Page 108 of Surprised By Love

“I get it. I mean, as much as I can, having not been through it myself.”

“I know, and I appreciate it.”

“So, what are you going to do about it?” Ethan asks, taking a drink of his beer.

I shrug. “No fucking idea.”

“Okay.” He rubs his hands together as if he’s plotting something. “Do you care about her?”

I nod. I care about her so much it’s killing me not to see her.

“You know she’s staying in town, right? If she has this baby, you are going to see your child all over the place? Can you handle that? Do you plan on co-parenting?”

I glare at him, but he continues. “What happens when she dates someone and someday, possibly gets married? That guy’s going to raise your kid. Are you cool with that?”

I clench my fists. I know he is saying this shit to get a reaction out of me and if he doesn’t stop, he’s going to get punched in the face. We’ve had our share of drag-out fights when we were kids, but he needs to stop talking. Right. Now.

“Okay.” I growl. “I get it.”

He smirks and I want to wipe the damn look off his face. I hate when he does this. It’s hisI know I’m rightlook, and it’s annoying as fuck.

“Let me buy you another drink.” He laughs and signals for Blair. As if he could sense we were about to order another round, Lucas enters the room and heads right for us. Time with my brothers is exactly what I need.

Chapter Forty

Sam

Iwakeupandstare at the ceiling. Something is different.

Wait! I’m not crying. For the first time since Josh stormed out of the house two weeks ago. I’m not waking up crying. A small smile spread across my face. I’ve finally moved on past the grieving stage and into acceptance. Maybe seeing him with that girl was the push I needed to snap me out of it.

My sisters have been telling me for two weeks everything will be alright. That I won’t have to do this alone. They assured me Josh will come to his senses, and he’ll be back. But how long do I have to wait? Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I decide I’m not waiting anymore.

I’ve been wanting to go to Pineridge to check out this bakery they have. The past few days, I have been tossing the idea back and forth about opening a coffee shop/bakery.

Maybe it’s time I fulfil a dream. One I’ve had since I was young and never thought could become a reality. I have enough from my divorce settlement to put a good size down payment on the store.

Since Amelia is at Becca’s today and I’m not curled up in bed crying. It’s the perfect day to go check it out.

Sweet Salvation bakery is small but cute. It reminds me of a bakery in an eighties movie I once saw. The minute I walk in I’m hit with the delicious smells of fresh baked goods and that’s when I know I have to do it. I’m opening a coffee/bakery.

I look around at the pink walls, tables and chairs and know right away I would do something different. There is way too much pink for my liking. I’m thinking more teal or turquoise. Maybe try to go old-school like the diner.

I always loved retro decor and I know my sister Jess would love it. She’s retro with her rockabilly attire. I take a few minutes to look around and make some mental notes, then I head to the counter to buy a few baked goods.

Might as well try a few things while I’m here. I place an order for a dutch chocolate cookie and a dozen macarons. It’s been forever since I baked macarons. I make another mental note to look up Gram’s recipe when I get home.

I get in the car and sit back while I eat the cookie before heading home. I decide I’m going to stand up for myself and not let Josh ruin this for me. Yes, we might not be together anymore, but I’m happy about this baby and I want him to be a part of this child’s life, but I’m going to make this work whether or not he’s all in.

I pickup my phone and dial his number. The machine picks up. Probably better that way. I can say what I want without him interrupting. “Hi Josh,” I say in a clear and stronger voice than I thought I could muster, considering what I’m about to say. I sit up straighter and pull my shoulders back, feeling more confident than I have in a long time.

“I know we’re not together anymore. You’ve made that perfectly clear. I don’t know who that woman was at the station the other day and I don’t care to know. Just wanted to let you know I’m keeping this baby, no matter what. Your family is welcome to be a part of this baby’s life. In fact, I hope they are. What you decide from this point on is up to you.”

I disconnect the call and let out a long breath.

My lips curl into a small smile. I’m proud of myself for being strong enough to call him and tell him exactly what’s on my mind. It’s been a long time coming, but I think I’m getting back to the girl I once was.

I pull out of the parking lot and call Jess on Bluetooth.

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