meet me today.

Edward: Are you threatening me?

Nyx: No, I’m telling you we have an important matter to discuss, and the sooner we fix it the better.

Edward: If you’re going to tell me that you gave me syphilis, I’ll sue you.

Nyx: Edward, be realistic. Just meet me at five. I’ll send you the address.

Walking back into the living room, I find Nate by the door with Brock right next to him.

“Ready to run away?” I ask and smile.

“No, we’re going on a walk. Would you like to join us?”

I nod, grab my water bottle, and follow them.

Seventeen

Nyx

“So, how do you feel about all these changes?” he asks.

“Wow, let’s start with the deep questions,” I mumble and sigh. “I don’t know how to feel yet. I’ve been so focused on my career that I haven’t really thought much about children. Sure, I hoped that by the time I’m thirty-five I’d be in a serious relationship. Probably married or engaged and planning on having a family before I turn forty.

“In my mind, if I was ever pregnant, I’d be in love with the father of my child and thrilled about this new life we created—together. Edward Bryant and I slept together out of boredom or…something. This feels surreal. I understand what’s happening, and I’m already getting ready for the event, but it hasn’t sunk in yet. This baby deserves better than an unemployed, clueless, emotionless mother.”

“That’s different. Most of the women I’ve met have been planning their wedding since they were children,” he explains. “Once I dated a woman who had a wedding book