Page 203 of Between Regrets and Promises

“So you got drunk and slept together? That’s what happened?”

“The first time, yes. It was reckless, and I should’ve known better. The second time was the night Sophie and I had that fight, and I left here upset. I ended up at the bar and stupidly drunk texted him. I don’t know what I was thinking, and that’s a shit excuse, but he picked me up, and we hooked up again. I regretted it the moment it happened. Last week, I realized I was late, and that’s when I took a pregnancy test. He didn’t take the news very well, as you can imagine.” Her bloodshot eyes lower. She’s been crying a lot.

“What’d he do when you told him?” I ask harshly. My father isn’t a sensitive man, so I doubt he was kind.

“Told me he wanted to pay for an abortion. When I told him I didn’t want that, he threatened my career. When I still didn’t fold to his demands, he said he was gonna make a deal so no one found out.”

“Did he explain what thedealwas?” I ask.

“Only a few hours ago. He called and said that you offered to take responsibility and that from now on, I was to have no contact with him until a paternity test could be done. He said if it was confirmed, he’d pay financially but that was it.”

“Such a fucking asshole,” I growl. “He marched in here, throwing around threats for me to clean up his mess. I told him to fuck right off.”

“Mason, I’m so sorry,” Serena says between sobs. “I don’t know why he thinks he has to involve you. I’m not gonna tell the media he’s the father anyway.”

“This is his way of covering his tracks in case you decide to blast him anytime in the future. His whole job is doing damage control for all his shady practices. Perhaps you should sell your story. Someone needs to burst his image bubble.” I huff.

“That puts you at risk, Mason. I’d never do that to you.”

I shrug. “He can’t be sure of the outcome, so he’s throwing out theories. Even if one of my cases gets reopened, I have the best lawyer in the state to help me fight it.” I wink, and she smiles for the first time since she got here.

“Mason, are you sure? You tell your dad no, and he’s gonna lose his shit.”

“He’s tried to control me my whole life. I’m not about to let him start now. He can walk around looking over his shoulder for once, waiting to see if you blow his cover.”

“I’m not gonna say anything, but it’d be nice to have the upper hand by letting him think I could.” She smirks, which makes me grin.

“Thatta girl. Don’t let him be a douchebag to you. Make him pay child support and anything else you need, and don’t allow him to get away with this. If he didn’t want to jeopardize his name, then he should’ve thought about that years ago.”

“Thank you,” she says softly. “I’ve been sick over this and how to tell you. You’re one of my best friends, and I royally fucked up.”

I stand with a smirk, and I pull her into a hug. “Come here.”

Serena wraps her arms around my waist, and I hold her tight against me.

“You know the baby is gonna technically be my sister or brother.”

She giggles. “I know. Weird, right?”

I pull back, laughing. “Very.”

We stroll into the living room, and Sophie quickly sets her book down. “Hey. Everything okay?”

“Yeah, it will be,” I tell her, glancing at Serena. “My father’s a fuckwad, but that’s nothing new.”

“Serena, I want to say how sorry I am for the way I acted the last time you were here. I never should’ve?—”

“No, you have nothing to apologize for,” Serena cuts her off. “You’re protective of your relationship with Mason, which confirms how much you love him. No need to be sorry for that.” Serena smiles. “Ireallyam happy you two are together.”

“Thank you,” Sophie says. “Congrats on the baby, even if the circumstances aren’t what you expected.”

Serena wipes away her tears. “Thanks. I’m excited to be a mom and have a baby. Even if I have to do it alone.”

“You won’t be alone,” I immediately tell her. “You know I’m not going anywhere.”

“My sister Lennon is pregnant with her second, and I’m sure she can give you mom tips. You two would get along.”

“You’re both more than I deserve.” Serena gives Sophie a hug, then me. “I’ll keep you updated. I have my first appointment next week.”

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