Page 70 of Tangled Trust

“Pregnant? Ella? What?”

"You’d better fix this, Carter. I refuse to stand by and watch my son compete with a bastard for his father’s affections," Amanda screeches and ends the call.

I’m speechless. Is Ella pregnant? But why wouldn’t she tell me? And, if so, how the hell does Amanda know about it? This isn’t how I imagined the end of my day. I had such high hopes. It goes to show that a shitstorm is always lurking around the next corner. Pregnant! What?

I’m not sure how I feel about this. It’s hard for me to picture any other child but Jagger in my life right now. Am I upset? Truth be told, I don’t know.

I dial Ella’s number while I drive back to the house. Her voice is shaky when she answers.

"Hi, Carter. I’m glad you called. We need to talk."

"I have a feeling I know what it’s about. I’ll be home in a few minutes. Meet me in the office."

"Okay."

I surmise from Ella’s reaction to my call that Amanda was right. I try not to make a snap judgment. That sort of thing never ends well.

Ella is in the office when I get there. She is pacing.

"Oh, Carter," she says softly when she sees me.

She looks so vulnerable, and I have a sudden urge to wrap my arms around her and tell her that whatever happens, I’m there for her.

"Amanda just called me, screaming and shouting at me like I’m a villain."

"Yes, I figured she might."

"What’s going on, Ella? Is it true? Are you pregnant? And, if so, how the hell does my ex-wife know before I do?"

"I need to sit down," Ella says, seemingly defeated.

"It’s true. I am pregnant. But, I swear to you, Carter, I didn’t plan it. I don’t know how this happened."

"How does Amanda know?"

"She must have found the pregnancy test in the guest bathroom. I meant to throw it away, but she and Jagger arrived before I had a chance to do so. Honestly, I don’t know what the hell she was doing rummaging through the wastepaper basket in the first place."

"Who knows? That woman is more than a little relentless."

"Are you mad?"

Ella’s eyes are staring up into mine. My heart melts instantly at her vulnerability. This woman has turned my life upside down. In the most amazing way.

"Of course not. Sure, I won’t lie. It’s unexpected. But I’m not mad. How can I be? I’m in love with you, Ella Jones. And I’ll love this baby too."

"Oh, Carter," she says as tears fill her big eyes. "I’m so relieved."

I reach for her and pull her to her feet. I hold Ella tightly until I can feel her relaxing into me. She’s so special. I know others may suspect her of trying to snag herself a lifestyle, but anyone who’s ever had a real conversation with this woman would know that she is so not that person.

"Are you feeling okay?"

"I'm a little embarrassed, but, yes, I’m fine. I owe Jagger and the American Stomach Bug Association an apology letter, though. Here I was thinking that they were responsible for me feeling poorly."

"Uh-huh. I’ll see if I can issue a formal apology on a company letterhead," I chuckle.

"Honestly, Carter," Ella looks up at me and sighs, "why aren’t you upset? This is a big deal."

"It is. But how can a child conceived out of love be a bad thing, Jones? This is our baby. I’m excited."

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