Page 45 of One Timer With A Wingman

“He deserves to know, Briar.”

“I know.” Aaron deserves to know. I don’t know how he is going to react but he definitely needs to know I am pregnant.

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

Briar

Coach Ludmila told me to take the next few days off from practice. We don’t have another meet for a couple of weeks, and she wants me to file an official request to pause my NCAA participation due to my pregnancy. She also wants me to have a few days to relax and think of my next steps. She is being supportive and caring, and I am so thankful to her. The hospital called and booked me an ultrasound for Tuesday. It is now Friday, and I still haven’t spoken with Aaron. To say I am procrastinating is an understatement. I am terrified. Is he going to abandon the baby? From what I know of Aaron, he is a stand-up guy, but he clearly didn’t plan on a baby in his near future. Neither did I, so I mean, there is that. I ask Aaron to meet me at my house after class this afternoon. If I am going to tell him about the baby, I need it to be on my turf. I also don’t want to chance the news getting out. I know on Friday afternoons my housemates are never home, so it is a good option. I don’t need them spreading rumors about the winger of the hockey team being in my room. I know from living here the past two years that they love gossip.

It is now half past four and I am expecting Aaron any minute. I pace my room, feeling like I am going to melt down any minute. I don’t know why I am so scared, other than nothing has really gone my way the last few years. I did get into Riverside U on scholarship, which is huge, but it feels like that’s where my luck ended. I have won medals in gymnastics, but it is because of my hard work.

The doorbell rings and I almost jump out of my skin. He’s here. I hold on to my stomach, feeling the need to protect Nugget. I know what it feels like to not be wanted, and I never want him or her to experience such a thing.

I go downstairs to open the door. I am jittery and my heart is beating fast. I open the door to Aaron, who looks very cold. He is wearing a hoodie and a puffer coat but his cheeks are red, despite him still having a bit of a tan from our trip.

“Hey, what’s up?” he asks.

I texted him that we needed to talk and he should come over to my place. At first he thought it was a booty call but I told him it wasn’t and I needed him to come over.

“Come in.” I wave him inside.

He looks wary. He doesn’t know why he is here. I am about to drop a bomb on him. One he isn’t expecting.

“Okay.” He takes a slow step inside and blows on his hands.

“Did you walk here?” I ask.

“Yeah, we didn’t have a spare car at the house,” he explains.

“Sorry.”

“What’s going on, Briar?” he asks, cutting to the chase.

“Um, why don’t you come in and take your shoes off?” I suggest, trying to buy some time. How am I going to tell him that our lives are changing?

“Okay.” He drags each syllable of the word out.

He follows me into the kitchen. I stand on the other side of the counter, needing space from him. “We’re the only one’s here.”

“You’re kind of freaking me out. Why are you so shaky?” he asks.

I blow out a harsh breath. “I’m pregnant.”

So much for starting out slow before dumping the news on him.

His jaw goes slack. He looks frozen in time. His forest green eyes resemble two saucers.

“I don’t understand,” he mutters.

“We had sex in Punta Cana. Besides you, I haven’t been with anyone in like a year so. . .” Was he going to make me spell it out?

Both his palms come up to his face and cover his nose and mouth.

“I took my birth control every day. I don’t know what happened,” I say. I feel guilty, even though the rational part of me knows he is just as responsible as I am for this.

“You said you’re sure it’s mine?” he asks and I get offended.

“I told you. I haven’t been with anyone else,” I repeat. “Look, it’s a lot to take in. I know you have a lot going on in your life and this isn’t the best timing. I’ve decided to keep the baby. I understand if you want no part of this. . .”

---