Page 14 of Doctor Do-Over

“I’m going to help you.” She leans back, making herself comfortable.

“With what?” I sit back and try to relax, but I think I know what she’s up to.

“Wryan. I don’t normally give out client information, but since I’ve found Leif, I’ve become kind of a romantic.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve already contacted an attorney, and I’ll be pursuing custody and visitation. I won’t be paying child support, either. There is nothing here for you to be romantic about.” I hate that it’s come to this, but my attorney thinks this is the best approach. He said it’s a scare tactic to get her attention. He’s also insisting I have a paternity test done.

She cocks her head to the side and purses her lips. “Is that really what you want to do? I’d think that if you could get along and maybe get together, that would be best for the baby and for Wryan.”

“That would be ideal, but I believe that she has already made her mind up. Besides, it’s too late; my attorney sent the paperwork via process server today.”

“You’re asking for trouble. Her family will make your life miserable if you hurt her. What I saw yesterday was a girl who was confused and a man who was jealous.”

“Let me try this first.”

She stands up and sighs. “Sometimes you men are pain in the asses. When you’re ready to fix it, come see me.” She drops a file on my desk before moving to the door. Ridley stops and turns back to me. “She hasn’t dated anyone since she hired us. Our guy developed a deep friendship with her and grew attached, but she turned him down, saying her heart belonged to someone else.”

As she walks out, I mull over her words. I open the file she left and find Wryan’s schedule for the next couple of weeks, her apartment address, her parents’ address, and information about where she’s been for the last several months.

I lift my cell from the desk and call my attorney to stop the process server, but he tells me it’s too late—she’s already been served.

I really fucked up.

Six

WRYAN

It’s been a shit week. I’m suffering from morning sickness again, to the point where the doctor is considering putting me on anti-nausea meds. I really don’t want to. I’ve gotten off of all my meds to ensure the baby doesn’t have any issues. We’re monitoring my heart rate and blood pressure religiously now that I’m off my daily heart medication.

I was doing so well until I ran into Tanner, and he denied everything. Just this Tuesday, I was served with paternity paperwork, and he’s pursuing fifty percent custody. My brother is pissed, and my parents are pushing me to hire a shark attorney to go after him for child support. But I don’t want anything from him except his desire to see our daughter.

I don’t want to be doing this right now. All I want is to hide out in my bedroom. My parents insisted I move in with them after I fainted, worried I was pushing my body beyond its limits. I just wish they would let me live my own life. I’m strong enough to take care of myself. I have been doing it for years. I’ve made my money by investing it properly. I still have the rental agreement for the apartment, and I’ve decided that I don’t carewhat my family says. I’m going to move out on my own and prove to them I can take care of myself.

I walk across the lawn, following my brother, who insists I can’t be far from him. He’s convinced that my crazed fan is going to come after me. He says it’s my fault for posting on social media. He has no clue what I share with the public or how I keep everything separate. No one knows I’m pregnant. I haven’t had any public appearances since Paris, specifically because I want to keep my child safe from the prying eyes and nosey people of the paparazzi. I can’t even figure out how my fan found out I was back in the United States. When I was in Paris, my publisher only got a few letters, as far as I know.

“Hello, Wryan.” Jasmin walks up to hug me. She chuckles when she pats my stomach. “If you need help or have questions, feel free to give me a call. Are you coming back to Frozen to work?” Jasmin is not only a paramedic, but she also works for Frozen Tattoo and Piercing, where I worked as an artist. I should swing by and see if I can consult again. I loved working there, and I like that it’s someplace for me to go to get out of the house.

“I’d like to. I need to stop by and see Leif and Erika.” She hugs me again before she moves over to her husband, Ryan, who’s holding their one-year-old son.

Trevor, another paramedic, approaches me next with his new wife. I’ve heard about her but never had the chance to meet her. She’s really pretty and only a few inches taller than I am. She’s pregnant too.

“I heard you were in Paris,” Trevor says by way of greeting, and I know what he’s getting at.

I notice one of the other guys standing close, listening in. He’s the one I want to withhold information from, but I also want to be loyal to Lorelei and protect her secret. Trevor is her older brother, and he has no clue, just like her parents, that shehad a baby. I’m not supposed to know, but I was happy to be there for her.

“I was in Paris.” I hedge.

“Did you see my sister?” he asks, and I watch Karston move closer.

I’m not usually good at lying, but I will try for her. “Was she there?” I ask, attempting to sound surprised and failing miserably. His wife, Emersyn, tries to cover her smile.

“You know she was, Wryan.” He picks up on the lie instantly.

“Okay, yes, I knew she was there, but I can’t say if I saw her or not.” It’s not a lie, and I’m able to pass it off better. I walk away before they can ask me more.

Karston is watching me still, and as the day wears on, he continues to try to get me alone. I’ve managed to avoid him until he corners me as I come out of the bathroom.

“If you are still in contact with Lorelei, can you tell her I need to talk to her?” he says in his deep, gruff voice. “I need to explain.”

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