Page 159 of The Baby Twist
I ordered a coffee and a cherry Danish, taking it to a table by the window while waiting for the rain to stop.
The woman with the baby sat at the table next to me. I stared at her as she lifted the child from the carriage. She looked at me strangely. She probably thought I was a stalker.
“I apologize for staring. My wife is expecting.”
“Oh. How far along is she?”
“Seven weeks now.”
“Your first?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“Well, she’s lucky to have you by her side. This little one’s father took off when I told him I was pregnant.”
I swallowed hard. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. We’re better off without him in our life. Isn’t that right, baby girl?” she smiled at the child. “It looks like the rain stopped. It was nice to meet you.” She put the child back into the carriage.
“It was nice to meet you, too.” I smiled.
My heart sank as I watched her walk out of the bakery. On my way out, I threw the rest of my coffee and Danish in the trash can. Sean pulled up, and I climbed inside the Escalade.
“Where to, Miles?” he asked.
“Just take me home.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
THREE WEEKS LATER
Stella
I had to skip class today, and when I notified my professor last night that I wouldn’t be able to attend, he wanted an explanation. He had a strict policy about absences. So, I told him I had to be in court to get my marriage annulled.
I was still at the hotel but in a different room. I wasn’t having any luck finding an apartment with which I was in love. Maybe I was being too picky, but I knew what I wanted for my baby and me and in which area.
My belly was twisted in knots as I gripped my purse strap and walked up the stairs to the courthouse. I swallowed hard when I saw Miles standing there.
“Hello, Stella.”
“Miles.” I nodded and kept walking.
He and Nolan followed behind.
“Stella, wait. How are you?”
“I’m great, Miles.” I smiled. “I’d ask how you are, but I don’t care.”
Nolan led us to the courtroom, where we took our seats and waited for the judge to call our names.
“In the case of Bradshaw vs. Bradshaw. Will you step up?”
Nolan, Miles, and I stepped up and stood before the judge.
“You’ve filed a petition for an annulment of your marriage, correct?”
“Yes, your honor,” Miles and I spoke at the same time.
