Page 138 of Chasing Sparks

“Life with Asher Hammond has been a rollercoaster, and it has to end.”

“Or it continues forever, and you two get married and have a dozen kids, just like you wanted.”

Isn’t she adorable with her chronic optimism? “Can you get out of my office now?”

“Sure. By the way, Kevin Duncan called, looking for you.”

Only a day ago, her message wouldn’t have caused a ripple, but after Ash’s stern warning, I wonder if the man is up to something. “Likely wanted that book he ordered.”

“I mentioned the book, but he insisted you call him back personally.” She hands me a slip of paper with his number, her lips pressing into a thin line. “I don’t like him, and neither does Ash.”

That’s an understatement. Ash seems hellbent on killing the man if he so much as breathes too close to me.

“Noted. Anything else, or can I return to my pity party for one?”

“Go tell Ash.” Mina crosses her arms, her tone firm. “That way, you won’t have to worry about how he’ll react. If he’s a shit about it, then fine. You go on with your life and forget he everexisted while I fashion him some cement shoes. But if he’s great about the news, then you don’t have to do this alone.”

“I’m not ready.”

“You’ll never be ready, Ori. Doesn’t change the fact that you’re having a baby with him.”

“Give me an hour to process, and then I’ll talk to him. Fair enough?”

Mina skews her mouth to the side before relenting. “Fine.”

“Zip your lip until then.”

“Let me know when you tell him so I can start planning the baby shower.”

“I’ve only been pregnant five minutes. You’ve got time.”

How is she so damn excited? I’m terrified.

Mina winks before exiting my office, leaving me alone with my emotions. And trust me, I haveallof them right now.

On the plus side, I have money and a successful business. I’m thirty-nine, and I’ve always wanted children. How many more chances will I have?

On the downside, the father is already expecting his first child with his first love, which leaves me—and our baby—a bit of nowhere.

Mina doesn’t understand why I’m hesitant to tell Ash. I know he’ll do the stand-up thing and be there for his child, but that’s not the point. It’s not because hewantsa family. Hell, aside from that drunken tirade the other night, he’s always made it abundantly clear that settling down isn’t in his DNA.

Ash hates the idea of a white picket prison—or so he’s long claimed. Even though Lucille is carrying his child, he hasn’t shown a speck of excitement about it. I get men aren’t usually into the nitty-gritty details, but this is his first kid. You’d think he’d at least mention the baby or Lucille’s pregnancy. Instead, he damn near grimaces every time I bring them up.

Maybe he’s trying to spare me.

But now, instead of one child he didn’t plan for, he’s got two. From two different women. Talk about a juggling act in a circus he never wanted to attend.

Hence my hesitation.

So, I sip my herbal tea and wait for a sign from the universe—or at least the courage to approach my baby’s father.

Too bad whiskey isn’t an option while pregnant. I mentioned to the doctor that I’d had a few glasses over the past couple of weeks. She assured me it happens all the time with surprise pregnancies, but suggested I enjoy the memory of it because I’m on the wagon until my delivery date.

Which feels like a million years from now.

What to do? What to do?

My gaze lands on the book Ash bought me at the beginning of our relationship. We hadn’t gone on a single date yet, but he remembered how much I adoredJane Eyreand purchased a special edition copy.

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