Page 40 of Irreplaceable
“What’s wrong?” Juliana asked.
I shook my head, blinking away tears. “Nothing,” I lied. “I’m just trying to process it all.”
Dr. Fulton smiled. “For now, just enjoy. We’ll see you again next month. In the meantime, you’ll want to start thinking about what genetic testing you might want to do, if any.”
“Any recommendations?”
“I’ll have Sylvia send you some information. But I suggest talking with the baby’s father to see what his family medical history is. That knowledge can help you make a more informed decision when it comes to genetic testing.”
It felt as if my head was going to explode. Me. I was going to be a mom. Holy shit. But even more than that, one thought overrode all others: who the hell was the father?
I mean, I knew who he was, obviously. But…I knew nothing about him at all. And this appointment had made my complete lack of knowledge about Enzo all the more apparent.
I was grateful Juliana had come because I spent the rest of the time in a daze. I barely heard anything as I checked out and scheduled my next appointment. And there was no way I could concentrate to drive.
“Come on,” Juliana said, pulling me into her side.
I was pregnant. Pregnant!
I kept staring at the images from the sonogram, checking the details. It was my name. My date of birth. My…baby.
When we got to her house, I followed her inside. Harrison came out to greet us, giving me a hug before pulling Juliana into his arms. He murmured something in her ear, and I had to look away from the private moment. I was happy for Juliana—for all my friends—but watching them with their significant others only reminded me of the things I ached for—love, a partner, a family.
It made me realize that I didn’t just want a baby. Now that I’d had a glimpse of what life could be with Enzo, I wanted it all. Or at least I had until he’d ruined it.
And while I’d planned to do this alone, now that it was actually happening, everything seemed so daunting. Hollywood maternity leave was a joke. In the film industry—both on the screen and behind the scenes—women lacked equality to an appalling degree.
Juliana’s phone pinged, and Harrison released her so she could check it. “I’ll be right back,” Juliana called before disappearing down the hall.
“Can I get you something to drink?” Harrison asked.
“Sure.” I took a seat on one of the barstools, realizing how rude my tone seemed. “I mean, a water would be great. Thank you.”
He filled the glass and set it in front of me, resting on his elbows on the other side of the bar. I laughed, thinking how it felt as if he was a bartender. And then it hit me—I couldn’t drink. For nine months. Or seven, now. Whatever.
“You okay there?” he asked, perhaps noticing the slightly hysterical note to my laughter.
“I, um…” I hesitated a moment but figured Juliana would tell him anyway. “I’m pregnant.”
His smile was warm and reassuring. “I’m guessing it was a surprise, based on your demeanor. How do you feel about it?”
I sagged on the stool, grateful he hadn’t immediately jumped to offering his congratulations or glossing over the situation. Harrison was intuitive, older, and wise. He also had an amazing daughter he doted on, as well as a son-in-law and grandchildren he adored.
“I’m still trying to decide. I’ve wanted a baby for so long. And I was prepared to go it alone, but this…” I shook my head, still trying to process everything. “I wasn’t expecting this.”
He nodded. “Welcome to parenthood, where nothing goes as expected.”
I laughed. “Yeah?” But then tears pricked my eyes. This was happening. I was going to be a member of the club—finally.
“You’re going to be a great mom,” he said, placing his hand over mine. He met my eyes, and I knew he meant every word.
“Thanks,” I said as he retracted his hand. “That means a lot. You did a good job with Olivia.”
He chuckled, leaning back against the counter. “I’d love to take credit for that, but it’s all her. She was always a good kid, and I’m proud of the woman she’s become.”
I nodded, taking a sip of my water. I hoped that one day I’d feel the same about my own child. I hoped I would be able to raise them well and that they’d want me to be part of their lives even when they were an adult.
“Hey.” Juliana breezed back into the room. “Sorry about that.”