Page 36 of Mending Scars

Kaiya didn’t say anything in response. Instead, she rushed to Kamden and threw her arms around his waist. A loving smile spread over his lips as he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly. “I’m going to try and stop drinking, too. Haven’t had a drink since Saturday.”

“That’s amazing, Kam. I’m so proud of you.”

My mouth curved up involuntarily as I watched them. Kaiya loved Kamden so much, and watching him sink into a downward spiral had been tearing her apart inside.

The timer on the stove went off, and Kamden let go of Kaiya. “Don’t want the bread to burn.”

He grabbed an oven mitt and opened the oven before pulling out a tray with French bread on it. He set the tray on the stove and said, “It’s nothing elaborate, but I did make the meatballs from scratch.”

“It’s perfect, Kam. You really didn’t have to do this,” Kaiya said.

“I wanted to,sorella.Now go sit down. It’s almost ready.”

Kaiya walked to the cabinets. “Let me set the table at least.”

Kamden blocked her path and gave her a stern look. “Out,” he ordered as he fought a smile.

“Fine.” Kaiya laughed. She grabbed my hand as she walked by me and tugged me into the dining room.

Kamden came with plates a minute or so after we sat down. He set one down in front of each of us, then went back into the kitchen.

When he came back and set everything on the table, he sat down across from us and gestured to the food. “Go ahead. Dig in.”

Kaiya and I served ourselves, then waited for Kamden to do the same before we started eating.

Kamden stopped and rose from his seat. “Forgot drinks.”

He came back with three water bottles and handed us each one. He unscrewed his bottle and took a drink as he sat back down. “How’s everything with you guys?

Kaiya glanced over at me and smiled. “Well, uh, we have some exciting news.”

Kamden took a bite of his spaghetti. “Oh, yeah? What?”

Kaiya joined our hands under the table, but directed her attention to her brother. “I’m pregnant.” Her voice was shaky and unsure.

Kamden choked on the water he’d just drank and quickly cleared his throat. “What?”

She squeezed my hand. “I’m pregnant. We just found out today. Isn’t that great?” Kaiya asked nervously.

His eyes darted back and forth between us before they settled on Kaiya. “Are you sure you’re ready for this, Ky?”

Kaiya’s face fell and her shoulders sagged. “Yes. Ryker and I love each other. Aren’t you happy?”

His eyes softened. “I’m concerned,sorella.That’s all. If you’re happy, I’m happy.”

“I am.” She looked down at her stomach and smiled. “We got to hear the baby’s heartbeat and everything. Wanna see the sonogram?”

“Of course—let me see my future niece or nephew,” Kamden replied enthusiastically.

Kaiya started to stand, but I stopped her. “I’ll get it, baby. You relax.”

I went to Kaiya’s purse and dug around for the sonogram. II found it in one of the inner pockets of her purse. A smile came over my face as I looked down at the little bean shaped image.

I’m going to be a dad.

A fullness in my chest filled me. I’d never felt anything like it before—I was in love with a little bean. And then I remembered, I had felt that way before. I closed my eyes as my stomach dropped.

What if he’s not mine?

---