Page 29 of Fighting Our Forever

Chapter Nineteen

Callie

I’ve read the same sentence three times now, and I still can’t tell you what it says. While the guys were busy today, I got to go and spend time with little Winnie Grace and her momma. I’m so happy for Olivia and her growing family. If anyone deserves to be happy, it’s her. I don’t know how she turned into one of the sweetest people I have ever met, especially after the life she’s lived, but she has.

Holding Winnie in my arms today was magical, and all I could think about was what it would be like if Ryan, Paul and I had a child. Putting my Kindle down on the coffee table, I rub my hand over my stomach wondering if there is a child growing in there now. It’s not like we’ve been using protection the past couple of months.

The front door opens, and I look over to see Ryan walking in with a baby boy sleeping in his arms. At first, I’m confused wondering where on earth this child came from and where his parents are, but when I look up at Ryan, I know. It could be the way he’s looking at me like he’s begging me to listen and understand. Or maybe it’s the way he’s holding the little guy tight as if he might break.

My heart is beating double time in my chest and the only thing I

need to know slips right out of my mouth. “When did you know?”

His next words are going to break my heart no matter what theyare, but they will also determine where we go from here.

“A few hours ago. Callie, baby I-”

“What’s his name?” I ask.

Ryan breathes out a huge sigh and walks into the living room,

sitting down on the couch. “His name is Rush.”

I sit beside him, staring at this beautiful baby boy who can’t bemuch more than six months old. He’s got the same dark hair like his daddy, and I bet when he opens his eyes, they’ll be the same shade of blue. “He’s beautiful Ryan.”

“He’s mine.” He says, searching my face.

This is it, I have to decide. Am I in or am I out? Do I want tohelp raise another woman’s child?

I grab his hand that’s resting on his thigh and squeeze. “I know.”

“Baby I want to tell you everything, but I don’t want to do it in front of Rush, and I’d only like to tell the story once. Would you mind if we waited for Paul to get home?”

“You haven’t told him yet?” I ask, surprised his best friend didn’t know.

“It’s not exactly the kind of thing you send in a text or say over the phone Cal.” He says laughing.

He’s right about that. My mind races with how our lives will change now. Where is this little guy going to sleep? “Oh, we need to go shopping!” I say excitedly, thinking about how I want to decorate his room.

“What do we need to go shopping for?” Paul asks, walking into the living room. I watch Paul who is eyeing the sleeping baby. “Whose kid is that?”

“He’s my son.”

Paul’s eyes get big, and he rubs the back of his neck staring down at Rush. I can’t figure out what he’s thinking, and his silence is driving me crazy. Losing my patience, I kick him in the shin.

“Ow, damn woman, what was that for?”

“Say something already. What are you thinking?”

“I was processing!” He glares, rubbing his shin. He sits on the coffee table across from us, and when it creaks beneath his weight, I can’t help but giggle.

“I’m thinking there’s a kid in our home who looks exactly like my best friend. I’m thinking about how you might be taking this Precious, but then also wondering if my best friend is doing okay because that’s a big fucking surprise.”

“Best friend is also processing,” Ryan adds, and we all start laughing.

I guess we laugh too loud because a minute later Rush sits up looking around at the three of us with wide eyes. He must be terrified to be in a place he doesn’t know with people who are strangers. His bottom lip begins to quiver, and an alligator tear rolls down his cheek. I don’t think twice before pulling Rush into my arms and rocking him, telling him it’s going to be okay. He settles after a few moments into my chest and falls back to sleep soon after.

“Do you have any diapers, clothes, anything?” I ask, wondering if we have enough for tonight.

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