One night stand with my daddy's best friend
15

Chapter 15

Ava

Dad was in the kitchen putting the final touches on his new recipe. It amused me how each recipe that involved rice and chicken could be considered new. But I was hungry and obviously not going to complain.

I'd been hungry a lot lately. I smiled down at my body but reminded myself not to touch my stomach while around Dad. He was too observant and I didn't want to raise his suspicion.

I resumed setting the table, and my eyes went to the space Liam had occupied the one time he'd joined us. A smile framed my lips, and I ran my fingers over the back of the chair. Maybe Dad could invite him again. We'd be able to hide our connection. I snorted. Who was I kidding?

In the last few days, Liam and I had grown closer. I always found my way to his home after work. One look at my tired face and he'd run a bath or mineral soak for us.

Then he'd prepare the most delicious dinners. After we ate, we'd call it a night and turn in.

If it were only sex, it'd be easy to pinpoint why he wanted me around. But sometimes, he'd turn me down with, "You need to rest."

True, but I wanted him more than anything, even necessary bodily functions, like sleep.

No relationship, or whatever it was we had, had ever made me feel this much. No one had ever shown me such care, such tenderness.

At first, it confused me, maybe even scared me. I was worried about getting carried away. But as the days passed, he was steady as a rock. Or was even more attentive.

I took my phone out and read the last text he sent. Just a simple checking- in message, but it warmed me inside.

He was present. So considerate. And we didn't even have a label yet.

I imagined how he'd be with his child. I couldn't resist rubbing my belly. He'd make a great dad. "It's all done."

I whisked my hand away and turned to my dad. "Your rice and chicken."

Dad grinned, placing the platter on the table. "I know you're skeptical.

But trust that aroma."

I sniffed the air, and hunger clawed at my stomach. "Okay, you win. It smells delicious."

Dad retrieved a jug of fresh juice from the fridge. Thank heavens, I wouldn't have to make up excuses why I didn't want wine. I could just relax and eat. He settled in, and we dished out the food.

The first spoonful had my eyes shutting in appreciation. "Good?"

"The best," I gushed. "Why didn't you tell me it was so tasty?" "I did. You didn't trust me."

"I'll never doubt you, ever again," I added more food to my plate and dug

in.

We were halfway through when I looked up at Dad. He'd been just dad

my whole life, with his knit sweaters and big square glasses. Liam's story about his early dreams came into my memory, and my curiosity grew.

"What was becoming a father like for you?" His eyes shot to mine. "Oh, uh, it was good."

"Come on, Dad." I put my fork down and moved my plate away. "Tell me all about it."

"Really?" He raised an eyebrow. I nodded.

Heaving a sigh, he dropped his fork and settled against his chair. His gaze turned up to the ceiling like the answers were hidden there.

Then he spoke. "I was confused at first. I didn't know what I was supposed to do. But I guess I grew into it."

"How did you feel when you found out Mom was pregnant?"

I'd always known I was a surprise baby. They didn't plan it, but Dad hardly ever spoke about it. Not at all like something he regretted.

"I was scared." His eyes grew distant, and he laughed. "Terrified. I was so young. Didn't know the first thing about kids or pregnancies."

His smile disappeared, eyes growing serious. "I worried I wouldn't be able to be there like I should for your mom."

"But you stayed."

"Yes." He shook his head, still lost in his thoughts. "There was no other choice. After the initial terror passed, it was your mom and me and the life

we were bringing into this world. It was all I cared about."

Liam had said they were going to leave their hometown, but I came along, and my dad had to stay back. There was no way I could admit what I knew without tracing it back to Liam.

So I reframed the next question in my head. "What was the biggest adjustment you had to make?"

"Biggest?" A line appeared between his brows. "Learning how to function with little sleep after you were born."

"I think I was a good baby."

"A little terror, that's what you were." I laughed. "What else?"

"A little firecracker. Hell, you could yell all night just for the sake of it." "Dad, I meant what else did you have to adjust in your life."

"Oh." He grinned, then shrugged. "Just knowing my life was no longer all mine. You and your mom came first."

My heart clenched, and my hand shook with the need to touch my stomach. My baby came first, too, but I was afraid.

"Do you feel like you missed out on certain things?" I leaned forward.

His eyes bounced off me, turning upward. "Do I? Some things, yes. Like partying with the boys, going off to college, all of that."

"Oh."

"But do I regret not having those things? No." He looked at me, eyes soft. "Having you gave me direction and showed me what truly mattered. I could have whiled away time being stupid. But you taught me to grow up." My eyes misted. "Dad..."

"It's true." He breathed out. "Heck, I don't know where I'd be now if not for your mom and you. But here is the place I want to be the most."

I smiled. "But Dad, did you ever wish things had happened differently?"

He scoffed a laugh. "No, Peanut. Life is just the way it should be. The only thing I wish for is that your mom was still here."

I dabbed at my eyes. He'd loved her, and even though I didn't know her, his stories let me love her, too.

"Me too, Dad."

His eyes crinkled with his smile. "So, are you done messing with my emotions?"

I thought for a second. "Yeah, pretty much." Dad chuckled and resumed eating.

I returned to my plate, but I'd lost my appetite. One day, it'd be my child and me. And maybe Liam, too?

"So, why all these questions? Where are they coming from?"

As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.com is your destination for the complete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away!

I lifted my eyes to meet Dad's. Trying for nonchalance, I shrugged. "It's nothing. I'm just thinking about the future."

Dad didn't seem satisfied, so I went on.

"I've never thought I wanted kids so much, but now, that opinion is changing."

His face broke into a huge smile. "Really?" "Um, I was only thinking about-"

"That would be the best thing ever." He cast his gaze about. "I can almost picture a little one running around on Sunday nights."

I tilted my head.

"I'll babyproof, I assure you. I think I still have tools somewhere in the attic." He moved to stand.

"Dad, are you going right now?"

His eyes lit up. "Oh, well. I just thought I might as well get started." He dropped back into his chair, a huge grin on his face.

Disbelief mingled with joy in my chest, and I found myself smiling back.

Dad's focus went back to his meal. "You know, Christmases will be magical again with a child around. They'll get all excited about Santa, and we could put up decorations. And Halloween, too. We'll get costumes..." He went on, and I bit my lip, trying to contain my glee. If he was this excited over the prospect of a child, he might be more open to me being pregnant than I thought.

"But hold on a minute." He pinned me with a serious look. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

My stomach clenched, and my heart drummed against my ribs. "W-what would I be keeping from you?"

"Are you seeing someone? Is that why you're thinking of starting a family?"

I nearly exhaled my relief, but his suspicions were still very apparent. I wanted to wiggle my way out of this.

But I pushed away that thought. It'd be best if I started laying the foundation for the truth. One of these days, he was going to find out.

The more prepared he was, the better. "I am...seeing someone."

His eyes brightened. "Why haven't I heard about this before now?" I tried to smile. "It's new."

He exhaled. "My baby's growing up. Is it serious?" I thought for a second.

"Can I meet him?"

You already know him.

"Dad," I said in a rush. "It's still new, and that'd be taking things too fast." "Well." Dad's face fell. "Tell me about him. What does he do?"

"I will." I smiled. "When the time is right. Just not right now."

He rumbled a disagreeing sound but nodded. "I understand. Take your time."

One thing I didn't have. But I was grateful he stopped pushing it.

Done with the meal, Dad started gathering the dishes. I stood to help, but just as I did, I got lightheaded.

A cry left me, and I tipped backward.

Dad caught me just before I hit the floor. "Ava." His voice was tense. "Are you okay?"

I pressed a shaky hand to my forehead, closing my eyes, trying to steady myself. "I am. I just—”

Dad helped me to stand upright, and another wave of dizziness hit me.

As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.com is your destination for the complete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! My knees buckled.

"Shit," Dad swore, dropping me into the chair.

"I'm okay," I whispered, my chest rising and falling.

Why is this happening?

I massaged my forehead and blinked against the blur before my eyes.

Nothing helped.

"Come on. We're going to see a doctor."

My heart lurched. If we saw a doctor, he'd find out about my baby. "No, Dad, I'm fine."

I tried to stand again, but his hands caught me before I fell on my face. "You're not." His voice was curt and strained. "Come on, Peanut."

My eyes were closed as I leaned heavily against him. But I knew we walked in the direction of the front door.

"Watch your step."

I held onto his arm with a shaky hand, peeled my eyes open, and descended the porch steps.

When we hit the flat driveway, Dad hurried us once more. We got in his

car, and he pulled onto the street.

Weak to my bones, I leaned back against the headrest, eyes closed. I just needed my head to clear, then I'd be fine.

"Talk to me, Peanut. How are you feeling?"

I couldn't pretend anymore. "Not very good."

"I'm sorry," he muttered. "We'll soon be at the doctor's."

I wanted to say I'd be alright, but my mouth wouldn't form the words. All my attention turned to the life growing inside me.

Was something happening to my baby? Tears sprang to my eyes. Nothing could happen to my child.

Without caring, I ran a hand over my stomach. Dad must have been too carried away to notice.

Please be okay, baby.

"We're here," he announced.

I opened my eyes, and a gasp left me. I sat up as strength rushed into my body. Liam was the last doctor I wanted to see.

Dad was already out of the driver's side and opening my door. "Okay, Peanut. Just get out slowly."

"Dad, I'm fine." My voice came out shaky. "No need for a doctor."

He ignored my plea and took my hand. "Come on. Let's get you fixed up."

Dad pulled me out of the car and the door shut behind me. All my protests fell on empty ears as he led me, determination and worry etched in his features.

Fear crowded out the sick feeling roiling through me..

I was going to see Liam, and he'd likely find out the truth.