Page 58 of Flawless Lyric

“Please understand that I need some time to process all of this, and I can’t do it as long as you’re here. I’m not pushing you away, Micah. And I don’t want you to resent me years from now, but I really need to figure this out for myself. You have your career and your whole life ahead of you, and I…” His desperate mouth suddenly claims mine. Swallowing my words and breathing life into me. Refusing to let me finish what I started.

God, he’s breaking me down brick by brick.

When he swipes his tongue along my bottom lip and takes a bite, I shudder. He knows if he distracts me like this, I will lose all train of thought and it’s working. My insides flutter when his hand lands on my stomach. “Mine, Beauty. You and this baby are my responsibility now. You can try pushing me away all you want or spend the rest of your life in denial, but I’m not going anywhere.” I know and that’s what scares me.

“Tell me the truth. Do you want this baby?” Holding my breath, I wait for his answer, knowing deep down that he’ll never let me down.

“Hell yeah! I want anything and everything I can have with you, Beauty. I love this baby already knowing he’s a part of you. A part of us.” Why did I not know I was pregnant sooner? I have all the same symptoms I had with Novalee. I’m tired all of the time, and I could cry at the drop of a hat.

“It could be a girl, too, ya know.” Chuckling he nuzzles my neck.

“No worries. I could so be a girl dad.” Yeah, boy or girl he’s going to be an amazing father.

“I’m dying for a cup of coffee, but I shouldn’t be drinking caffeine knowing that I’m pregnant. Ugh, I guess you’ll need to hide all of my wine so I’m not tempted.”

“Now that Novalee’s home, let’s go to my place. You can relax and I’ll wait on you day and night. Sound good?” Sure does, but there’s one more thing I need to take care of before I leave.

“I really need to have a chat with Novalee first. Go ahead and shower and I’ll meet you downstairs when you’re ready.”

“Do you need me to go with for reinforcement?”

“Thanks, but I can handle it.” Maybe?

Kissing his cheek, I prepare myself for the worst but hope for the best. I’m speechless when I walk into the kitchen and Novalee suddenly throws herself into my arms.

25

MICAH

Lyricand I are sitting in the doctor’s office first thing on Monday morning and it’s a bit unnerving. There’s a handful of pregnant women of all shapes and sizes. Some look like they’re ready to give birth any second and some don’t look pregnant at all. Okay, I’ve said that I’ve done this before, but I was lying. I just have nieces and nephews, but this is the first time I’ll be walking into a room with someone. My girlfriend who’s having my baby. My baby!

“Micah, are you okay?” she asks me. Fuck, I should be the one worrying about her instead of freaking out.

“I’m fine, Beauty. How are you holding up?” It’s been a rough weekend, with her morning sickness and all.

“Better now since I had the toast this morning. Remind me to pick up some decaf coffee on the way home.”

We both look up as a nurse opens the door. “Lyric Montgomery.” It’s time. If I’m this nervous, I can’t imagine what Lyric’s feeling right now. Hopefully today we’ll get some answers.

“How’s everyone doing today?” How does she think?

“Other than a little morning sickness, pretty good.” The nurse glances over her shoulder, looking back and forth between Lyric and me. Yep, she’s judging.

Over the weekend I told Lyric I must have fucked her so hard I untied the tubes. She laughed so hard until she cried. It’s been that kind of weekend. Our emotions are all over the fucking place. I suppose it’s to be expected under the circumstances.

“Good, now step on the scale and we’ll get you weighed in.” When Lyric bites her lip, I turn around because I know girls are weird like that. I couldn’t care less what her weight is, she’s gorgeous inside and out just the way she is.

“Okay, step down and follow me.” Once we’re inside the office, she adds, “I need to ask you a few questions, take your vitals, and then you can undress and slip this on. Then Doc Taylor will be in to see you.”

I zone out when the nurse asks her a ton of questions about her last period, miscarriage, medication, etc. etc. It’s all overwhelming and I’m so out of my element. Music is my thing and I never thought I’d be in a doctor’s office with my pregnant girlfriend. But here I am. In case you haven’t noticed, it really hasn’t sunk in that I’m going to be a dad. I can only imagine the shit I’m going to get from my siblings when they find out we’re having a baby.

“Micah, does your family have any?” Any what?

“Sorry. I was letting you have your privacy. Did you ask a question?”

“Family history of any diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure. Anything that can be passed onto the baby.”

“Oh. My dad’s diabetic, but as far as heart disease or high BP, I have no idea. I can certainly ask if that helps.” Lyric’s eyebrows hit her hairline and I get she doesn’t want my parents to know yet. “Um, or maybe not.”

---