Page 5 of Zac

“The pregnancy, the birth in a room full of strangers, the coming home alone and the late-night feedings and diapers changes. I’ve dealt with the exhaustion from lack of sleep, the ER visits, the loneliness and?—”

“And you think that it’s the same this time around?”

She shrugs and I laugh. Her face morphs into irritation and I can’t help but reach out and wrap my arms around her. She tries to resist me but when I have her close, she gives in, her body swaying against mine. “I’m here, Presley,” I say next to her ear, still holding her to me. “Sweetheart, I don’t know your past. I don’t know the shit you endured with your ex, but what I do know is I’m not the kind of guy to walk away. I am here, and you can count on me. You aren’t doing this alone.”

“But I can,” she adds, her voice muffled from her lips pressed to my chest.

“I know you can.” I think she needs to hold onto her independence, so I will give her an inch. “But what I am telling you is that you don’t have to. This may not have been planned, but it’s not a disaster.”

Leaning back I allow her some space as she tilts her head to look up at me. Using my thumb I drag along her cheek to catch a stray tear. “It’s kind of a disaster.” Her mouth tilts up at the corner, the old sarcastic side of her resurfacing. I understand now that she’s been dealing with this on her own and the attitude and distance was her simply building up walls she didn’t have to build.

“A beautiful one,” I challenge and she rolls her eyes. “Too cheesy?”

She takes a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment and I watch her.

Being this close I notice the patch of freckles across the bridge of her nose and her dark lashes almost touching her cheeks they are so long and full. Presley really is a beautiful woman and I find myself wondering how any man could walk away from her. Especially when she is carrying your child.

“I’m sorry he hurt you.” She opens her eyes and tries to step back. “Hey.” She looks away from me. “I’m not trying to pry, all I am saying is that no one should have to go through anything alone. I’m sorry you ever had to.”

I am met with her silence, only the sound of her taking slow calming breaths.

“This is me, promising you, that I am here. Any time, day or night, I’m a phone call away.” She nods, still not looking at me. “Late-night junk food runs, foot rubs, whatever you need.”

“My feet swell, so do my hands, and I get really cranky.”

“More than usual?” I ask and she punches my side making me shift away fast. It’s the first chance she has to escape me since I showed up and took her hand. Instantly I hate the distance. It’s a weird feeling but all I want to do is keep her close. The knowledge that she has a part of me in her is astounding.

“You have a lot of room to talk.” Presley narrows her eyes at me.

“I was a bit of an ass tonight, wasn’t I?” Remembering the way I called her out in front of everyone I regret it all over again. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s not the first time I’ve been targeted with an audience.” Okay that hurt, like a verbal kick in the nuts. “But it was deserved.”

“It wasn’t,” I interrupt, regaining her attention. “I am sorry, you didn’t deserve that.”

“I’ve been kind of a bitch to you.” She shrugs.

“You’ve been dealing with a secret.” She swallows hard. “But no more secrets, okay?”

“Kay.” I’m not sure if she’s just telling me this to shut me up, or if she means it.

“So where do we go from here?” Presley seems confused by my question. “Doctor, or have you already been? Is there anything you need now? Anything I can do?”

“I’m okay.” She offers me a smile. “I do go for my first visit next Thursday, just an initial exam, but I can?—”

“What time?” She seems surprised. “I can pick you up.”

“It’s just to determine the due date and nothing really happens at the first visit.”

“I’m going,” I say with determination. I meant what I said. She is not doing this alone.

ChapterFour

Presley

Turning the corner I attempt to move quickly past the cookie aisle, when Grayson starts to bounce around in the cart. “Momma,” he hollers pointing. “Chocolate chips.”

I’m tired, actually I am exhausted. I don’t remember being this drained when I was pregnant with Grayson. Maybe I was, but the difference being I didn’t have a three year old that is bound and determined to test my patience at every turn. I think I have him settled, then it’s a new battle. This week had been rough, more than usual.

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