Page 64 of Delayed Penalty

“We were actually just talking about you,” he says, before turning to his mom who has a little smirk that has me nervous.“You see, we were talking about ethics and family values, all values that my mother and the school stand for, as you know. It’s a big thing for her and for her to have teachers and staff working with her that share the same values.”

My stomach drops, my eyes starting to well with tears as I can already see where this is going.

“Okay…” I say when he pauses for a moment. “What does that have to do with me?”

“You see, Avery,” his mother starts, taking a step forward, bringing the attention to her. “We were just discussing our vision for the school, and unfortunately, due to recent choices, we just don’t think it’s a good fit for you anymore. “

“So, you’re saying that because I broke up with your son and ended up pregnant afterward, that I no longer fit to work with you?

“Well, you’re smarter than I thought you were. I thought I’d have to explain it more, but that’s exactly what I’m saying.”

Standing up, I plaster on the fakest, cheesiest smile possible and stare directly into his mom’s eyes.

“You’re right, I don’t fit with your values, especially now that I’m bringing another life into this world. I want to bring them up with values of love, acceptance, and respect. Unfortunately, your son was taught none of those things as a child, which is evident in the way he thinks he can treat those around him. Putting his hands on me, speaking to me the way he does, not to mention the fact that he felt like he could cheat on me without any repercussions…it’s all because of your parenting—or lack thereof—and that’s not something I want for my child. Luckily, my baby’s father is the polar opposite, so for all I care, take your job, and shove it up your ass, along with your opinion of me because I don’t fucking care.”

She steps back, shock evident on her face, while Peter is fuming. Cheeks red, fists balled like a child throwing a tantrum.I don’t think he ever expected me to share the events that happened leading to our breakup, including the time he grabbed my arm, with just enough force to leave a mark—unfortunately for him, I don’t care any longer.

“You—” Peter starts but is cut off by Stella.

“Can leave my bakery right now. You are no longer welcome here with your disrespect.”

Peter turns to look at Stella who is furious, hands on her hips as she stares them down, making me feel so much support.

“Do you know who I am?” His mom steps in.

“I don’t actually care who you are. You could be The Second Coming of Christ and if you speak to someone like that in my bakery I’ll still tell you to get the fuck out. I don’t accept disrespect, bullying, or any harm to people I care about. So, get out.”

Peter and his parents turn and stomp out of the café, taking with them my career dreams.

But in this moment, I feel more blessed with the people around me, with my dreams of becoming a mom becoming a reality, I realize.

I don’t care.

I’m happy for the first time in a long time, and I guess it’s time to find out if this happiness is because ofhim.

If I was marrying Peter, the man who definitely did not want kids, I wasn’t going to bring a child into a world where they only had one parent on their team. But Harris, he’s definitely not like Peter, he was made to be a dad.

He’s a kind, loving, hard-working man who gives his all in whatever he does. It’s proven in everything he does. His job, his family, his friends, taking care of me. I can’t wait to watch him become a father. I’m even more excited it’s a baby we are sharing together, a baby created by two people who, in one wayor another, have always cared about each other, even when we tried to pretend we didn’t.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Harris

Mom

Hey, I know we mentioned dinner tomorrow, but we’re in town early.

See you soon!

Wait, what?

Really?

Mom

Yeah! Isn’t that cool?

“What do you mean you haven’t watchedHarry Potter in years?” Avery snaps, her eyes wide, the shock evident and I almost laugh. She just looks so worked up and she’s so adorable.

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