Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,120

I’m excited and scared as hell. It’s going to be a long seven months.

Twenty minutes later, Misty pulls in beside me. She’s ten minutes late and I want to berate her for it, but I bite my tongue. I don’t want anything to stop her from signing these damn papers.

Quickly hopping out of the truck, I jog to her door and open it for her. “Hey.” I keep my voice light.

“I can open my own doors, Evan. I’m not an invalid, I’m pregnant,” she smarts off.

Taking a deep breath, I reply, “I know that. I was just trying to be nice.” I place my hand on the small of her back and lead her into the office. “How have you been feeling?” I ask, keeping my voice soft.

She softens a bit at my mellowed tone. It wasn’t a question to make casual conversation. I really am interested.

“Good, still no signs of morning sickness.” She shrugs. “I must be one of the lucky ones.”

“Good. I’ve been reading, and for most women, it already happens so you just might be in the clear. Nine weeks, right?” I ask.

She stops and stares at me. “You’ve been reading?”

I hold her stare as I answer. “Yes, I only have a few months to learn what I need to. I’m going to be doing this on my own and I need to be prepared. I also want to be there for you. Reading helps me understand what you’re going through. I don’t want to miss any of this, Misty. I know we’re not together, but this baby is a part of me.”

She nods once and turns to approach the reception desk. “Evan Chamberlin, we have an appointment,” she tells the lady at the desk. She’s casual, as if what she’s about to do isn’t a life-changing moment. She’s signing over the rights to her baby, the one she’s still growing inside her.

“Of course, Mr. Fields is expecting you.” She points to the door just down the hall. “You can go on in.”

I wave in greeting and follow Misty. My palms are sweaty. This day has consumed me from the minute I got her to agree to this.

“Evan, hi.” Mr. Fields stands from his seat and holds out his hand. I extend mine as well and we shake.

“This is Misty Newman. Misty, this is Mr. Fields,” I introduce them.

“It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Newman,” the lawyer says. Misty doesn’t respond. Instead, she takes a seat in one of the two chairs directly across from him.

“Okay. So, Evan gave me specifics over the phone, but I first have to read through them with you so you understand what you’re signing.”

“I trust Evan. I don’t need to read it. Just tell me where to sign,” she answers.

“Ms. Newman, I highly advise against that. I need to make sure you understand what it is you’re doing today.”

“Trust me, I know what I’m doing. If it were any other guy, I wouldn’t be sitting here. Evan wants this baby. He’s a good man, so that’s why I’m here. I want no part of this child’s life. I don’t want to be a mother.” She finishes quietly.

“What about your family? Have you discussed this with them?”

Misty scoffs. “Yes, and they agree that to us, the Newman’s, this child doesn’t exist. He or she will be a Chamberlin and Evan will be the sole parent. I plan to move as soon as the baby is born. I’ve officially worn out my welcome in Kentucky.”

“Misty—” I say her name, but she cuts me off.

“No, Evan! You can’t change my mind. I want nothing to do with this. I meant what I said. For any other guy, I would have never agreed to this. I’m doing this for you. I know what this means to you and your parents.”

My chest tightens at the mention of my parents. I called them the day after I’d found out and we’d talked on the phone for over an hour. They were both so damn excited. Mom called the next day saying she’s not seen Dad in this high of spirits since his initial diagnosis. I want this for them and for me. I want him to see my children, or at least this baby.

“Ms. Newman, I’ll read through this quickly. My paralegal---” he points to the corner of the room to a girl typing away, who I hadn’t even seen join us “---is going to document the session. What you say could come back to haunt you