Page 97 of One Pucking Surprise
My voice comes out raw, broken. “I freaked out. It was going too good—too perfect. I figured it wouldn’t last, so I panicked. Said a bunch of shitty things to her to push her away. And it worked.”
“She doesn’t hate you,” Dad says, his hand resting firmly on my shoulder. “She’s hurt, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late.”
Blair nods, her expression fierce. “He’s right, Zach. You need to fix it. Don’t let fear or some stupid imaginary curse ruin the best thing that’s ever happened to you.”
I drag my hands down my face, my stomach churning. “God, I’m such a fucking jerk.”
“If you want her back, you’ll have to fight for her.” Dad says.
“I know.” My voice cracks, the weight of my actions pressing down on me. “I didn’t realize it then—I mean, I guess I knew—but I didn’t want to believe it. But I fucking love her.”
“Then what are you still doing there? Go to her, Zach. Apologize. Beg if you have to,” Blair says.
I let out a frustrated groan, pacing the room. “Fuck,” I mutter, the word heavy with regret. “I don’t even know where to start.”
Before either of them can respond, my phone buzzes in my hand with a string of notifications. I glance at the screen. It’s Wyatt.
Wyatt: SOS. Why the fuck aren’t you answering me?
I scroll through the messages I’d ignored earlier.
Wyatt: Dude, I just overheard Chloe talking to Lainey. She’s moving. Did you know?
Wyatt: Hello? I just heard Chloe say Florida.
Wyatt: What the fuck? Lainey’s moving to Florida!
Wyatt: Shit. Her flight leaves at 6 PM tonight.
Wyatt: Please tell me you’re getting my messages.
“Florida?” I whisper, my stomach twisting as I glance at the clock. 4:45 PM. My pulse races.
“Dad, Blair, I’ve got to go,” I say, already heading for the door. “Wyatt just told me Lainey’s leaving for Florida. At 6.”
Blair’s eyes widen in disbelief. “Then what the hell are you waiting for? Go get your girl!”
“Don’t waste time,” Dad adds firmly. “This is your moment, Zach.”
The tires squeal as I pull out of the driveway, my hands gripping the wheel tightly. My chesttightens as the car connects to the call as I punch in Wyatt’s number. He picks up almost immediately.
“What the fuck, Darling? Why didn’t you answer my texts?” Wyatt’s voice is sharp, tinged with panic.
“What flight is Lainey on?” I demand, cutting straight to the point.
“Why? What are you going to do?”
“What the hell do you think, Wyatt? I’m going to stop her. I can’t let her and the baby leave.”
“Finally, you’re coming to your senses.”
“I thought I was done, but I can’t. I love her, Wyatt. I love Lainey. I’ve been a fucking idiot, but I want everything with her. I want to raise our baby together. I want her in my life.” The words spill out, raw and desperate.
“Well, shit,” Wyatt says, his voice softening. “I’m happy for you, man. But you’re cutting it close. What’s your plan?”
“Get me the flight info.”
“Chloe would kill me if she finds out I’m helping you while we’re on our honeymoon.”
