Page 111 of Adrift

She’s lost in thought, probably thinking about my son and what she can do to make him more comfortable.

My thoughts haven’t stopped spinning since the minute that bastard brought up my son using his filthy mouth.

Rani lifts off of me on her elbow, eyeing me curiously. “What’s wrong?”

I should have known she’d figure out I was in my head. I give her a quick shake of my head, staying quiet and trying to gather my thoughts.

“Are you thinking about what Ryan said again?”

I wrap a curl around my finger like I love to do. “How did you know?”

“Because your jaw was clenching and your body was all stiff. I knew something was bothering you. Plus, I’m smart.” She smirks.

“That you are.” I clear my throat. “I’m going to take the paternity test.”

She searches my eyes. “Are you ready to?”

“I’ll never be ready to, but it doesn’t matter to me. Arman’s mine. He’ll always be mine.”

She nods and her chin wobbles. “He’ll always be yours. There’s no one he loves more.”

“The family lawyer I talked to recommended I know for sure just to get ahead of anything in case Ryan does change his mind.” My throat feels dry. “I’m just . . ..”

“Nervous?”

I look at her. “Does that make sense? He’s mine, no matter what, but I’m terrified the DNA test will come back negative. It’s this weird contradiction.”

Rani runs her hand through my hair. She seems to love my curls as much as I love hers. “It’s completely understandable. I’m scared, too. I just want him to be yours biologically.”

“Me, too,” I whisper. “I just want to move past this nightmare.”

“I’ll be right by your side through the whole thing.” Her lips tip up.

“How did I get so lucky?” I murmur.

“Hmm.” She purses her lips. “By saving a girl from a kayak gone astray.”

I squint at her. “Hey, wasn’t I supposed to get you back on a kayak again?”

Rani quickly turns off the lamp on her side of the bed, yawning dramatically before falling into her pillow with her eyes shut. “Boy, I’m super tired. Sweet dreams, Darian.”

I roll my eyes, smiling in the dark.

“I can hear you rolling your eyes at me.”

Chapter Forty-Two

Rani

Everyday I learn something new about the beautiful man I’m now sharing a home with. For example, I recently learned that his favorite season is winter because his favorite sport is cross-country skiing. I’ve also learned that he’s broken at least six different bones in his body–a couple more than once–he sneezes every time he eats something minty, and he and I have birthdays one day apart.

The last fact was the reason I found myself back on a kayak yesterday. It was his answer to my question when I asked him what he wanted for his birthday. A day with you, a part of it on a kayak and the rest with you naked in my bed.

I had to relent but I suppose he’s never played fair.

It’s been three weeks since I moved into Darian’s house–having finished up my summer photojournalism project, transferred my credits to the nearby university, and moved the rest of my living essentials here. We haven’t spent more than the absolute minimum number of minutes apart, mostly when he’s at work or I’m in class.

Thankfully, we also found a really incredible caretaker for Arman. She’s a middle-aged lady who stays at home with him throughout the day. She even takes him to the baby gym sometimes and has become someone Arman feels really comfortable with.

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