Page 139 of Small Town Firsts

Mom gives him an indecipherable look. “That may be true, but that is typical with negative results. False positives are incredibly rare.” His shoulders slump. “When did you take these tests?”

“A week ago.”

“Well, you’ll need to call the OB-GYN and make an appointment.”

I want to argue and beg her to do it for me, but I don’t, because if I’m going to be responsible for the life of another human, I sure as shit need to be responsible for my own.

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll call first thing tomorrow.”

She nods, pleased with my response. “Natalie, as much as I want to lecture you on poor decisions, waiting until marriage, and safe sex…it’s obviously too late for that. So, instead we’re going to talk about your options.”

I blink at her. Surely she doesn’t mean… “Options? Like abortion?”

“If that’s what you want.”

“I don’t!” I rush out, my lower lip quivering. I’m all for a woman’s right to choose, but it’s not the right choice for me. Sure, I’ve only known I was expecting for seven days, but it only took minutes to know I loved this baby.

“There’s also adoption. Have you spoken to the father?”

I shake my head. “N-not yet.”

“So, you know who the father is?” Dad asks through clenched teeth.

I can’t tell them that Alden is the father. Not only will my father murder him, it will destroy his friendship with Nate. Not to mention the havoc it would wreak on his new relationship with Mia. As jealous as I am over their relationship, I know he must really like her, because in all of the years I’ve known him, he’s never publicly announced dating anyone.

So instead, I hang my head and lie. “No, I don’t.” My voice cracks, right along with my heart.

Years from now, I’ll regret this decision—but in this moment, it feels like the right choice. Alden has so much going for him, and I love him enough to not drag him down with me. No red-blooded, college junior wants to be a father.

Not to mention, if my parents wanted to, they could go after him for statutory, and that’s not something I’m willing to risk. Alden Warner is a good man with a bright future, and I’m not going to jeopardize it over a night he doesn’t even remember. Plus, this baby…our baby…will link me to him forever. Even if he is never aware, I’ll always have a little piece of him to call mine.

“What do you mean you don’t know?” Dad shouts even louder than before, causing me to cry harder. “How could you not know? You’re better than this, Natalie. We raised you better than this!”

Mom tries to calm him down, but he’s too far gone. As much as his words sting, I can’t really blame him. If letting them think I’m a loose girl prone to bad choices protects Alden, then so be it.

Dad stands from the couch, refusing to even look my way. “Go to bed Natalie. We’ll talk more tomorrow, but right now…I need some space.” He stalks out of the room, not sparing even a single glance back my way.

Mom stands and walks over to me. “Give him time, sweetie. Give us both some time. I know this is hard, but we both love you very much.”

I nod, too choked up to speak. She presses a comforting kiss to my forehead, and follows after my dad.

CHAPTER 4

NATALIE - FOUR YEARS LATER

Hoops or studs?Hoops or studs?I repeat the question internally as I stand in front of my vanity holding one earring up to my ear before swapping it for the other. Good Lord, it’s not like it matters. It’s not like my earrings will make or break this date.

This date I’m already reluctant to go on. Because I already know exactly where it’s going…

Nowhere.

I mean, Kevin’s a catch—good-looking, employed, and gentlemanly to boot. But they all seem that way at first. They all seem charming and attentive and interested until I drop the whole single-mom bomb on them.

Then they run weeping with their tails tucked. Typically after some variation of:You’re a mom? But you’re so young…but you’re so hot, and so on and so forth. Because apparently being old and dowdy is a prerequisite to childbirth.

For real, the fastest way to ruin a first date is to mention your kid. But I still do, because I have nothing to hide. And anyone who tucks tail and runs at the mention of my girl isn’t the man for me.

And before you think I’m some psycho out shopping for a father figure for my daughter, let me set the record straight.

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