Page 155 of My Damaged Protector

“I don't know what to say, Mom.”

“Say that you're ready for the good news now,” I whisper.

She laughs, but it's a weak laugh. I more than anything want to make her laugh more, and I'm hoping this next news will do that.

“Okay, Mom. I'm ready for the good news.”

I smile and rub my lower belly before I speak again. “I'm pregnant.”

“What? Mom! How? Since when?”

I laugh at her many questions. Although, I can tell she's excited.

“Okay, easy with the questions. I can't tell you how I got pregnant. You're still young for that.”

“I'm not that young, Mom. I hear things,” she brags.

I shake my head. Children.

“Things you shouldn't be telling me if you want to continue hearing. You know that, right?”

“Fine. Tell me when,” she grumbles. It brings a smile to my face. I should talk more often with her about stuff like this. She's handling it really well. Maybe being open with her can fix our relationship since we don't exactly have the best one so far.

“It's still new. I'm only a few weeks along. Do you want to know who the father is?”

“I already know who the father is.”

This girl.

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. It's Ian. He's cool. I like him. Well, when he's not demanding to know who I am.”

Okay, she was right. She's not a kid anymore.

I laugh, and she joins in on the laughter. The door to the ward gets a quick knock before someone opens it. Mandy enters, spotting me immediately and motioning at the seat when she notices I'm on a call.

I nod at her.

“Mom, I'm sorry for being so difficult while you've only been protecting me. I feel terrible. You must have been so disappointed in me.”

“No, you should never feel terrible,” I refute. “Not when it comes to me. You're my first child Olivia. I can never be disappointed in you. I love you.”

“I love you too, Mom.”

“I know, sweetheart. And I'm so sorry, for everything. I promise I'll be more forthcoming with you going forward.”

“Okay.”

“Is your aunt there?”

“No. She gave me the phone and demanded I dial your number before she left the room.”

Sounds like something she would do.

“Well, in that case, tell her I'll call back later in the day. I have to go now. Be safe.”

“Alright, bye.”

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