Page 31 of Perfect Strangers

He pours me a cup and asks, “Cream? Sugar?”

“Black please. Thank you.”

His brow arches. “Black. Mmm, well aren’t you bold. I’d have figured you to be a latte kind of girl.”

I grab the mug allowing the bitter aroma to hit my nostrils. “Nope, I love my roast dark.”

He inches closer, sipping his hot beverage as his hands caress my waist. He bends, laying a soft kiss on my cheek. I give him a small smile, knowing that I’m going to have to ruin this moment soon.

Major takes a step back to sit in the stool next to me instead. “Everything alright in the bathroom?”

This is it.

I let out a deep breath and place my mug on the counter, knowing I need to be bold, just like my coffee. “Yeah, I just got a phone call I needed to answer.”

With a concerned look, Major bends closer. “You’re not running away right?”

“No, I’m not running this time. Listen, I want to tell you about the person who called.”

He inches away from me with a puzzled look. “Okay?”

Come on Dylan, just spit it out.

My voice trembles with nerves just as Major cups my hand. I glance at him, fighting the tears from spilling onto my face.

“The person who called me this morning was my son.”

Major’s eyes grow wide with shock, but his hand stays on mine. He’s silent for a brief moment, taking in what I just said. I let him process this new information, wanting him to soak in every detail slowly. I figure slow is the best option. I don’t want to overload him all at once.

“So, a son? Wow, why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

I gasp. “Well, it’s not really an easy topic to bring up.”

Major smiles, “You having a child doesn’t change anything. I still feel the same way.”

His hand caresses mine and I fight his need for us to be close. I pull my hand out of his and glance away for a split second.

“What’s his name?”

Major’s question sends a jolt of nerves to my spine. “His name is Crew and…and he’s almost six years old.”

That next clue triggers a spark that I notice in Major’s eyes. He slowly stands and walks toward the sink. His back is turned toward me as he stares out of the kitchen window.

“Six, huh?”

I huff. “Yes, in a couple months. Major…he’s yours.”

His mug crashes into the sink, shattering into pieces and I jolt as coffee spills throughout the sink and the counter. Major stands frozen in silence with his back toward me. I wait, wanting to give him the patience that he deserves.

After a minute of silence, I stand up and touch his shoulder, turning him to face me. “Major?”

I catch him with his eyes closed for a split second, before opening up to me. Pure black is all I see in the reflection of his eyes. My heart pounds with nerves as my breath hitches, gasping for air. Anxiety seeps deep into my soul as Major stares at me with anger, hurt, and betrayal.

He utters only one word to me at that moment. “Why?”

Unsure what he meant I respond, “Why?”

His voice rages. “Why didn’t you tell me before? Why now, all of a sudden?”

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