Page 49 of Until Presley

“I know that. I don’t care about that right now. I’m sorry for that.” She dislodges her arm from around my body and waves to the bedside. I glance around, checking all the monitors attached to her. A machine I don’t recognize has a tape running, with cords leading under the blanket to Presley’s body. It takes a moment for everything to register. “That’s why you stated I’m your fiancé, isn’t it?”

“I told them I didn’t want my parents in here and that I only wanted you. I didn’t want you to find out any other way but through me. I’m so sorry. I know we wanted to wait, but I forgot to go get the shot again last month. The doctor said this couldhappen sometimes.” She talks really fast and has a tight grip on my shirt.

All I care about is that she is alive. “Is the baby okay?” I choke on the words. “Clara didn’t hurt it when you fell? She didn’t kick you?” My voice gets tight as I imagine everything that could have happened.

“I fainted because she was shaking me so much. They are getting a room ready upstairs so they can monitor us. They want to do an ultrasound to confirm we’re okay. But, yes, the baby is fine. I’m fine. Clara didn’t hurt me. She actually didn’t let me fall.”

“Thank God.” I reach into my pocket and pull out the ring I’ve been holding onto since it came in two weeks ago. “My fiancée needs her ring. We are getting married as soon as possible, and you are coming home, baby.”

“You’re not mad?”

“Fuck no, I’m not mad. I told you I wanted you pregnant. Are you mad?” I grip the back of her neck and pull her up in the bed toward me.

“I’m not mad. I don’t know if I really want my doctorate anymore. I only wanted it because I thought my father would pay more attention to me. But I love you and want our lives to begin.”

“Thank fuck.” I lean down and slide my lips across hers, feeling her tears roll down the side of her head into my hand. “Don’t cry, baby. We’ll make everything work out. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

When she’s moved upstairs, we finally let her family come see her. Clara freaks out and apologizes for hurting her and almost hurting the baby. Sean and Thea just stand there for a moment when they see the ring on her finger and realize the floor she’s on. Thea is the first to break and walks to Presley’s side. I remain on the other side, watching over everything. Idon’t want them to upset her again. I won’t have them hurting my family.

“Is this what you want, Presley?” Thea asks her as she takes her hand.

“This is what I want more than anything. I want a family, and I love Ham.”

“But what about all your schooling? Are you going to throw that away?” Her father spits the questions out as he walks to her side.

My body tightens, my muscles flexing, as I contemplate dragging him out of the room by the back of his neck and kicking his ass.

As if she knows what I’m thinking, Presley’s hand reaches for my side and rubs down my rib cage, trying to soothe me. To calm my anger. I lean over and kiss the top of her head.

“I can still get my doctorate. It will take me a bit longer, but I can do it. Dr. Miller has said I can lead his research team, and he’ll be happy to become my advisor. I just need to get my advisor here in Miami to allow it.”

“But this wasn’t the plan.” Her father waves his hand at her body.

“No, but surprises can be blessings, and that’s what this is. If you can’t be happy for us, then you don’t need to be a part of it.”

Sean pauses and looks at me, then at Presley, and finally at her stomach. He shakes his head as he steps between Thea and Presley. “You’re my daughter. I want what’s best for you, always. I thought getting your doctorate was what you wanted. But if this is what you want, then I’m okay with that. I’m here for you. I love you,” Sean says the words he’s needed to say all along. “Your mother would be so proud of you.”

Again, my girl tears up, and I know she’s going to be emotional during this pregnancy. It’s going to drive me crazy over the next few months.

“I only wanted my doctorate because of you,” Presley confesses to her father. He leans over the bed and kisses her forehead.

“I’ve screwed up so much. I’m sorry. Forgive me, and let me at least give you away, even though he didn’t ask for your hand.”

I clear my throat. “In my defense, I told you months ago she was going to be mine. You didn’t understand.”

Sean and I both chuckle. Thea squeezes close to Presley and cries with her as she tells her how excited she is to be a grandma.

CHAPTER

TWENTY

PRESLEY

It’s been seven and a half weeks since we found out we are expecting, and in that time, Ham and I got married, I moved back to Key West, and my father and Thea are getting a place near us. Clara ended up getting no jail time since it was her first offense, but she was given lots of community service. She is attending counseling and calls me to talk when she can. Like me, she has put school on hold.

I’m working with Dr. Miller and slowly gathering my hours for my doctorate and working on my final dissertation. I’ve decided to finalize Leah’s studies. My dissertation will be on sharks and dolphins. I’m excited to work on it and feel like I’ll be able to get it completed shortly after the baby is born.

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