Page 6 of Her Baby His Gift

Harlem looked as if she were going to collapse. Carter pulled her into his arms and wrapped them around her. Exhausted from everything that life had thrown her way, Harlem rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. She hated him. But, he offered the comfort that she needed.

The room was quiet for a while.

Her outburst was long overdue. Carter spoke into her hair. “You’ve wanted to kick my ass for some time.”

“True.”

“You’re going to be okay. We both are.”

She whispered. “He’s not coming back. I don’t know how to move forward, and I can’t go back to how it was.”

“It’ll take us some time to lean into our new normal. It will get easier.”It had to.Harlem was his responsibility, and he was at a loss on what to do, but he wouldn’t tell her that. He hadn’t done a great job of taking care of himself, let alone another person, but Carter had to try. “Why don’t you go grab a shower, and I’ll make you something to eat.”

Gently, Harlem pushed against his chest. “I’m not hungry.”

His arms loosened. “Still, you should try.”

He was right. “Will it be edible?”

That was the girl he knew.He cracked a small smile. “I do well enough. Any foods I should stay away from?”

“Onions.”

“Cool. No onions.”

Harlem started to walk out of the kitchen then turned around slightly. “Carter, I don’t know . . .”

He shrugged. “Me either, but we’ll take it one step at a time.”

She held his gaze and slowly nodded before leaving the room. As soon as Harlem left, Carter took out his cell phone to call Elaina. “Hey. Have you already left for the restaurant?”

“I was just about to leave.”

“Can I get a raincheck? Harlem is pretty shaken up from last night.”

“You’re at her place?”

“Yeah.”

Elaina paused. “Harlem again?”

“She’s been through a lot.”

“So have you.”

“She’s pregnant, Elaina.”

“Is that going to be your excuse every time you break off plans with me?”

“It won’t be like this forever. Harlem needs me right now.”

“Doesn’t she have friends? Why doesn’t she go and spend some time with her parents?”

“Are we really going to argue about this? She’s having a hard time.”

Elaina’s patience was running out. She wanted to scream but did her best to remain calm. She spoke through gritted teeth. “If our relationship is going to work, you’re going to have to figure out how to make me a priority!” The next sound Carter heard was a dial-tone.

Shit.Elaina had every right to be upset. Carter made another call to his personal assistant. “Amy. I hate to bother you on a Saturday, but I need your help.”

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