Page 48 of Unpredictable

“I asked, how do you know what love is? Explain it to me.”

I take a deep breath as I think over his words.

Haven’t you wondered yourself if you even know what love is?

Shaking off my self-doubt, I answer him. “To be fair, I can’t say for sure if I know what love is. I haven’t always had a great example to follow in regards to it. What I can say is that the feelings I have for your daughter won’t go away. We separated briefly, and it was the darkest days of my life. I think of her every morning and every night. When something good or bad happens, she’s the first person I want to call and tell about it. I would do anything to protect her, even if it means hurting myself in the process. I would lay my life down for her. If I could break every bone in my body to take away any pain she has ever and will ever feel, I would do it in a heartbeat. If that’s not love, then what is love?”

He stays silent as he mulls over my words. My nerves itch to say or do something, but my father always taught me that silence can be just as important as the words that come out of your mouth.

“That does sound like love. Listen, I will support you both no matter what decisions you make. You were right. I won’t be like Victoria’s grandfather. If she wants to marry you, I will walk her down the aisle to you. If she doesn’t, then I will support her. There’s only one thing you need to be aware of.”

“What’s that, sir?”

“If the day comes that my daughter no longer wants you in her life or you do anything I deem inappropriate, I have no problem making you disappear. Do you understand me, son?”

“If that day comes, sir, I’ll make myself disappear. That’s a promise to both you and her.”

“Well then, let’s go celebrate the good news. Let’s have a beer and smoke a cigar while the ladies figure this out.”

I stand to follow him, but he turns back and sticks out his hand instead. I reach out as we shake hands.

“Welcome to the family.”

???

Chapter Fourteen

“Would you stop pacing?” Victoria snaps at me.

I immediately stop and return to her side.

After much begging, she agreed to let me come to her twelve-week checkup with her. At first, she was skeptical, even after me doing everything I can to show her that I will continue to show up for her and our child.

Eventually my persistence paid off, only to lead me to an exam room, pacing, while Victoria lies on a bed in nothing but a hospital gown.

“I’m nervous,” I admit quietly.

Her face softens as she reaches out to grab my hand. “There’s no need to be. They’re just going to check on the baby and send us on our way.”

“If you say so.”

I haven’t told her, but I’m scared to death the doctor will find something wrong. I’ve been having nightmares of something bad happening to her and the baby after some late nights of pregnancy and labor research. After freaking myself out royally, I have kept most of my research to myself, knowing stress isn’t good for the baby.

Finally, a knock sounds on the door before the doctor strides in.

“Ms. Davenport. Great to see you again. Who do we have here?” the very male doctor asks me.

I grit my teeth. I don’t know why, but I assumed Dr. Stevenson was a woman.

Victoria reaches out to grab my hand, speaking to the doctor. “This is Sterling, my baby daddy.”

I growl at her as they both chuckle. “I’m more than her baby daddy.”

He grins at me. “Women, am I right?”

“Hey!” Victoria half-heartedly complains.

I return my gaze to her. “I’ll take anything you have to give, even insults, babe.”

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