Page 49 of Abel

“Hey, Trav, isn’t there a test that can be run to tell early on who the baby’s father is?” Cam asks, grabbing my attention, but I won’t get my hopes up.

“Maybe, but she’ll have to ask her OBGYN. But, honey, the real question is, are you going to tell them about the pregnancy?” Travis asks.

“No, I don’t want to tell either of them anything until I know more. For now, I’m going to keep a low profile, but I’m going to need a cover story if I ever run into either of them.”

“We’re listening.” Cam answers for both of them.

“It’s just an idea, but can we all agree that the baby will be for Camden if anyone were to find out and question me about it?”

Glancing at one another, I see both their brows crease as they silently have a conversation without the use of words. Minutes go by before they nod to each other and say, “Alright, that’s the story we’ll go with… For now. You have to find out who the father is by any means necessary.” Cam says in a stern voice that has tears prickling the back of my eyes.

“But we’re going to help you every step of the way. We’re going to be the best uncles this kid has ever seen.” Travis says, making me feel slightly better.

“My first appointment is next week, and I promise I’ll find out. The last thing I want to do is put a strain on you guys. You’ve both done so much already.”

“That’s what families do for each other.” Travis says.

“Yeah, we take care of our own.” Cam chimes in, wrapping his arms around me. “Trust me when I say, we’re gonna get through this. I’m gonna be the finest daddy you’ve ever seen. Travis, we’ve gotta go shopping. I need hot dad clothes… Stat!”

I’m laughing so much my stomach hurts. “Oh!”

“What? What’s wrong?” Cam asks when he sees me clutching my stomach.

“Nothing, I think the baby just kicked.” I say on the verge of tears again. “Why am I crying so much? This is ridiculous.” I say, wiping my face.

“Hormones will do that to you.” Cam says, helping me stand. “Have you eaten breakfast?”

“Yeah.”

“What about second breakfast?” Travis asks, reminding me of Merry fromThe Lord of the Rings.

Laughing, I answer, “No second breakfast here. I’ve gained twenty pounds already to say I can’t keep down my food most of the time.”

“Make sure you mention that at your appointment, maybe they can give you something for it.” Cam says, heading to the kitchen. “Since we’re all free for the remainder of the day, Travis and I will make lunch, dinner, and some snacks while you rest up a bit.”

“I don’t want to rest, I need to finish working on a piece I started before I found out I was pregnant. I’ll have to figure out how to juggle it all since art is going to be my livelihood. Even though I’ve been dropping the ball lately.”

“We can help you there.” Cam says. “Just leave it up to us. We’re gonna get through itall.” He stresses.

“If you guys insist I take a breather, I’ll do it. I have been very tired lately.” My new physician gave me some literature on motherhood but recommended I schedule an appointment with one of his colleagues.

I made sure to schedule the appointment before I left because knowing me, I would have forgotten. I’m going to make a list of concerns and questions to ask since I don’t know the first thing about being pregnant besides how the baby got there in the first place, I snicker.

Scooting back on the couch, I lie back, get comfortable, and let my mind wander. Is there really a way for them to tell without conducting a paternity test to find out who the father is?

I’m praying there is, and I pray it’s Abel.

Okay, that’s weird.

Why would I want it to be Abel when I don’t even know him?

Jake and I were together longer, so it’s only right he should be the father. He’s the one that knows me better than anyone.

That’s a fucking lie, and it’s beyond time I accept it.

That’s why I want it to be Abel. We hadn’t even known each other for two hours when he had me figured out to a T.

Of course, there’s still much more for him to learn, but I have no doubt in my mind if I wouldn’t have left like I did… We’d be thriving as a couple.

---