Page 135 of Daddy By Design

“From the books?”

“I didn’t get it at first. I still don’t, but then again, when it comes to us, I shouldn’t be surprised. Why would anything be easy? Since the first day I met you, we have been so very chaotic.”

“I wasn’t the one who vandalized a truck, Hellcat.”

“Miscommunication.”

“If that’s what you want to call it.”

She huffed out a half laugh. “Jumping to conclusions, more like. We both do that a lot.” She squeezed my hand.

“What does that have to do with Harriette?”

“She wanted me to know something, and she wasn’t letting me out of that room until I figured it out.”

I frowned and turned my knees toward her. It seemed a lot more involved than just a sad story of a woman from over a century ago. “What is it?”

“I’m pretty sure I’m pregnant.”

The room tilted slightly and the sunlight streaming through the tower room sparkled. All sound went to an echo that seemed so very far away.

“Nolan?”

I stood and paced away from her, then I came back. “A ghost told you that you’re pregnant?”

She held the book close to her middle. “I know it sounds crazy.”

“Oh, it’s a bit more than crazy.” I raked my fingers through my hair and paced to the plastic-wrapped windows then I returned to her. “A baby.”

“I’m late. I didn’t even realize it. Things have been so busy with Shelby being sick and then all the things for this house and our usual summer business.” She set the book onto the cushion beside her and stood. “I don’t expect you?—”

I whirled around. “You don’t expect me... What?”

The anger that bloomed inside my chest shocked me.

“I know we aren’t...a thing. I don’t expect you to?—”

“Don’t expect me to what?”

“Look, I know we just kind of did the hook up thing. You don’t have to worry about me. I’ll figure it out and maybe we can split the cost. I know you aren’t really interested in anything emotional. You made that abundantly clear.”

“Split the...” I stalked over to her. “I’m not going anywhere.”

She blinked up at me. “Well, I appreciate that. And if you want to be in the baby’s life, I’ll absolutely be on board with that.”

Panic clawed at my chest. Not just a baby, but Dahlia’s baby. My baby.

“I have to take a test, of course. Pretty sure this is the first time anyone has been smacked upside the back of the head by a ghost to tell them they’re pregnant.” She laughed, but it was a strangled, nervous sound. “I can’t believe I didn’t even pay attention.”

She assumed I wouldn’t want anything to do with her.

I bent at the waist and focused on the striations in the wood floor. A baby.

“Nolan?”

I straightened up. “Marry me.”

“What?” Her huge eyes widened as she paled.

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