Page 126 of My Favorite Secret
From the twitch in Tyler’s jaw, I know he doesn’t like the sound of it either. “I don’t know how Felix fits into this. The three of us can still find a way to be together.”
“How? You really think he’ll be happy about us being married and having a child together? Wouldyoube happy if the roles were reversed?”
He sighs. I can see the stress within him and how hard he’s fighting to stay positive. “I don’t know, Harp. I’ll find a way to explain everything to Felix when he returns. Right now, you’re my priority. I’ll do anything to make you feel safe, loved, and happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do for you.”
I wipe my eyes, a slight smile peeking through the wreckage of my emotions. “You’re so good to me, Tyler. You’re perfect. But I need time to think.”
“Take all the time you need. I won’t be far away. Call me if you need me and I’ll come right back.” His lips press to mine, the kiss a bittersweet goodbye.
“I love you, Tyler.”
“Not as much as I love you. Trust me.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR
HARPER
As soon as Tyler leaves, I pluck up the courage to knock on my father’s office door. He’s sitting behind his desk when I enter, with a bottle of whiskey and a crystal tumbler. His tie is loose, and his collar is undone.
He stares at the tumbler, too disgusted to look at me. “I don’t recognize you, Harper. Pregnant at eighteen. Not married. Your mother would be furious with me for letting this happen.”
My stomach twists, a slow, nauseating churn that makes me feel like I’m about to be sick. I drop my head, knowing she’d be furious with me too. Thank God Dad doesn’t know about my relationship with Felix. Sleeping with Tyler is bad enough in his eyes, but Felix—twobrothers—he would have an aneurism.
“This boy needs to marry you.”
My head whips back up. “Dad?—”
“I amnotletting my eighteen-year-old daughter have a child outside of marriage.”
I don’t want to have a child outside of marriage either. But I hate the way he’s going about this, making demandsand treating me like I’m a reckless child who needs to be disciplined. He’s acting like I can’t be trusted to make my own choices.
Maybe he’s right. Maybe I can’t be trusted. The old me wouldn’t have let this happen. The old me was sensible and strict.
“I need to call Tyler’s father.” He mindlessly twists the tumbler back and forth, then scoffs. “Not that Josh will care about the mess his son has gotten you into. The Blackwood family have caused us nothing but trouble ever since Lenore died. Josh has always offloaded his problems onto me and your mother. This will be no different.”
I shake my head. “It isn’t your place to tell Josh. Tyler and I need to speak with him.”
My father shoots down his whiskey then pours himself another glass. “Go to your room. I need time to think.”
“Dad—”
His fist slams onto the desk so hard that the whiskey sloshes over the rim of the tumbler. “I said go to your room! Donottalk back to me.”
I jolt, never having seen him so furious. The sharp crack of his voice digs under my skin, leaving my legs weak.
Even still, he doesn’t look at me. Shuddering, I follow his orders, wiping the tears from my eyes with each step back to my room.
My father doesn’t recognize me anymore. I don’t recognize him either. Not once has he asked how I’m feeling. If I’m scared. He’s never been the nurturing kind, but he’s shown a gentle side since Mom died.
There’s nothing gentle in him now. Maybe I deserve every ounce of his disappointment.
I sink onto my bed, pressing my hands against my stomach. I fucked up. That’s for sure.
I wish Mom were here.
But the thought of her only makes the tears stream faster.
Would she comfort me? Or would she view me the way my father does—like I’m nothing but a disgrace?
