Page 86 of Ties That Bind Us

“Well . . .” Where should I even start—the baby or my father, my father or the baby? There really was no good place. “I had a visitor at work today.”

That piqued his interest even more, and I think he half expected me to say it was Jimmy.

“It was my father.” I bit my lip.

Nick froze, and stared back at me emotionlessly. “How was that?”

“He, uh.” I shrugged; I wasn’t even sure what he was trying to accomplish. “It was fine to begin with, but then it turned into him pressing me for information about you. And threatening me.”

“Bastard,” Nick said, shaking his head. “I’m sorry, Ava. I know he’s your dad, but the man is so damn manipulative. This is getting ridiculous. What did you tell him?”

“I didn’t tell him anything. I know you didn’t want me to tell him that we’re married, and I don’t really know much else. He wanted me to convince you to let him step in as Don because he has more experience. He also said this is just a business deal for you and that I’m a fool for thinking otherwise.”

Nick scoffed and threw his arms in the air. “Ava, you see how manipulative he is. You don’t believe that, do you?”

“Relax.” I held my hands up in surrender. “I don’t believe that, I was just telling you what he said.”

Nick’s face fell and he grabbed both of my hands in his. “I’m sorry, baby. He just makes me so furious. I hate that he tries to manipulate you like that.”

“It’s not a big deal. In fact, I’d like to forget it ever happened.” I sighed, shaking my head.

“It might be time to tell him that we’re married. At least so he stops this whole vendetta. It’s getting ridiculous.”

“Somehow I doubt that will stop him.” I sighed. “But I, uh, I don’t want to talk about him anymore. I have some other news.” I shifted my weight, suddenly overcome with anxiety about telling Nick I was pregnant. I knew he was going to be thrilled, but I was still processing it.

“What’s that?” Nick took a big gulp of wine.

I sucked in a sharp breath, trying to psych myself up. “Nick, I, uh . . . I went to see Dr. Chapman this morning to get my birth control.”

He was looking at something on his phone, clearly not paying attention to what I was saying.

“She wasn’t able to give it to me,” I continued.

“Hmm, that’s strange,” he said, still preoccupied.

“Nick, are you listening to me?” I asked, my frustration growing.

“Of course, I’m listening,” he said, finally setting his phone down and turning back to me. “You couldn’t get the shot, did she give you a pill?”

“Nick, she couldn’t give me any birth control because I’m already pregnant.”

Nick’s eyes widened. I could see the wheels turning in his mind as he realized what I’d said. His face turned completely white and he took a deep breath.

“You’re . . .” He trailed off.

“Pregnant.” I finished his sentence for him.

“Ava, that’s . . . I’m going to be a father?” He scratched his forehead.

“I know the timing kind of sucks, we’re just getting used to this husband-and-wife thing, and with you taking over for your dad—”

Nick wrapped his arms around me, then picked me up and spun me around. “That’s the most incredible news I’ve ever heard. We’re going to have a baby!” he shrieked, holding me with one arm and pumping the other in the air. I was unable to contain my laughter as he finally put me down. It was hard not to join in on his excitement, and eventually I gave in, giggling and watching his antics.

“That’s why . . . the wine . . .” He had a goofy smile on his face as he processed everything.

I nodded with a small giggle.

“Ava, that’s amazing. You have no idea how happy I am. We’re going to be parents!” Nick eyes were wide with wonder, as he spoke a mile a minute. He dropped to his knees in front of me and lifted the front of my shirt, baring my stomach.

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