Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 129084 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129084 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Resting her arm on the back of the couch, she asks, “Are you going to tell him?”
I pull the pitcher from the fridge but stand at the counter with my thoughts consumed by this fated question. “If it’s the right thing to do, which I assume it is . . .” I sprinkle in some sarcasm and an eye roll to keep myself from tearing up again.
“You know it’s the right thing to do.”
“I know.” I reach for a glass and fill it with water. “But if it’s right, why does it feel so wrong?”
“Because you don’t know him. We don’t know what he’s capable of or if he even wants a child.”
“My fear is the opposite. That he’ll take him away from me.” I drink the water like it’ll be ripped away from me if I don’t. The cool liquid soothes the panic racing through my veins.
“You’ll fight. You’ll win. You’ve been his only parent and have done an amazing job. But now that you know who the father is—”
“I knew who the father was, Mom. I hadn’t slept with anyone else in a year.”
“I meant, you didn’t know his last name or how to find him.” She stands and comes around the couch. “You did everything you could to find him, to tell him.” She takes my hand between both of hers. “You did everything to give Maxwell a father figure. When that didn’t pan out, you went through it alone. He’s an amazing baby, Olivia. Don’t let the presence of this Noah shake you. If you need to fight, you’re not alone. But what if you don’t?”
“What if he wants to co-parent? How can I let him walk out of here with my baby?”
“If he wants to co-parent and put in the work to earn the title of parent and dad, Maxwell wins.”
I refill the glass and take another sip. Eyeing Maxwell again, I nod. “You’re right. It’s about him and what’s best for his life.” I return to the baby and pick him up. Anchoring him on my hip, I walk to the hall, where my mom slips on her shoes and her purse. “I don’t have to rush into it, right? I think I need to see how he is, who he is, and judge from there the best method to handle the situation.”
“I think that’s fair.” She brushes Maxwell’s front curl to the side. Her eyes return to mine, and she smiles. “But I have a feeling he’s not as horrible as you’re hoping he is. Don’t build a case against him too fast. You found him charming enough to woo you into bed—”
“Okay. Okay. That’s enough. I don’t need to talk about that night with my mom. Thanks for watching Maxwell today.”
She starts to laugh. “My pleasure. Cassandra said she got her appointments taken care of and will be back in the morning.”
My nanny is amazing, but I’m so fortunate to have my mom in my corner.
She kisses the baby and then adds, “He also must be very attractive, considering how handsome my grandson is.”
“Mom,” I whine, embarrassed about discussing this with her. At twenty-seven years old, I shouldn’t be, but it just hits some raw nerves. She’s still getting a good laugh in when she walks out the door. Just before closing it, I add, “He was and still is.”
She turns around and stops, smiling like she’s watching me perform my first ballet. Blowing me a kiss, she says, “I love you. I love you both.”
“I love you.” Turning to Maxwell, I take his hand and touch his mouth to blow her a kiss. “Say love you, Mimi.”
“Mimi.” Like my mom is of me, I couldn’t be prouder of him.
We spend time together before I get him bathed and to bed. He’s fast asleep, blessing me with an easy night. I’m exhausted and starving. I find a bowl in the fridge with chicken salad full to the brim. My mom’s the best.
I settle in on the couch, turn on the TV for some background noise, and think about the day behind me. Noah is attractive, annoyingly so. But more than his looks, the unknown that he’s brought into my life has me concerned.
I know I need to tell him about Maxwell, but the complications surrounding the issue are immense. He also brings out my insecurities. I’m alone. Could that hurt my case?
Who knows?
Maxwell deserves a father who’s present, though. Someone who wants him, will love him, and will always do what’s best for him. Is that Noah Westcott? I sure hope so because he’s about to find out he’s a father.
3
Olivia
The judgment I’ve felt in the office on occasion and the dirty looks stabbing me in the back as I pass hit twice as hard today. As if it wasn’t hard enough dealing with the jealousy of some perceived “easy ride” to middle management, on top of the bitterness I’ve tasted when I’ve overheard employees talking badly about me in the break room, or whatever it is that has others hating me so much, now I also have to contend with Noah Westcott.