Page 102 of First Comes Forever

“As advertised.”

“Amani, be serious for one moment. I was there last week. Everyone was so sure it was negative. How?”

“Dr. Michel said it’s rare but possible the test was faulty. Or perhaps the timing was just a little off… Or it’s possible you and I made a baby.”

“What?” he asks, his eyes widening.

“I told Dr. Michel we were together early last week, unprotected. My HCG levels are very low. It’s quite possible it’s yours. There’s no way to know until a DNA test, but we can’t do that for a little while, so I don’t want you to make any commitments until we know—”

“No DNA test necessary,” Adam says. He looks me right in the eyes as he speaks. “The baby is mine.”

“I know you have a lot of faith in your gut feelings, but Dr. Michel said based on the timing, it could honestly go either way. We need a paternity test.”

“A paternity test is unnecessary.” Adam brushes my hair away from my shoulder, then tucks the remaining loose strands behind my ear. “Whether or not she’s mine…she’s mine,” he says, placing his hand gently on my stomach. “I told you I’m all in. I meant it.”

“I love you,” I reply.

It’s all I can think of to say. How do I thank him any other way than by giving him my whole heart? Adam just offered me the world. He wants to be a father to my baby, regardless of its DNA. Right now it’s clear to see I never really wanted to do this alone. I just needed someone who had a little faith in this version of me. Not the influencer, not the girl chasing glitz, glam, and fame. Just plain Amani, the girl who’s fiercely determined, sometimes a little sad, used to hate her freckles, and thinks drive-throughs can be gourmet.

“Still convinced it’s a girl?” I ask Adam.

He laughs. “I’m sorry. The word ‘she’ is my default. I never felt comfortable calling a baby, ‘it.’ I’m just happy there’s a baby at all, Amani. I’ll be just as thrilled to meet my son.”

My son.

I cried in Dr. Michel’s office at my appointment. Then again, in L.A. traffic. I released a few more tears on the walk over to the Ferris wheel. I have no more tears left. Otherwise, the floodgates would’ve broken loose when Adam said, “my son.”

“You got everything you wanted. Are you happy, summer girl?” he asks as the Ferris wheel turns again. We’re surrounded by the cheers from the passengers nearby, but everything sounds muffled with Adam’s lips on mine.

He kisses me sweetly, his hand still on my stomach, like he’s trying to cradle a treasure. It’s so early, the baby is barely a blip, but it’s now the biggest thing in both of our worlds.

“Adam,” I whisper against his lips, reluctant to break our kiss. “I think I finally understandhappy.”

We kiss and cuddle for the rest of the ride. I miss everything. The scenery, the breathtaking sunset, and the incredible view spanning the entire theme park. I keep my gaze fixed on Adam’s chocolate-brown eyes, trying to picture how they’d look on my child. I’m not ready when the ride ends and we have to shuffle out of our seats.

Adam weaves his hand in mine and helps me out of the gondola, then he’s tugging me. Quickening his pace, he’s practically dragging me through the exit. I have to power walk to keep up with him, but I don’t think he notices. He’s headed straight for the bench where we left Holly.

About two strides away from his mom, he drops my hand, kisses my cheek, and leaves me in place. Holly stands, concern in her eyes as she examines Adam’s expression.

“What’s wrong?” she asks, looking between Adam and me. “What happened?”

“Mom, we’re having a baby,” he says with a quick sniffle as he tries to maintain his composure. “I’m finally going to be a dad.” He turns to look at me and grimaces. “Shit, sorry. Am I allowed to tell people?”

“Little late, babe.” I smile at him and shoo him. “It’s fine.”

He nods at me, turns back around, and then shocks Holly and me when he opens his arms. She doesn’t hesitate, maybe worried he’ll change his mind. Holly barrels into his chest, wrapping her arms tightly around him. Adam’s back is turned, so I can’t see his expression, but I see Holly’s. Her eyes are clamped shut and she’s near hysteric, breathing in small heaves as tears pour down her cheeks and her face turns red.

Twenty years of anger, silence, and unforgiveness vanish in front of me.

I put my hands on my stomach and talk to my little peanut.

“See that, baby?” I whisper as I look down at my flat stomach. I try to picture how my belly will look swollen and round. “You’re barely a week old and already working miracles. I’ve been waiting and wishing for you for a very long time. I already love you so much.”

twenty-nine

“Pssst, Amani,” Adam whispers in the dark.

I ignore him and nuzzle deeper into my pillow.

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