Page 139 of Scores Of The Heart

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I’m in bed with Cindy when I get the call. We’ve been at it at my place in Mercer for a week. I’ve been shying her away from going anywhere while the media settles down, but she’s going to meet my parents tonight and we’re both pretty excited about it.

“Mr. Peterson, it’s Doctor Calhoun.”

”Hi,” I breathe, trying to sound normal and to act like I’ve not just been making love to my girl in my huge king sized bed all afternoon. “You have the results?”

I sit up and swallow, waiting for him to drop me with it.

Cindy and I are staring at each other.

“Yes, I have the results.” He pauses and then sighs. That action alone causes my heart to stir. Cindy and I have been talking about this conversation over the last few days.

I’m mentally preparing for the baby’s birth, plus the things we’ll need to get for her arrival. I’m sure that’s a whole other ball game, but whatever Stacey needs in all of this won’t be a problem. “And I’m sorry to say…”

The words blur. I immediately scrunch my forehead in confusion. My pulse quickens and I shoot upright in bed, turning away from Cindy to perch on the edge of the mattress.

I’m sorry to say what?

“Dr. Calhoun?”

“I’m sorry, but you’re not the father, Mr. Peterson.”

The silence is deafening for a moment.

What the hell did he just say?

“It’s Tyler,” I manage. But I’ve no idea why I say that, or what is even going on right now.

More silence hangs between us, then I have to clarify in case I’m dreaming. “What did you just say?” I ask.

“You’re not the father, Tyler. I’m so sorry.”

“Dr. Calhoun, are you sure?”

“The tests are ninety-nine point nine percent accurate.”

My mind goes hay-wire… what the fuck?

Stacey lied to me? Why the hell would she do that?

I feel Cindy shift next to me and place her hands on my shoulders while I try to take in what the doctor is telling me.

The baby isn’t mine?

I swallow hard as my mind swirls and my fists ball up at my sides.

“If you’d like to come in next week, we can discuss the results in more detail.”

I can’t form any words as my head drops to my hands and I feel my heart shatter just that little bit more. How could she do this to me?

“Tyler?” Dr. Calhoun’s voice echoes on the line, but I’m somewhere else and I need to fucking talk to Stacey.

“Yes, I’m here. I’ll be in touch next week. Thank you for your time.”

He says something else, but I hear nothing because my mind is spinning. Eventually, the line goes dead.

I turn my head to Cindy. “She lied,” I mutter as I stand up and start to pace. “It’s not my kid, Cindy.”

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