Page 52 of Knocked Up by Mr. Grump Lawyer

“Yes, Riley,” Robert answered, surprising me. “We’ll definitely do that.”

“I’m grateful for everything,” I said with a smile. There was a heavy feeling in my heart, as if I was leaving behind something that could have been more beautiful.

I went to get my things. But when I came out, Riley begged me to stay and taste the bread we made together.

How could I say no?

So we ended up sitting around the dining table, eating the delicious bread and chatting. Robert took a slice and holed up in his home office. I was greatly dismayed.

Nevertheless, it was a good bonding moment with Riley. I never would have guessed that I’d enjoy spending time with a kid who wasn’t even my own.

Without thinking, my hand flew to my growing tummy. I was suddenly filled with much eagerness.

I can’t wait to meet you and spend time with you,I told my baby in my head. A smile spread across my lips.Just you and I will be more than enough.

Chapter 22

ROBERT

Icouldn’tsleep.Icouldn’t focus on doing any work, either.

Thoughts of Kayla flooded my mind. A part of me yearned to go after her and beg her to come back. But then again, another part of me didn’t want what came after that. I knew that asking her to come back and stay here with me entailed something else. Something I wasn’t ready for.

I kept thinking of her. Did she take her vitamins before going to sleep? Was she comfortable in her bed? What if she suddenly experienced cramps in the middle of the night?

Questions and worries kept lingering in my mind.

I poured myself a glass of my favorite wine. I downed it in a few seconds.

Holding the glass in my hand, I began to pace back and forth in my study. My mind was swirling with confusion.

I needed to relax. I filled my glass again with wine and gulped down everything without pausing.

Soon I found myself getting drowsy. I grabbed my phone and dialed her number without thinking.

It was past midnight. I shouldn’t be calling her.

I pressed the end button. Then I fell asleep on the couch in my home office.

The faint sound of a female voice made me wake up with a start. The morning sun was streaming through the curtains.

I realized then that I’d fallen asleep on the couch. I stood up and stretched, narrowing my eyes as I once again heard the female voice. It wasn’t clear, though, but it definitely sounded American, so it wasn’t Anna.

My heart began to race. Maybe Kayla had come back.

I rubbed my eyes and splashed some water on my face in the bathroom connected to my home office.

I looked groggy and sort of fatigued. But I should catch her before she leaves. I hurried out to the kitchen where the voice was coming from.

My heart was beating fast, anticipating Kayla’s return.

When I saw the familiar woman standing in the kitchen talking to my son, I was bewildered. Then disappointment set in.

“You should taste some of my bread, Mom,” Riley was saying, offering her the baked bread he’d made with Kayla the day before.

Jaynie gave him a wry smile. “No, thanks, honey… I’m on a diet…”

She handed him a present. He muttered thanks but didn’t look too happy. His mother was always showering him with material things, but what he really needed was her time and genuine care.

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