Page 32 of While We Waited

There’s one flaw in her argument. “Your friends know.”

“They guessed. Pro tip. Never try to keep a secret from Paisley. The genius woman will figure it out.”

“But you were planning to tell me?” I know I’m harping on this point but it’s important. The idea ofmykid being out there in the world and not knowing about me burns.

“I would never keep a child a secret from his father even if the father hates me.”

I frown. “I don’t hate you.”

“Really?” She snorts. “You sure act as if you do. Nova, don’t wear that dress. It’s unattractive. Nova, don’t wear a bikini. Nova, your brewery isn’t good enough for my resort. Not to mention all the times you’ve hung up on me.”

I don’t hate Nova. I could never hate her. She’s sunshine and happiness and everything I’m not.

“I don’t hate you.”

“Why? Because I’m your baby mamma?”

“Yes.”

She shakes her head. “I don’t want you to act as though you like me for the benefit of baby Sprog.”

“Sprog?”

She shrugs. “I can’t call the baby it.”

I should have known she’d come up with a cute name for the baby. Everything about Nova is cute. Even her panties are cute. I wonder what panties she’s wearing now. My cock twitches. It wants to know. It wants to know everything about Nova.

“Anyway.” She clears her throat. “I don’t expect anything from you. You don’t have to be involved in any way. I don’t need your money either.”

“My money?” I growl.

She waves a hand in the air. “You know what I mean. Child support or whatever it’s called. I don’t need it. I’m comfortable.”

She’s starting to piss me off.

“I will be involved with this child’s life. And if I want to give you money to support our child, I will.”

Her nostrils flare. Damn. Nova pissed off is sexy. My cock agrees. I clench my jaw. This is not the time to get excited.

“I don’t need your money.”

“I never said you did.”

“Maybe not but you’ve made it perfectly obvious you think I’m not good enough for you.”

Her, not good enough for me? She’s got it all wrong. I’m the one who isn’t good enough for her.

“I never said you aren’t good enough.”

“Actions speak louder than words.”

I prowl toward her. “And what did my actions say the night Sprog was conceived?”

She places a hand on her stomach and I skid to a halt. She’s pregnant. I need to be gentle with her. I need to take care of her. Speaking of which.

“We should get married.”

Her eyes widen. “What?”

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