Page 67 of Broken Daddy

Did Gen even know much about her family’s history? Were there genetic disorders we should worry about? Was she healthy enough for this pregnancy?

Anxiety starts to overwhelm me as I surreptitiously try to see which boxes she’s checking. After this, I want badly to ask if she can fill me in—but it feels so personal.

Personal? You’re having a baby together. Doesn’t get more personal than that.

I think back to exactly how we got here…the nights with Gen…that afternoon in the barn.

Yeah. I’d say we’re on a personal level at this point. If I didn’t have to rush to work after this, I’d broach the subject. But it’ll have to wait.

“Um, I think this part is for you?” Gen hands the clipboard over on a new page. Questions for the dad. All over, I’m reliving doing something similar with Julia—sitting in an office like this.

But instead of feeling nervous, I’m excited. Having Eva was one of the best things to ever happen to me. Welcoming another baby into my life—however Gen decides to split the time up between us—can only be a positive.

I fill everything out quickly and can feel Gen watching, so she must be curious aboutmybackground as well. Good. I’ll tell her anything she needs to know.

Then we’re being called in, and I stand behind her, a hand hovering over her lower back as we head to an exam room. She leans back into it momentarily. Hopefully, she feels safe and supported.

The tech introduces themselves, explains what’s going to happen, and sets Gen up on the table. Gen glances up at me shyly as she pulls her shirt up her belly, rolling the top of her pants down as the tech covers her lower pelvis with a blue sheet.

I try to give her as much privacy as possible while this all happens, but the room is cramped. A blush creeps slowly up her cheeks and a smile curls my lips. Funny time for her to be shy about her body.

A few minutes later, the image is pulled up on the screen. All three of us smile. Gen has a momentary stunned look on her face.

“So you’re at about seven weeks. Does that sound right?” The tech glances between the two of us. I add it up in my head, stupidly relieved. A part of me has worried I’m not the only one taking up Gen’s time.

How would I feel if this wasn’t my baby? If I didn’t have this tether to her?

Right away I know the answer. I’d be disappointed.

As Gen stares at the screen with wide eyes, in that moment, I know I’ll do anything for her and the baby. Whatever they need—whatever they want.

I’ll give it to them.

Chapter27

Genevieve

By Friday, I can’t avoid it anymore. I need to tell Nate about Germany.

Saucer received my preliminary menu and they’re reviewing it—but I got a private email from their sous-chef, who said he was excited to see something eclectic and challenging for once.

Sienna is thrilled, but she doesn’t know I’m pregnant. I’m guessing she’d belessthrilled if I volunteered that information. Either way, I’m not sure I’m willing to give up this opportunity in Germany.

Once breakfast is cleaned up and Eva is preoccupied with a new box of glitter she got from her art classes, I wipe my hands on a towel and peek out the French doors. It’s a gloomy day, clouds looming overhead, but the light from the Owl Factory barn is a warm amber glow. Nate took the day off to spend time with Eva and work on some personal projects. A small triumph that I didn’t want to celebrate too loudly, in case his logical brain kicked in and insisted work was more important.

With a hesitant glance at the gray sky, I slip out through the doors and jog toward the barn. Risky business, since Nathan is already watching me like a hawk and constantly telling me to “take it easy.” He wanted to switch to a dinner menu of takeout twice a week, but I put my foot down.

When I reach the heavy barn doors, I skirt between them easily. In a few months, I’ll need to squeeze through. The thought makes me nervous, giving up my body…but I’m excited, too. Seeing that little bean on the ultrasound awakened something in me I was afraid I was missing.

With Will, I was never excited to have kids. Whenever he brought it up, I’d feel a panic attack coming on.Kids? So much responsibility. So much time away from the restaurant…preparing formula instead of duck à l'orange…could I do it?

The problem was, I knew if it came down to it, Will would’ve forced me to be a stay-at-home mom. He would’ve hired a new executive chef for our restaurant without telling me, much less included me in the process.

And that…

Well, that just didn’t feel likemydream.

Which, I guess, is why we didn’t work out.

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