Page 14 of Mad Love

God, this is so humiliating, but I can’t seem to get it together. When I look up at him, he’s studying me with an unreadable expression.

“And I can’t lose him.” I wipe my nose and shake my head. “Losing my sister is…it’s the worst thing I’ve ever known, but losing him…it would kill me.”

Something flashes across his face. Compassion? Annoyance? Guilt? I don’t know him, so I don’t know what it is, but I take a deep breath and this time my chest fills with air…like it finally worked.

“I’ll stay with you,” I finally say.

He looks up at the ceiling, his shoulders lifting with his deep breath, and when he looks at me again, he’s sober and intense.

“Thank you,” he says.

CHAPTER FIVE

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES

WESTON

Getting her to agree to stay a few weeks with me was easier than I’d expected. Once that’s behind me, I step out of the room and walk down the hall until I find the stairs. When I’m certain the stairwell is empty, I call Felicity. She answers after two rings.

“Hey, I was just thinking about you,” she says.

“What were you thinking?”

“That I’m going to start charging you for every cute reporter who flirts with you during interviews. Seriously, it’s gross to see your brother shamelessly flirted with on TV.”

When I’m quiet, she says, “What’s wrong?”

I take a deep breath. “I found out I have a child. A baby…his name is Caleb.”

“What?”

“The hospital called yesterday and said my son had been admitted. He was in a car accident with his mom and when I got here, she had already passed. I was on the birth certificate.”

“Oh my God, Weston. Who is it? She died? Why didn’t you call me? I would’ve been there with you.”

“I know you would’ve. His mom’s name was Sasha Chapman. I didn’t know her well. I’ve been trying to piece it together. I think we met at a party Cal Morris had not long after the Super Bowl last year.” I bend over, feeling a wave of panic. “I haven’t told Mom and Dad yet. I needed proof before I dragged you guys into this. The Mustangs legal team did all the tests and he’s mine. But I knew when I saw him.”

“You did?” Her voice cracks. “Weston. A baby boy,” she says softly. “This is amazing and…heartbreaking. How old is he?”

“Two and a half months old.”

“You must be in shock. I can’t believe this.”

“I am in shock. I don’t—Felicity…what if I’m not good at this?”

“Good at being a dad? Weston, listen to me. You’re going to begreat.” Her voice cracks again and she’s crying when she says, “I can’t wait to see you be a dad. You’ve got this. I know you do.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“I’m right about this, West. I don’t doubt you for a second. Look how good I turned out having you as a big brother.”

I exhale, feeling slightly calmer already. I should’ve called her immediately. My older sister Olivia, on the other hand…I can already hear the crap she’ll give me over this. “Love you.”

“I loveyou. When can I see him?”

“Soon. There’s a lot to work out. Sasha’s sister Sadie is…involved. There’s a lot to tell you, but I just didn’t want more time to go by without you knowing. I’ll call you later and fill you in on the rest. I’m excited for you to meet him. He’s perfect. I’ll send you a few pictures as soon as we hang up.”

The call to my parents is a lot harder to get through, with a lot more questions, but ultimately, they’re kind and loving, as always. I let them know I don’t have many answers yet, but that there’s no fight for me to see my son, and that seems to ease their minds. They’re excited to meet their grandson. I ask them to let Olivia know and promise to have them over as soon as we’re settled.

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