Page 85 of Need You To Choose Me

The disappointment leaves a bitter taste on my tongue. I swallow the lump in my throat, pushing it down.

So, what if he didn’t come? This wasn’t the first time I did this on my own. I’ve been coming here by myself since I found out I was pregnant. I was used to the curious stares from other couples sitting in the waiting room. For the pity that came when they realized I didn’t have somebody with me.

It was fine.

I was going to be fine.

I told him he didn’t have to come.

So, what if he took me up on it?

Maybe something came up, or maybe he changed his mind and decided this was too much trouble.

That I was too much trouble.

He wouldn’t be the first person to come to that conclusion. I’ve learned early on that I couldn’t rely on anybody but myself, so why should Blake Walker be any different?

We’re in this together.

A shudder goes through me as his words ring in my head. The determined set of his jaw, his unyielding gaze as vivid as it was the day he said those words. He seemed so sure to prove me wrong. And for a second, I believed him. I believed that he could be different. That maybe, just maybe we could do this, and I wouldn’t have to be alone.

You know better than to rely on others.

“Miss Parker?” I blink, the nurse’s face coming into focus as she opens the door wider. “We’re ready for you.”

“Sorry.” I jump to my feet, running my hand through my hair. “I spaced out.”

Making sure to keep my gaze fixed in front of me, I pass by the other couples as I make my way toward the office.

“It’s not a problem.” The nurse shoots me a kind smile. “No company today?”

My stomach rolls uncomfortably at her question.

God, I hate this.

I know she was trying to be kind, but the question only made me feel worse than before.

Still, I force a smile out as I shake my head. “No, it’s just me today.”

Guilt flashes on her face. She tries to mask it, but it’s already too late. “C’mon, let’s get you…”

A loudbangechoes in the room before she can finish, followed by rushed footsteps. I turn around just in time to see no one other than Blake running into the waiting room. His chest is heaving like he ran all the way here. He’s dressed in a pair of loose basketball shorts and a Lonestars tee, his hair a mess of curls as if he ran his fingers through it countless times.

“Is it our turn?” he asks, looking between the nurse and me.

“I…” My mouth falls open in surprise as I just stare at him, completely at a loss for words.

He was here.

Blake… was here.

“You came.”

Those gray eyes fix on me. “I told you I’d be here.”

He did, didn’t he? But then he didn’t show up, and…

“I thought…” I shake my head, pressing my lips in a tight line.

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