Page 11 of All or Notching
“I’m sorry.” Her whispered words clear the fog in my mind.
I reach for her hands, but she yanks them back. “It’s not your fault, Laurel. It’s mine.”
She appears calmer now. Not exactly jumping for joy that she’s going to be a mother, but I don’t think she’ll faint again. “I don’t blame you.”
“Are you sure?”
Her brows dip together. “You have the results of my test. I should be asking you that question.”
“That’s not what I meant. I meant—“
There’s no confusion on her face now. I never understood when people said somebody’s eyes were cold. I can now, though.There a distinct chill in the air.
“I believe you meant to say, am I sure you’re the father.” She leans down to pick up her handbag. “Yes, Tristan. I’m very sure. I’ve been very focused on my job and haven’t been with anyone since my night with you. My focus has always been my job. I’ve never been interested in having a family. I never planned to marry, have two point five kids, a dog, and a white picket fence. I’m not my sisters, to my parents’ dismay.” She chokes up but then pulls herself up straight and glares at me. “Thank you. I will go to my own doctor to arrange for the ultrasound.” She turns and marches toward the door.
“Wait.” I’m not sure what I want to say to her. I can’t seem to find the words. But the one thing I know is that if she’s pregnant with my child, there’s no way I will just let her walk out of this office.
“We have nothing more to say to each other, Doctor Tessler.”
“Laurel—”
“I assume I can pay on the way out?”
“Laurel—”
“Never mind. I’ll ask your receptionist.” She opens the door.
I get my feet under me and rush forward, pushing the door closed before she can walk through. I spin around, leaning my back against it. "Please, wait.” I take a deep breath while she stands there glaring at me. But when I look closer, I see hurt and fear. I want to kick myself. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply anything.”
She just raises her brows.
“I want to help. In fact, I insist on it. This baby is mine. And I don’t walk away from my obligations.”
Her jaw tenses as she clenches her teeth.
“Sorry. Again. Wrong word choice. I meant to say I am here for you. I will help you in any way you need. I intend to be included in this child’s life. I can guarantee you that.”
She relaxes slightly. But at least she’s not shoving me aside and running from the room.
“Seriously, Laurel. I’m part of this too. We’ll do this together, okay?”
She studies me, probably searching for any sign of insincerity, but I meant every word I said. This is my child, and I refuse to walk away.
“Fatherhood was not in my plan either, but we’ll figure it out.”
“Okay.”
Finally, I have some control back. I guide Laurel back to the chair and then sit across from her. This time she lets me take her hands in mine. “I’ll understand if you want to go to another doctor, but I meant it; I want to be a part of this. All of it. We’re in this together, Laurel.”
She jerks her head, nodding. “Thank you.”
“First things first. Let’s get you in for that ultrasound. I’ll also write you a prescription for some prenatal vitamins.”
“Can’t I just get them off the shelf?”
“Yes, but considering your age, I want to ensure you have the best.”
“Are you saying I’m old?”