One night stand with my daddy's best friend
24

Chapter 24 Liam

Ava swallowed. She took a deep breath, then blew it out. She was gearing up to tell Thomas about us.

All evening, she believed she was more nervous than me. She had no idea. Right now, my heart was thundering in my chest.

But focusing on Ava allowed me remain present. Instead of drowning in my worries, wondering what the outcome of this night would be, I needed to support her. She licked her lips. "Um..."

My heart clutched in sympathy for her. I reached under the table and placed a hand on her thigh. I felt her stiffen.

Thomas wouldn't see a thing. All his attention was focused on her face.

Knowing that, I rubbed her thigh softly. Her hand found mine and I laced our fingers and squeezed once.

You've got this.

She glanced at me. It was only a split second. But it lasted long enough to see the gratitude in her eyes and the slight smile on her lips.

I smiled back, despite my wild heartbeat.

She was going to tell him. It wouldn't be just our secret anymore.

Thomas would know about the baby. About us. And he'd have every right to hate me.

Focus on Ava.

"Dad," she said in a small voice. "Yes, Peanut." Thomas smiled. Her hand shook and I held tighter.

"There's something I need to tell you."

"That my focaccia is terrible?" He pressed a hand to his chest. "Say it quickly. Come on, get it over with." "Dad." Ava's voice cracked. "It's important."

Thomas heard it, too. He frowned and sat straighter. "This isn't about the bread, is it?"

Ava shook her head.

Thomas blinked and gave me a passing glance before returning to Ava.

"What is it, then?"

She swallowed once more. "It's... It's about..." She sighed. "Well, promise me you won't get mad."

Thomas cracked a smile and leaned forward. "Ava, you can tell me anything. You know that."

My chest tightened. His eyes were adoring as he looked at his daughter.

The woman I got pregnant.

Fuck. I really messed up.

I managed to breathe evenly as Ava nodded. "Okay, here it goes." Her mouth opened, then shut. That frown was creeping back onto Thomas's face.

"But first, Dad, what I'm about to tell you is big, okay?" Thomas's forehead lined as his frown deepened.

"And it may not be what you expect, or what you want to hear right now.

But I need you to understand that I'm very happy." My heart turned over. I looked at Ava. She was?

She'd been through a lot in the past few weeks. Had dealt with the pregnancy all on her own until I found out and acted like an ass. And even now, pushing through the anxiety to tell Thomas. Was it possible she really was happy?

But the smile shining on her face was genuine. She looked down briefly, before looking back up at Thomas.

"I only hope that once you hear everything and have time to process it, you'll be happy for me, too."

I wish I could pull her into a hug and kiss her. But I settled for a hand squeeze. She was so brave and beautiful.

And a warmth weaved through my chest. The baby wasn't planned, but if I were given a choice now, Ava would be the one with whom I'd share the experience.

I was happy, too. Despite everything, it felt right. And hearing her say as much to her father thrilled me.

"Okay." Thomas's brows knotted. "What's all this about?"

My heart thudded as Ava's lips moved. I held my breath, braced for the inevitable.

"Dad, I'm pregnant."

Thomas's brows shot up, his eyes not leaving Ava. We stayed that way for several seconds, but it felt like an eternity.

"Dad?" Ava whispered.

"You're pregnant?" Thomas finally spoke.

"Yes." Ava's hand clutched mine so tightly I lost the feeling in my fingers.

Suddenly, the frown on Thomas's face fell away and a big grin shone through. "You're pregnant!?"

"Um, yes."

"You're pregnant!" Thomas shot to his feet. Ava jumped and leaned back into me. "Dad..."

"Oh my gosh, this is big news!" He paced behind his chair. "I can't-I'm going to be a grandpa."

"Dad."

"You're having a baby. Ava! How long have you known? My little Peanut is going to be a mom!" He wiped his hands down his face, shaking his head. "Just yesterday you were running around in diapers. Now you're a mom." Ava's chuckle was hesitant. "That's not everything." Her words didn't get past his excitement.

"We should do something." He paced, then stopped and stared over our heads. "We must celebrate! Yes, a party."

"Dad-"

"Ava, don't you get it?" He stared at her with bright eyes. "You're having a baby. We're getting a little addition to our family. It's the greatest thing ever! I've had my fingers crossed for the longest time." "Dad, you need to... What? Longest time?"

"Uh-huh.” He nodded quickly. "Now that dream is coming to life. You're having "

"A baby, yes, Dad. But that's not all."

"It's not?" His smile broadened. "Are there two?" "Dad!" Ava chided. "Sit."

Thomas dropped into his chair, still grinning. "What is it, Peanut?"

He was expecting more good news. I wished we could stop at that point, and leave him deliriously happy. But now was probably the best time.

Since he was so happy about the baby, the revelation of who the father was shouldn't be so bad.

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 could only hope. "There's more."

"You've said so." Thomas beamed. "Spill it, Ava. I can't wait."

She gulped. "Um, okay, so... You know I can't make a baby on my own."

He chuckled. "Of course not, that'd be a medical miracle. Right, Liam?" I couldn't get a word past my constricted throat, so I nodded.

"Yes..." Ava said slowly. "So, about my baby's father..." "Is it the mystery boyfriend?" Thomas leaned in.

I frowned. Mystery boyfriend? "Y-yes," Ava replied.

Mystery... Oh, me. I was the mystery.

"Oh, great! I've been looking forward to meeting him. I just didn't want to push it until you were ready. Now can I meet him?"

Ava looked down. A beat passed before her gaze came up and traveled between Thomas and me.

"You've met him."

Thomas shook his head. "I don't think I have. You haven't brought him home. I-"

"It's Liam."

My stomach grew tight. I held my breath, waiting for the outburst. Only, it didn't happen as I expected.

Thomas didn't fly into a rage and punch my teeth out. Instead, he burst into laughter, slapping a fist on the table.

"Oh, Ava." He threw his head back. "You got me. For a moment there, I believed you. But no, that's impossible. You got me good. Try again." He managed to stop laughing and faced Ava. "Who's the father?" Ava blinked and glanced at me, then back at her dad. "It's Liam, Dad.

I'm not kidding."

Thomas's smile fell as he looked between us both. Whatever he saw was quickly stealing his joy.

I swallowed.

Ava turned to me, her voice quiet. "Liam is the father of my baby. I'm pregnant with his child. We didn't plan it. It just happened."

Her hand squeezed mine and a note of contentment worked through me.

But it wasn't enough to forget reality.

Thomas had gone very still. And even as my eyes were on Ava, I was very aware of him. Of his silence.

He heard every word. Now he believed it. And was processing it.

"We know it's a lot for you to take in." She turned back to Thomas. "And we understand if you're mad, but-"

"Mad?" Thomas rose in a slow, steady movement, his body almost shaking. "Mad?"

His eyes flashed behind his glasses. Gone was the ordinary man that ran a grocery store and doted on his daughter. Thomas the college football linebacker had returned.

He clenched his fists, staring us down. "I'm not mad, Ava. I'm livid!" Ava stood, raising her hands. "Dad, calm down."

"Don't tell me to calm down!"

She jumped. I rose and placed steadying hands on her shoulders. Bad move.

Thomas's eyes narrowed on the me, his eyes darkening. "You! How dare you touch her."

Ava anticipated his rushing toward me and moved forward. "Dad, no!" "How dare you put your hands on her? Huh? How dare you?!" Thomas

kicked Ava's chair.

I caught it just before it could hit me. "You bastard."

"Dad, please!" Ava cried, grabbing his cardigan with both hands. "He didn't know who I was when we met. We didn't plan it, I promise."

"Ava, stay out of this." "No, you're not listening."

"You are not listening! He is twice your age. He knows you're my daughter and he chose to take advantage of you."

"No, Dad. That's not what happened. I-" "You're not good enough for her!" "Dad-"

"He isn't good for you, Peanut. Can't you see?" A strangled sound left Ava. "Please—"

"That's why you came back, isn't it? You came back to use my daughter. She's a young naive small-town girl and you think because she's my daughter I'd let you have her, huh? That's why you knocked her up, right?" Thomas tried to get past Ava but she stood firmly, thwarting his efforts.

I stood in the same spot. Whatever he wanted to do, he was within his rights. I couldn't even find the words to defend myself.

Anger and frustration made his face go red. "Liam, I fucking trusted you!

She's my child."

"Dad, please, it's not like you think." Ava pulled at his cardigan. "It was my choice."

"This was your choice?!" Thomas jabbed a finger in my direction. "Then you're not thinking."

"Stop! How can you speak like this? I am not a child. I chose to sleep with Liam. I chose to keep the baby."

Thomas's eyes narrowed on her. "Your choice?"

I stepped forward. It was better when his anger was directed at me, not her.

"Well, then, I'm the fool." His gaze snapped to mine. "You two adults are making choices and I'm being the unreasonable asshole."

"I didn't say "

"Get out."

"What?"

"Get the hell out of my house!"

Ava fell back. I grabbed her arms to keep her upright. "Get out, both of you!" Thomas yelled.

Ava tried to speak, maybe ask him to reconsider. But his face was beet red. He was past being reasonable right now.

"Come on, let's go." I pulled her toward the door.

She stared at her dad, her eyes frozen in horror. "Please, Dad."

Thomas didn't budge. He watched as I grabbed her purse and scarf, hustling us to the door.

"Dad! You can't do this."

We were at the door when Thomas spoke.

"This is the last time I want to see you two together. If I ever see you again, Liam, you'll be sorry."

We stepped onto the porch and the door slammed in our faces.