Page 22 of Working For A Billionaire

"Okay," I reply, incredulous at his words. "Thanks."

We stand awkwardly for a moment before Anderson turns to leave. "I'll leave you to it."

As soon as he leaves, I can’t help but wonder that maybe I’m not doing the right thing here. I’m deceiving a nice guy about who I am. Worst of all, I’m pretending that I can be a father, while I damn well know it’s not in my blood.

Or is it? A little voice inside of me asks, making me doubt everything.

Without even thinking, I pick up my phone and dial Riley's number. She answers almost immediately.

"Hello?" Her voice sounds tired.

"Hey, Riley… I… I’m sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that." I rub my forehead in frustration. "You are absolutely right. I need to be more involved. I am going to make more of an effort to do so. In fact, Anderson suggested a parenting class for us to go to. We can attend the next session and see how it goes."

"Really?" She asks incredulous. "That's wonderful, Harrison. This means so much to me, you have no idea.”

“I’m glad,’ I smile.

After we get off the phone, the rest of the day flies by. Mrs. Thatcher hands me the information for the parenting class as I am walking out of the office, which I instructed her to do earlier. I frown as I read the schedule for the class. A quick glance at my watch and I know I should hurry. The next class starts in an hour, and I have to get Riley before heading to it.

When I get home, she is waiting for me by the door, ready to go. I open the door and help her into the car, before getting back in the driver's seat.

It's a short drive to the class, which is about to begin when we pull into the parking lot. Riley grabs my hand as we enter the room filled with pregnant women and their partners. I watch as they tend to the expectant mothers’ every whim. They scurry back and forth, fetching pillows and bottled water while the mothers huff and puff.

It only takes a second before we are spotted, the newcomers waiting to be instructed as to what to do. A short bubbly woman with big brown eyes and a plastered on smile walks toward us, eager to give us our instructions.

"Welcome," she says, extending her pudgy hand for us to shake. "I am April." She pauses, trying to read our facial expressions. "Are you guys here for the parenting class?"

We nod at her in unison. "That's right."

She smiles at me with those big brown eyes of hers. "I bet you're so excited. This is your first pregnancy, right? Oh my gosh! That's so wonderful!"

I nod and give a small smile, unsure of what to say. The woman's enthusiasm is overwhelming.

"Okay, let's get started then," she says.

She escorts us to an open space, where we take a seat on the floor next to a young couple, around Riley's age. We follow along as she explains what it means to be pregnant, what happens when a baby is born, how the process works, what labor is like, and so much more. It sounds like she’s speaking Japanese.

April ends her lecture by asking if anyone has any questions. There are no hands raised, so she continues.

"Now, the next thing we need to cover is what to do if you go into labor early." She looks at each of us individually as she speaks. "Do not wait to call 911 or your doctor. Call them immediately."

April glances at the clock on the wall then wraps up the class, making sure to say goodbye to everyone.

"She can be a bit dramatic sometimes, but you get used to it," says the woman next to us as she collects her belongings.

She is a petite woman, just like Riley. Her partner towers over her, standing at least six inches taller than her. They both have olive skin and dark brown eyes. If it wasn't for the wedding bands, one might assume they were siblings.

"Thanks for coming today," April adds.

I nod in return, unsure of what else to say.

"Have a good night," she says, giving us both a hug. "And congratulations!"

"She is really big on hugs too," the woman's partner says as he extends his hand. "I'm Manny and this is my wife, Gabby.

"I'm Harrison," I reply, shaking his hand. "This is Riley."

"How long have you been coming to these classes?" Riley asks them.

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