Page 67 of High Stakes

“Any closer to a decision? I noticed you didn’t drink last night.”

I shake my head. “I’ve never really thought about kids, it all seems a bit unreal, like a dream. I don’t want to be tied to that bastard forever, and keeping this baby would mean just that, but the thought of terminating kills me,” I admit.

“There are other options, Bella. Adoption maybe?”

It’s not like I haven’t used the internet to research. I stay awake well into the night looking it up, but giving a child up destroys my heart even more. I don’t want it to feel like I didn’t love it, because I do. But the thought of subjecting it to Aiden’s rejection lies heavy on my mind. “The pregnancy has come at such a bad time for me. The business is just getting off the ground, and I’m going tobe crazy busy if even half of the brides that came to my opening, place an order.”

“Is there any right time to have a baby?”

“Yes Cal, when both parents want it,” I answer, and he laughs.

“Look, things don’t have to change that much. Parents work around their children all the time. You have your own business, so you can take it to work. I can just imagine a mini Bella helping to bake cakes.” I picture that scenario and tears spring to my eyes. “Oh, sorry Bells, have I put my foot in it?” he asks, pulling me into a hug.

“No, I just never thought of it like that,” I snivel, “Plus my hormones are crazy right now, I literally cry at anything.”

We settle down to watch reruns of our favorite biker drama, and I think of different ways in which I can hide this pregnancy from Aiden.None of which, will end well.

When I arrive at work on Monday, a florist meets me at the door holding a huge bouquet. “Bella?” she queries, handing me the flowers without waiting for my response. She rushes off and I unlock the shop, going in and placingthem on the counter. Once I’ve dumped my bag and coat, I take the note from them and open it.

I’m never going to give up. Please, forgive me xxx

I throw it straight in the bin. Champagne. Flowers.So cliché.But I place the bouquet on the counter. They’re too pretty to waste.

After a busy few hours, I go to my appointment. Cal’s already waiting outside and I’m relieved when I spot him. He grabs my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze and we head inside.

The doctor takes the pee sample I handed to her and does her own test to confirm the pregnancy. And after sharing my doubts, she talks over various options available to me. She explains everything much better than the internet, and my head feels clearer.

“Until you make a decision,” she says, ripping off a prescription, “I want you to take these vitamins. They’re vital in the early stages of pregnancy.” I take it, and then she adds, “Your first scan will be due around twelve weeks. So I’ll refer you to the midwife for around that time. If at any point you make a different decision, just call this office and explain. They’ll cancel the appointments for you, andwe’ll arrange whatever you need. There’s no pressure at all, Bella. It’s down to you. But because you think you’re round ten weeks, I want to put things in place, should you decide to go ahead.”

We take a slow walk back to the shop. “What are you thinking?” he asks me.

“That I should keep it.”

I feel his eyes on me. “You’re serious?”

I turn to him and we come to a stop. “Am I crazy?” I whisper.

“No, not at all.” He grins, “Congratulations.”

We begin to walk again. “It’s not the babies fault it’s got a terrible father. And I have enough love to give it for the both of us.”

“You’re not alone, Bella. You have me and Aria.” I notice his smile is still huge. “We can find a bigger place,” he adds.

“You still want to share a place?” I ask, wide eyed. I was certain he’d want me to go.

“Of course,” he says, grabbing my hand. “I’ve told you, we’re all in this together.”

He leaves me at the end of the road to go and meet a client. I walk the rest of the way with a happy heart. It’s the first time I’ve felt like there was light at the end of the tunnel in weeks. It’s short lived when I step into the shop to find Aria and Aiden toe-to-toe. I freeze, taking it all in asAria shoves him hard in his chest. He doesn’t budge but it doesn’t deter her from doing it again. “Just leave. She hates you.” She spots me and rushes over, “I’m so sorry, I tried to get rid of him.”

Aiden turns, his eyes are still full of sadness. I give Aria a reassuring smile. “It’s fine. I’ll speak to him.” I didn’t tell anyone about how he cornered me in the bathroom at the weekend. But since then, I’ve felt more able to handle him, like he’d ripped off the band aid by forcing me to face him.

She gives a stiff nod, propping open the door that joins our shops. She gives Aiden a warning glare as she leaves. “She thinks I’m scared of her,” he says, looking slightly amused.

I go behind the counter and shrug from my jacket. “What are you doing here?”

“You got my flowers,” he notes, nodding at them sitting proudly on the counter.Damn.I should have thrown them in the bin.

“Don’t send me anymore,” I tell him clearly. “I don’t want anything from you.”

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