Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22029 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22029 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
“Mommy,” I say again to the mirror, liking the sound of what my new moniker will be. I hope I have a little boy who looks just like his daddy. Although, I don’t think the world is ready for two Liam Westburys. I am though.
I hold my left hand out and imagine an engagement ring and wedding band there but refrain from saying the word wife because while I know Liam and I will get there eventually, there is nothing wrong with having a child first. Katelyn seems to think once I tell Liam we’ll run off and get married. In all honesty, I’m scared though, about leaving Beaumont for Texas. I’m not going to know anyone there and will really miss Katelyn. I can’t imagine having this baby without her near me. She’s my best friend. Actually, she’s more like a sister to me and I need her.
There’s a knock at the door and I almost yell that Katelyn isn’t here because it’s usually Mason. I take one last look at my stomach and pull the shirt down. I’m about to yell at my roommate’s boyfriend when I open the door and find Liam . . . my Liam . . . standing there, with his arm resting against the door jamb.
Our eyes meet and I know my smile spreads from ear-to-ear because I’m so damn happy to see him and now I can tell him in person that we’re going to be parents. Even though I know it’s going to come as a shock, at least I’ll be here to hold him.
And then my smile fades and I wonder why he’s here when he should be in Texas at school.
“Liam, what are you doing here?” As soon as I ask, I want to take the question back. I don’t care what he’s doing here, he’s here, and that’s the only thing that matters.
“I needed to see you,” he says as his eyes leave mine.
“I’m glad you’re here, you must be tired.” I reach for his hand and tug it slightly to bring him into my room. I want him to come in and see how I decorated and show him how comfortable my bed is. But he doesn’t move.
“You don’t want to come in?” I can’t help it and my voice cracks. Why would he be here if he doesn’t want to come in?
He shakes his head. It’s slight, but I notice because I’m trying to read him. I’m trying to understand what’s going on. Instantly, my mind goes to a place it shouldn’t—he cheated.
“Something wrong Liam?” I ask, barely able to swallow.
“I dropped out of school,” he says it so quietly, I almost don’t hear him, but I know I do.
Loud and clear.
This man in front of me doesn’t sound like the man who shared his hopes and dreams with me, who made plans with me for our future. I’m sure there’s a reason, and he’ll tell me if I ask. I need to be supportive. I know this.
“Okay, why?”
“I… um… I can’t –”
“Can’t what? You’re scaring me, baby. Come in and we’ll talk about it. We’ll call your coach and fix this.”
Liam inhales deeply and closes his eyes. He stands tall and look everywhere but at me.
“I can’t be with you anymore, Josephine.” Liam, the man who owns my heart, who conceived a child with me, turns and walks down the hall.
Did I hear him correctly?
I step out and see him dodging people as he makes his way to the stairs. “Liam!” I yell, then yell again. “LIAM!!”
Only he doesn’t turn around. He doesn’t come back to me.
Heading back into my room, I do everything I can to fight back the tears. I pick up the phone and dial his number, but it goes straight to voicemail. I try again, and again, only to get the same results. The anguish builds and I don’t know what to do.
Mason will know.
Mason searched for Liam. He went to the Westburys, but Liam wasn’t there. He wasn’t at the water either. He was nowhere to be found.
I give Liam time.
Time to come back.
Time to figure things out.
Time to call.
When he doesn’t, I dial his number and tears start instantly when his voicemail picks up. “Liam, please call me. We need to talk.”
Only he doesn’t call back and I’m angry. So fucking angry that he got me pregnant and I’m here and he’s not. I’m hurt and broken that he won’t call me back, that he won’t show up at my door and tell me how sorry he is and that everything will be okay.
And I tell him.
“I hate you. I hate you so much for what you’ve done to me. Are you listening to me? I hope you’re happy and in a ditch somewhere. You’ve ruined my life.”
And I still wait for him to call.