Page 38 of Daddy Issues

“Of course I did. We haven’t spent a night apart in weeks, where else would I go?”

His words are true, and I guess I knew deep down he would sneak in here, which is why I put the scrunchie on.

“I just needed time to process. I was on the pill, and I just wasn’t careful enough.”

“We weren’t careful at all, honey, but I’m glad it happened. So fucking glad. I can’t wait to see Mila as a big sister, and I hope, boy or girl, they look exactly like you.”

I release a rough exhale in relief. I was prepared to figure out how to do this on my own if I had to in order to protect Graham from the fallout. But I wanted this alternative.

“What about my dad?”

“He’s angry, Hails, but he’s not like your mom. In fact, I don’t get the appeal of her at all for someone like him, but to each their own. They were young when they got together. I don’t understand their relationship and they don’t have to understand ours. But I know Jay, and he loves you. He’ll come around.”

“They haven’t for Hannah.”

“We’ll take it day by day. We’re a team, honey. I’ve got you, and there’s nothing you need to navigate without my support.”

“You don’t know how much I needed to hear those words.”

“Damn, honey. I love you so much. It feels so good to finally say that out loud.”

I couldn’t agree more.

CHAPTER13

graham

Hailey sleeps soundlynext to me, and for the last night, we’re in her bed. Tomorrow we’ll tell Mila that we’re together, that Hailey is staying, and that she has a baby sister or brother on the way. I don’t feel an ounce of anxiety over sharing the news with her. Mila is obsessed with Hailey, and while she thinks she’s the master of her facial expressions, I can read her like a book. She watches Hailey and I together with a dreamy look on her face, like she’s wishing the same thing we all are—to be a family.

Finding out Hailey is pregnant with my child was one of the happiest moments of my life. Granted, I’d have loved to have found out differently, considering the company. I’d have reacted the same way that Jay did if the tables were turned, and I expected it, which is why I didn’t engage. He needs time to process and then hopefully we can work on repairing the damage to the relationship. I’d hate to lose him, and I know it would devastate Hailey, so I plan to do my best to smooth things over, even if things can’t ever go back to the way they were.

With my woman wrapped in my arms, I look down at her soft facial features. She’s so relaxed, her lips parted slightly as she breathes at a light, steady pace, her long eyelashes resting at the very top of her cheeks. I lightly rub the pads of my fingers across her belly, thinking of the life that’s growing inside her right now.

I should have known better. Even though Hailey and I talked about protection, it was insanely irresponsible on my part. I was obsessed with keeping my cum inside her, and I know someplace deep in the recesses of my mind, I was trying to create this very scenario. With how I’d fill up her pussy and fall asleep buried inside her so that it stayed put. I fucking loved it.

I got lucky that she’s happy, because I would have felt like shit if this surprise gift wasn’t wanted by her because of my recklessness. My heart swells knowing that Hailey has only ever wanted a family of her own and to be a mother, and that I’m the one giving her that. In just a few months, I’ve given her a home of her own, a man who worships the ground she walks on, two children, and a lifetime of happiness ahead of her. It feels damn good. She came into the picture wanting to make my life easier, but we both found exactly what we needed in each other.

* * *

“How are you feeling, honey?” I whisper against Hailey’s ear as we sit on the couch together. Mila is changing out of her school clothes and should be coming down to talk to us any minute. She knows something is up but has been quiet so far.

“Nervous, and nauseous. I don’t know if it’s morning sickness or nerves.”

“Baby, it’s probably both. I’m here for you. We’ll get through this. She’s going to be so happy.”

“I’m going to be so happy about what?” Mila startles us both as she rounds the corner and into the living room.

“When did you get so quiet coming down the stairs? It usually sounds like a pack of elephants.”

“Ha ha, Dad. I’m growing up, maybe that’s why. I’ve morphed from a herd of elephants to a delicate butterfly!”

“Mhm. Well, have a seat, my girl, we need to talk to you about something.”

“Ooookay. Are you guys finally going to admit your feelings for each other? Cause I’d really like to stop pretending.”

Hailey coughs next to me and I quickly shift in her direction, making sure she’s okay and not about to hurl all over our living room.

“Mila, what?” Hailey chokes out.

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