Page 13 of Daddy's Curvy Girl

There’s no ifs, buts, or maybes. Shelby is mine and I’m not losing her. Not now, not ever.

Chapter8

Bea

Three weeks later

It’s been three weeks since I received the deed to Pure Indulgence and I’m still in shock about it. Never did I think this would have ever happened. I’ve tried to call my mom but she’s been on vacation with Jason for the past month. She has no idea about anything that’s happened since she’s gone away. That includes that Harlan and I are now a couple. Or that I may be pregnant.

I’m late. I’ve never been late in my life and yet here we are. I’m scared—not about being pregnant, but about not being—Harlan and I want this. It’s so weird to think that six weeks ago I wouldn’t have even thought about being this serious about someone, let alone want a child. It’s so strange how our lives can change when you meet the man you love.

I’m sitting in the office at Pure Indulgence waiting for the timer I have on my cell to go off and let me know that it’s safe to look at the test—all three of them—I just need to know the answer. I’m four days late and Harlan thinks I should wait a week. The man’s crazy for even thinking I could wait that long. Hell, I’m surprised I’ve held out for four days.

My cell buzzes and it’s a message from my mom. I read it, trying my hardest not to glance at the countdown timer that’s in the corner. It seems to be taking forever.

Mom: I’m sorry, darling, my service was shot while we were away. We’re home now and I’ve missed you. Are you free today?

My heart skips a beat at the words. She wants to see me. Guilt unlike any other hits me. I know that she’s going to be upset by mine and Harlan’s relationship. But I’ve missed her too and I really do want to see her. I fire a text back and tell her that I’ll be there soon.

My cell beeps as the countdown timer finishes. I take a deep breath and reach for the tests.

My hands tremble as I turn them over. The oxygen leaves my lungs in a fell swoop as I stare at them.

Six pink lines.

Tears fill my eyes as I blink, unable to tear my gaze aways, scared that those lines will disappear.

They don’t.

Oh my god! I’m pregnant. I’m actually pregnant?

A sob bursts from my throat as I clutch the sticks in my hand. I’m going to have a baby.

I continue to cry, immersed in so much happiness. I’ve been blessed with so much and now a baby. I don’t think my heart can't take anymore, it’s going to burst with so much joy.

* * *

I knock on the door to my mom’s house. Before she married Jason, I’d walk right in but this is their home and while I like Jason, I’m not entirely comfortable with him nor do I know him well enough to just waltz into the house.

I wait, hearing the footsteps move through the house. It took me a lot longer than I had anticipated in composing myself. I still find myself getting teary at the thought of being pregnant but thankfully, no more bursting into uncontrollable sobs. I’m so excited to go home and tell Harlan the news. I know that he’s going to be beyond happy. He’s wanted this just as much as I have.

The door opens and I’m greeted by my smiling mom. Her brown hair is lighter than it had been, her skin now sun kissed from the sun. She looks vibrant and exuberant. “Shelby,” she cries as she pulls me into her arms. “It’s so good to see you, you look wonderful. How are you?”

I return her hug, wrapping my arms around her. “I’m good mom, how are you? How was the vacation?”

She beams at me, pulling me into the living room. I take a seat and she starts talking a mile a minute as she tells me all about the vacation and how much fun she had while she was there and she can’t wait to go back. That being in the sun is what she needs. I don’t blame her, she has fibromyalgia and taking vacations to the heat and letting all her worries and stress go helps a lot while dealing with her illness. I listen intently, loving how animated she is as she talks about what she got up to, the people she met, and the food she ate.

“How about you baby?” she asks, reaching for my hands. “You look so content. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this happy.”

I smile at her. “I am, I met someone,” I whisper, praying that she doesn’t ask me much about him. “I’m loving how things are going, I just need some time. But I love him.”

She nods. “I understand that, sweetheart. You have no idea how proud I am of you. You’ve got your business and now you’ve got your person.”

“About that,” I say. “Did Jason tell you what he did?”

Her brows knit together. “What did he do?” she asks, a bite to her tone.

I shake my head. “Nothing bad,” I assure her. “Mom, I got the deeds to Pure Indulgence. I don’t know why he never told me.” I still can’t believe that he’s given me it. That I’m the outright owner and no longer owe anything on it.

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