MAVERICK
How could I stay angry when he looked about to break down before me? As stupid as it may sound, I felt the sincerity in his apology, and on top of that, he had a lot on his plate the other night. I understood what physical, emotional, and even financial struggles meant. I went through that for years.
When I found out Nana was sick and I couldn’t help her even financially, it broke my heart. I felt like my world stopped at that moment, and she was the only family I considered at that time.
After I ate the ice cream, I went to my room and brushed my teeth. Then I tucked myself in bed. My phone buzzed.
TERZO: You left with your dick husband.
I rolled my eyes.
MAVERICK: My husband is also the father of my child, Terzo.
TERZO: How could you stay with that guy?
MAVERICK: He was mad the other night. He just found out his dick father is sick. He lied, btw. He did not cheat on me nor file a divorce.
TERZO: So that’s it? You’re back together.
MAVERICK: Testing the water. My child needs a father.
TERZO: Well, that’s your decision. Just take care. I’m going back to Italy.
MAVERICK: When? Can you come over to the penthouse before you leave?
TERZO: Of course.
The light illuminated inside from the door as Lake entered.
“I’m not ready.”
“I know. I just want to check on you.” He sat on the bed, his hand on my knee. “Do you need anything?”
“I’m good. Thanks.”
He sighed before he got up.
“We need to talk.” My voice sounded urgent, freezing him.
“Of course. If you’re going to tell me you had a fling-”
“Fuck you.” I quickly sat on the bed, glaring at him as I threw a pillow, and he caught it and threw it beside me.
“I was kidding.” He sat back. This time, he faced me. “I just felt my stomach twisted when you said we need to talk.”
“I don’t know how to tell you this.”
“We’re not breaking up and not getting a divorce, Maverick. That’s not going to happen. Ever.”
“Good, and I’m not gonna talk to you about that, so if you stop interrupting me every two seconds so I can tell you something, that’s better.”
“I’m sorry. Your things from the deposit box.” He put the envelope on the bedside table. “Tell me, baby. What is it?”
“I’m pregnant.”
His whole body stilled for a second, then he blinked and kept staring at me, studying me to see if I was messing with him. A cloud of excitement, peace, and joy swept through his eyes.
“We’re pregnant?” he asked breathlessly, cracking a smile. I loved that he said we, instead of you. “How? I mean, are you sure? Did you see a doctor?”
“I checked with kits five times, so I’m sure. I hadn’t had a period before and after I left. I haven’t seen a doctor but have an appointment tomorrow morning.”
“Fuck yes.” He launched himself at me, pulling me into a hug and squeezing me tight. “Thank you, baby. Thank you.”
“Wow. I expect a long berate like how did it happened, aren’t you supposed to be on a pill? Is this what you want? Look at how our lives are right now. We’re a mess. That’s the last thing we want. Are you ready to raise a child?”
“Are you kidding me? We fucked, we made love endless nights. It’s possible.” He cupped my head and showered me with kisses. Then his eyes locked mine with intense desire, his thumb brushing my bottom lip before kissing me on the lips.
I knew exactly how it felt like to be kissed by Lake. It was a month ago the last time he kissed me this way. It was still fresh in my head, but I’d missed it a lot when I was alone on that island.
The kiss intensified, showing his emotions in the kiss. There was no barrier, no lies, no threat, just between us.
For the first time, I felt an intense deep of relief that he already knew we would have a child. At least I didn’t have to worry about taking care of our baby now that he was also on board.
When his fingers slid through my hair, I knew where it led us. I was not ready for it, but my love for him was still deep and pure. I broke the kiss, and we were both panting.
“Sorry,” he said before pressing his lips on my forehead.
“It’s fine.” I rested my back against the headboard, and I felt like I hurt him. It was written all over his face. “We’re fine, babe.” That was the first time I called him babe again.
“Are we really okay?” he asked reluctantly.
“Unless you have more secrets to tell, then go ahead. Let’s lay them on the table. I watched your interview, by the way.”
He chuckled, holding my hand. “It was stupid.”
“It wasn’t. I knew I was already pregnant at the time.” I patted my side so he could be more close to me.
He joined me inside the blanket, rested his arm over my shoulder, and kissed my head. “Were you scared?”
“Slight, but I already made up my mind that I’m going to keep it whatever happened between us.”
“I don’t know how to make it up for the things I did not do and done, but I’d love to-”
“No starting over, Lake.”
“I was not going to say that. I’d love to work out things I’m not good at with you. I feel like this is the time when we let go of the past and move forward instead.”
“Good idea.” I offered a fist bump, making him chuckle as he bumped his fist.
“Can we keep it between us first until I’m fully back from my long hibernation?”
“Whatever you say, baby.” He leaned and touched my still-flat abdomen. “Kiddo, this is dadda. I can’t wait to meet you. Easy in there, okay? Don’t give your mama a hard time.” When he kissed my tummy, it got me all teary-eyed.
“Do you feel-”
I raised a finger at him. “First and foremost, no acting weird. Second, no overprotectiveness. Thirdly, I’m fine. There were no plans until I reached five months. If you act weird, I swear I will knee your nutsack.”
“But we can still have sex, right?”
I glared at him. “Are you kidding me right now?”
“It’s a valid question, Maverick.”
“I’m tired.” I slid down and pulled the blanket over my neck.
“I’m staying here.”
***
I woke up grateful that I still did not have morning sickness. Lake was not in bed anymore.
After I peed-the problem, though, was that I peed a lot, especially in the middle of the night-I washed my face and brushed my teeth, then tied my hair in a bun. Before I went downstairs, I opened the envelope, charged my phone, and put back my rings on my finger.
My stomach kept rumbling. The only thing I had tonight was the club soda and ice cream.
On my way to the kitchen, I heard nothing, too silent. “Babe?”
“Surprise!”
“OhmyGod!” I jumped, my hand on my chest. My heart beat so wild, and my eyes were wide as I saw pairs of eyes on me. “What the hell?”
Confetti was popping in the air. Of course, Lake couldn’t keep a secret that huge as me being pregnant. Giant balloons of congratulations with blue and pink themes. Then those big grins and wide eyes were waiting for my reactions.
Everyone was around, including Nana, Beatreigh, Moses, Cooper, and Mira. What surprised me was my brother, standing in the corner with a blue balloon, smiling at me.
I couldn’t help but smile, my heart filling with so much joy. I even got teary-eyed.
“Guys.” I opened my arms. “Thanks. You almost gave me a heart attack, though.”
When Lake came to kiss me, I elbowed him. “Didn’t we just talk about this last night?”
“Sorry, baby, but that’s the only secret I can’t keep.”