Page 17 of Fumbled Love

I was terrified of doing this alone, but I would have to push those fears aside. I knew I had options, but I didn’t even consider them.

“Yes, I’m keeping it.”

She blew out a breath and shook her head. “I can’t believe you didn’t use protection.”

“We did use protection, but we got a little carried away at first,” I told her without going into too much detail.

“Are you going to tell him?”

“Of course, I’m going to tell him.” I sighed, dropped down on the couch, and threw my head back.

She leaned forward. “Other than being knocked-up, what has you so worried? Are you scared about his reaction?”

“What am I supposed to say? Surprise! I’ve got a bun in the oven and you’re the one who baked it.” I shook my head. “Oh, and I have another surprise for you too. I know this sounds crazy, but we already know each other. I’m Kinley, the girl who was best friends with your sister growing up.”

I wasn’t ready to have that conversation. I wasn’t sure I’d ever be ready.

“I think you should say whatever feels right.” Her voice was gentle, but it did nothing to calm my nerves. “I know this isn’t ideal, but you’re not alone.”

“I feel alone,” I said, feeling my throat close up. “How am I going to do my job and raise a baby? How am I going to explain this to our families?”

“Listen to me.” She reached for my hand. “Having a baby isn’t the end of a world. And you have nothing to explain. You don’t owe anybody anything. And anyone who judges you can fuck right off. This is the twenty-first century. Women raise children on their own all the time.”

I was ashamed about my lack of excitement. Of course, it wasn’t the end of the world, but it sure felt like it at the moment. I felt guilty that my first reaction was about the instability it would cause. The news was unexpected, but it didn’t give me a free pass to act so selfishly.

“I feel like I’m already screwing things up. I know nothing about being a mother. Shouldn’t a small part of me feel happy and excited?”

“There are no rules about how you’re supposed to feel. So you’re not doing cartwheels across the living room or shouting from the rooftops. That doesn’t make you a bad person.”

“Thank you.” I brought my hand down to my stomach. I couldn’t believe there was a life growing inside me. “And thanks for being a good friend.”

“So, what’s next?”

“Now,” I reached for the laptop and placed it on my lap, “I look to see if I can change my flight and leave for Atlanta a little earlier than I planned.”

CHAPTER7

KINLEY

I steppedout of my rental car and walked up the familiar driveway. Multi-colored lights blanketed the white columns, and a holiday wreath with a red bow hung from the door of the two-story brick house.

Now that I was here, I wished I had called first. What was I supposed to say when Beth and Vinny asked why I wanted their son’s address? They would no doubt know something was up and wonder why I didn’t just reach out to Rylee instead.

I wanted to puke at the thought because my friend was not going to be happy with me.

With shaky hands, I rang the doorbell. If I was this nervous asking for his address, I didn’t want to think about what a mess I would be when I finally faced him.

“Kinley.” Mrs. Cross blinked her eyes in disbelief. “This is a surprise.” She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me. “It’s been forever since we’ve seen you. Oh, my gosh. Look at you.” She held me at arm’s length. “I barely recognize you.”

Join the club. Your son didn’t either.

“Vinny,” she called out. “You’re never going to believe who’s here.”

Mr. Cross came rushing down the hall but stopped short when he saw me standing there. His eyes widened, and then a smile appeared on his lips. He was wearing his signature short-sleeved plaid button-down and Levi jeans. I forgot how strongly Maverick resembled his dad. “Kinley Roberts, how the heck are you, kiddo?” He let out a throaty laugh. Vinny was always a smoker, and it didn’t sound like he was close to quitting anytime soon.

“I’m well, thanks.” My nose got a whiff of the familiar smell of Marlboro Lights. It wasn’t strong, just enough to know that I would find an unopened pack on the top shelf of his tool bench in the garage because he was forbidden from smoking inside the house.

“What a lovely surprise.” Beth studied me, probably wondering why I was showing up at her house out of the blue. I smiled at the short, beautiful woman who was always kind to me growing up. Her dark hair was still in her signature bob, with a bit of gray peeking out around her temples.

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