Page 11 of The Secrets that Surround Us

The moment before I fainted rushes back to me. Shit, that’s right, I’m going to be a dad. “I’m fine,” I croak out as I push myself off the ground.

As soon as I sit up, Fiona rushes to my side, giving me a good look at her tear-stained face. My hand instantly cups her cheek, wiping the tears away. “Why are you crying, love?”

“I’m scared.” But I’m not sure if she means she is scared to have the baby or if she’s scared because I passed out. Either is certainly valid.

I’m scared as fuck to become a dad, which is possibly why I fainted. My dad was barely around; my older brother was more of a dad to me. As I look into her eyes, I can see she needs me to reassure her, to let her know she’s not in this alone.

“I’m scared, too, love. But we’ll figure this out.” Needing to feel her against me, I grab the back of her neck and pull her into me, then crash my lips to hers. Her body melts into mine. I’ve been wanting to do this since she walked into the house. Who am I kidding? I’ve wanted to know what it felt like to feel her lips against mine again since she left me that night.

Fiona pulls back from me, breathing hard, looking deep into my eyes, and suddenly, I can see my future, or our future together. Fiona by my side, a family with two kids living in the same neighborhood as my brothers. I’m unable to move a muscle or say anything; it felt as if I am in a trance, and she is the witch who put me under her spell. Her next words are like a bucket of ice.

“Alex, I think we should be just friends, and that’s it. I don’t want to confuse things more than they already are. Don’t you think?”

No, I don’t fucking agree with that. Every bone in my body revolts against that idea. But it’s obvious that coming on too strong is not the way to go.

I want her in my bed.

I want her by my side.

I want her to be my wife.

Doing the only thing any man in my position would do, I come up with a plan to prove to her she belongs with me. I nod my head. “Okay, Fiona, I can do that. But we should probably talk about how we’re going to do this.”

She lets out a huge breath of relief, causing me to furrow my brows. She notices my confusion. “I wasn’t sure how you were going to take this? My parents didn’t react well.”

“How did they react?”

“They kicked me out of their house.”

Jumping to my feet, I yell, “They what? How could they kick out a pregnant woman?”

She stands up and shakes her head. “It’s okay. Hazel said I could stay with her and Dexter. Which is perfect since I’ll be so close to you.”

“No.” The mother of my child will not be staying with my brother and his wife. She might not realize it yet, but she’s moving in with me. I’m still shocked her parents would kick her out when she found out she was pregnant, but maybe this will help move my plan along.

“What do you mean, no? You don’t have a say, Alex.”

“You’ll stay with me.” I ignore her comment.

She shakes her head, trembling. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

Grabbing her shoulders, I put myself at eye level so she can see how serious I am. “It’s the perfect idea. We have to figure out how to parent together. Why not start now? Besides, I want to be there for you every step of the way.”

“Alex, it will make things even more complicated.”

“Fiona, things are already complicated. You don’t even have to share a room with me. I have extras.” I give her a wink, trying to get her to smile and ease the tension within her. When I see her lips twitch, I know I’ve won the battle.

“Fine. I’ll stay with you.” Her shoulders straighten a bit when her tone drops. “But I’m staying in my own room. Do you hear me, Alex?”

Grinning at her, I nod my head. “Yes, I hear you, love. Now, why don’t we go get you settled for the night?”

“I don’t have any of my stuff yet.”

“No worries. I’m sure you can borrow a few things from Hazel until we can get your stuff.”

Suddenly Hazel pipes up, “Yes, I have a few things you can use for now. Give me two seconds.” She then disappears down the hallway.

While we wait for Hazel to return, Fiona extends her hand out, and grabs mine. “Thanks Alex. I mean it. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen, and this is the best outcome I’ve could’ve hoped for.”

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