Throuple In Paradise - Faleena Hopkins Page 0,63
reason I’m okay with that is because Marion wants it.”
“I really don’t care what you think, Jack. This is my daughter. And since you’re about to have one of your own, someday you’ll understand why I need to be in that room. No matter what your opinion of me is.”
Marion cries out, “If you guys argue anymore, neither one of you is coming! You hear me? Because I am not joking around here!”
Dr. Munro chuckles, “This is going to be fun,” while motioning again to the gurney.
Chapter Forty
JACK
It feels like I’ve been here for years or seconds, and I can’t tell which, time playing tricks. I keep fluctuating between exhausted and alert.
When Munro announced the baby was coming, Marion kicked me out of the delivery room, announcing that she wanted me to remember her pussy in only one way. I objected, but that woman is more stubborn than I.
Pacing the corridor, I’m barely aware of the hustle around me. A familiar voice calls my name and I freeze, looking over my shoulder to see David marching up.
“Were you ever going to tell me you got my daughter pregnant?”
I cock an eyebrow. “No.”
“Lorraine called.”
“I gathered that.”
David throws a punch and I dodge it, having anticipated his next move because I know him so well from being friends for years beyond count. He grunts, rights himself, and tries again.
This time I weave.
He swears under his breath and I ask, “How long do you want to keep doing this? Or would you rather talk.”
Sneering at me he tries one last time, but it’s useless. Now he’s panting and feeling foolish. “Jack, go to hell!”
This is the thing about men who can’t keep their cool — they get pissed when you do. But I understand his plight. And no matter what’s happened, I will always care about him. He was my best friend.
But she took his place.
I hold my arm between us. “I love her, David. This isn’t just some girl I’m toying with. This is forever for me. So you can keep the outrage or you can accept reality and move into the future with us instead of without us.”
From under heavy eyebrows David glares at me, teeth gritting. Finally he rakes his hair back with both hands, cradling his head like his brain might leap to freedom at any second. If only he were so lucky. Finally his shoulders shift from tension to defeat. “Why did you have to choose her?!”
With all seriousness I admit, “I tried not to.”
He searches me. “Do you really love her?”
I do not waver in my gaze. “Yes, I really love her. And you’re going to see that in time. If you want.”
He paces away and shouts, “Fuck!”
I glance toward the delivery room, wondering if Mar heard that. “Keep it down. She’s going through enough as it is.”
David points at the door, his new wedding ring a thick gold band. “Marion’s in there?”
“She kicked me out. Lorraine is with her.”
And just like that, a father’s fury transforms into a father’s concern. “How is she? Are the doctors good? Is she in capable hands?”
I nod, but my frown is deep as I stare at the door wishing it had a window. “How many fathers have stood out here before me?“ Cutting a look to David I warn him, “Don’t say it.”
Chapter Forty-One
MARION
Dr. Munro hands me the tiniest baby girl I’ve ever held or seen. My heart starts to expand past the confines of my body until I am only heart, nothing else.
Look at these tiny eyelashes! Her finger nails are ridiculously cute, soft. Brown eyes search for something to focus on, wrinkly limbs wiggling.
Mom’s hand reaches in, reminding me she’s here. “She’s beautiful, Marion.”
“She’s got olive skin like Jack,” I whisper, looking up at Mom. “Where is he?”
The doctor is telling me something about what they have to do, but I’m not listening, my eyes locked on the door as Mom goes to get him. She jumps back as he explodes into the delivery room, rushing to our side and bending to get a closer look. His hand cups my head and he gives me a quick kiss. “I couldn’t wait to see you. It was torture.” His gaze drops and he frowns, because he’s Jack and that’s his normal expression when he’s overwhelmed, confused, or fighting love. “Oh wow.”
“Isn’t she beautiful?”
“She’s amazing.”
Movement catches my attention and I look over, eyes widening. “Dad!”
He awkwardly steps closer to my bed, Mom adjusting to give him space. She called him,