Page 110 of Doctor I Do

She doesn’t want me to touch her. And I can’t stop the selfish way that hurts me.

I stuff my hand into my pocket to stop it from happening again.

“Why are you here?” I ask.

She winces, as if I wounded her by not wanting her to come here. But that’s not it. If anything, seeing her now makes me miss her more. I’ve not felt myself without her.

“A doctor’s appointment,” she says matter-of-factly.

“Are you and the baby okay?” I ask.

“Routine one. Calm down, Daddy,” Blake cuts in, the word making a wrinkle between my brows.

“Blake. Do you mind?” She turns to face her friend, whose eyes are still narrowed on me.

“You want me to leave you with him?” he asks.

Inside, I’m hoping she says yes.

“Please.”

He blows out his cheeks in a frustrated breath, then turns to face her. “Okay but call me if you need me. I’ll sit here and wait for you.”

“Thanks.” She gives him a small smile.

He snaps his gaze to me. Shaking his head in dismay, he strides to the tables and chairs in the cafeteria. He’s not happy.

When her eyes return to mine, I patiently wait for her to tell me what’s going on.

“Did you want to come with me? It won’t be long. It will be a chat and blood test to confirm…”

“Confirm the pregnancy?”

“Yes,” she replies sadly.

I nod. I’m still confused about how to feel, but the way I can’t let her do this without me tells me to suck it up and go.

“Yeah, I’ll come, if you’ll have me.”

Her mouth parts, as if she wants to speak, but she walks off, and I follow.

I stay silent the whole elevator ride, and even sitting in the obstetrician’s office, listening to Doctor Paddock talk, I can’t find my voice.

I’m confused, shocked, wondering when it’ll wear off.

I can’t believe we’re doing this.

A baby.

Chapter 38

Alex

After the appointment, I walked her down to Blake. She quickly said goodbye and left. My head has been spinning ever since. I couldn’t concentrate on work, so I left and drove myself home. I’ve been lying on the sofa, wondering what to do. A part of me wants to go to her place and throw her over my shoulder and bring her home. This place doesn’t feel right without her. But also, after the way I reacted, I don’t feel worthy of her.

I rub my hand over my face just as the doorbell rings. I get up slowly, knowing deep down it’s not her, so what’s the rush?

The bell rings again, and it irritates me. No one is meant to be here. I need more time to be alone.

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