Page 44 of The Arrangement

"Just hit him with the truth," Ty advises, as if it's the simplest thing in the world. "It's generally a solid starting point."

I hesitate, my mind racing through every possible scenario. "But it's not just about the baby. I mean, how do I even begin to… wait, did you say that I love him?”

He cuts me off with a laugh that bounces off the shop walls, full of knowing and a bit too much amusement for my current state. "Girl, please. You're head over heels for him. It's like a neon sign flashing above your head every time his name comes up or he strides into this place. Stop fooling yourself."

I open my mouth, ready to protest, to deny it, but the words just hang there, suspended in a bubble of truth I've been avoiding. Love. It's a big word, a heavy concept, especially tangled up with a man whose life is a mosaic of complexity.

As I stand there, floundering in my own sea of denial, it hits me. Ty's right. Somewhere between the peril and the deep, intense moments with Maksim, I've fallen—hard. It's as terrifying as it is exhilarating.

“Shit, Ty, you’re right. I do love him. He’s just so different from anything I’ve known. He’s tough but he’s also soft with me. He’s incredibly sexy, and the things he does to me…” I trail off.

Ty scoots closer, a conspiratorial grin on his face. “Do tell.”

I laugh. “I never really thought that sex could be so adventurous before.”

Ty leans forward, his expression thoughtful. "Sometimes lovers have this knack for unveiling parts of ourselves we never knew existed. If it's all good between you two, then why not explore? Just be safe and make sure you're both on the same page."

I grin at his supportive stance. "It's all good, really. Better than good."

His curiosity unabated, Ty waggles his eyebrows. "So, any juicy details you care to share with your bestie?"

I burst into laughter, shaking my head. "In your dreams. Some things are none of your business."

He chuckles, conceding with a playful roll of his eyes. "Alright, alright, keep your secrets. But just know, I'm here for you, Tory. No matter what."

A beat of silence passes.

"So, this weekend," I finally say, the words feeling both foreign and utterly right, "I'll tell him about the baby and, well, we'll see where it goes from there."

Ty nods, his expression softening to one of support. "His reaction will give you your answers. But for what it's worth, I think you two have something special. And this baby just might be the best kind of surprise for you both."

"Thanks," I call over my shoulder, stepping out into the evening with a determination I didn't know I had. "Wish me luck."

"You won't need it," he calls back, his voice brimming with confidence. "Just tell him the truth."

The truth. It's simple, powerful, and utterly terrifying. But it's mine and Maksim's to face together, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Snapping back to the present, the impending conversation with Maksim hits me like a ton of bricks. What if Maksim doesn't want this baby? He's already got Adelina, and I've no claim on him, no expectations for him to play the knight in shining armor.

As I place a pair of boots next to my saucy weekend selections, the fear of rejection gnaws at me. Maksim Morozov, with all his complexity and ties to a world far removed from my own, has no obligation to step into the role of father to this unexpected new life. The possibility of his rejection sends a shiver down my spine, the kind that leaves you feeling more isolated than ever before.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. The bag looks back at me, a metaphorical Pandora's box of weekend wear and life-altering revelations. I've fallen for the man, truly and deeply, but this—this is a curve ball neither of us saw coming.

I have to be strong, for myself and for this baby. Maksim's reaction, whatever it may be, will chart the course of our future. It's a daunting prospect, stepping into the unknown, potentially facing it alone. But I resolve to face whatever comes with as much grace and strength as I can muster.

Chapter 23

Tory

Strolling through the Chicago Zoo, the sun's shining, and it feels like the perfect Saturday morning. Maksim, Adelina, and I are weaving through families and exhibits, and I've got to say, watching these two together is like peeking behind the curtain of Maksim's tough exterior.

"Okay, Papa," Adelina beams up at her dad, her energy absolutely infectious, "what's my favorite animal? Bet you can't guess!"

Maksim chuckles, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Penguins, isn't it? You've only told me about a hundred times."

Adelina nods, practically bouncing with excitement. "Yes! Can we go see them now, please?"

“We certainly can, Princess.”

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