Chapter 11

Felicity

"Mom, I asked you to keep this private for now," I say into the phone as I pace the floor.

"I just told the book club."

I sigh, closing my eyes. "Telling the book club is like giving breaking news to a national news outlet. They spread gossip faster than a cheetah chasing a gazelle."

She laughs, mocking me, before clearing her throat. "Sweetie, I'm sorry. I'm excited to be a grandma and I wanted to share the special news."

"It wasn't your news to share, Mom. I wasn't ready to tell the father and now you've forced my hand."

"He should know, Felicity. You have no idea how he'll react to the news. You may just get everything you've ever wanted," she says.

She's a hopeless romantic and I'm a realist. I know how Shepherd is going to react and I was hoping to put it off just a little longer. I've spent a lot of time the last few days figuring out exactly how and when I was going to tell him. It's not like I was going to keep this baby a secret. I'm not a terrible person. I know he has every right to know. But now I feel forced and I don't like that feeling.

"Mom, we've had this discussion before. I'm not having it again."

"Are you going to tell him?"

I sit down and drop my head onto the back of the couch. "Of course I am, Mom. When he gets home from work I'll tell him."

She does a little squeal and I roll my eyes. "How are you going to do it? What are you going to say?"

"I'll call you after I talk to him. Bye, Mom." I hang up before she throws any more questions at me.

She's so excited, thinking this will be an instant happy family. You have the mother and the child, just add the father and enjoy.

It will not be. Shepherd isn't going to smile and bust out some cigars. He's going to be blindsided and I'll admit I'm nervous.

I don't think he's the kind of guy that will curse me out and put all the blame on me, but I am about to hand him life-changing news and it's hard to figure out how someone is going to react to that.

There's a knock on the door and I groan, pushing myself up off the sofa. I open the door and find Karl standing there.

"What?" I ask, leaning at the door jam.

"Felicity, you look beautiful today," he says.

I shake my head and sigh. "What do you want, Karl? I told you the other night I don't want you coming around."

He runs his hand through his hair as he nods his head. "I know what you said, but just because you don't want me around, doesn't mean you don't need me."

I'm so tired of arguing with him. I don't sleep well because of stress and hormones. I'm craving things that are impossible to fulfill because it's sex. I want sex like I've never wanted it before and who's willing to have sex with the pregnant girl? Not to mention, the weight of still needing to talk to Shepherd. Dealing with Karl is just an added stress I don't want or need.

"Karl, I have enough on my plate. I'm asking nicely for you to stay away. If you can't do that, I'll give you a gentle reminder of why it is we are no longer together." I put my finger on my lips as I look up. "Who was the one left at the altar in a wedding dress?" I narrow my eyes and pin him in my angry gaze. "That sure as hell wasn't you. Now please leave, Karl."

He shakes his head and walks off my porch.

I'm not entirely sure what his plan is. He's the one who left me and now he acts like nothing happened. It's partly my fault for allowing him back into my life in any capacity, but I was scared and he was there. Now I need to build the walls back up with him far on the other side.

But first, I need to tell Shepherd I'm pregnant with his baby.

A knock on the door wakes me and I sit up startled. I look around and realize that I fell asleep on the couch. This pregnancy is exhausting.

The knocking becomes a banging and I shake my head. Karl is really pushing it now.

I get up and stretch as the banging continues. "All right." I swing the door open and shout, "What?"

My eyes widen and my heart slams against my chest when I see it isn't Karl, but a very grumpy-looking Shepherd.

Shit.

"You're pregnant?"

Well, I should've known. News in this town travels fast—too fast.

"Shepherd, I was going to come talk to you tonight," I say, hanging my head.

"That's a coincidence."

I snap my head up and narrow my eyes. "I was, but I fell asleep on the couch because I'm exhausted all the time now."

His eyes soften for a moment as he looks me over. I'm not entirely sure why but it makes my pulse race as he takes me in. That's a lie, I know why. I'm horny and that one night with him was the best night I've ever had. Not to mention the last time I had sex.

He's stirring those feelings and I swallow hard.

"Is the baby mine or that asshole's?" he asks, his eyes hardening once again.

I flinch back as if he took a swing at me and he might as well have with that question. The sexual bubble I was just in pops and anger washes over me.

I place my hand on my hip and lock my angry eyes with his. "Really, Shepherd? You've said a lot of nasty things to me over the years, but this is just plain hurtful. How could you ask such a question?"

He gives a humorless laugh and crosses his muscular arms as he stares at me with those dark eyes. "You're hurt by my question? That's rich when you've got that asshole here all the time. The same one that left you at the altar in case you've forgotten. So, my question has merit and if anyone should be hurt here, it's me."

"You? Are you serious?"

He moves closer to me, invading my space and I want to push him away, but damn he smells so good. "Am I the father?"

I search his eyes and swallow nervously. "Yes, Shepherd. You're the father."

He steps back and his eyes widen. "I am?" He runs his hand through his hair as his eyes drop to my stomach and slowly rise to my face. "You got pregnant that one night?" He starts pacing my porch, squeezing the back of his neck. "I'm gonna be a father?"

I step out of my house and stand in front of him, stopping him in his tracks. "I'm sorry it took me so long to tell you. I was scared and overwhelmed. It's a lot to process and take in. So, yes, I got pregnant after our one night together and yes, you are the father. But, I don't need your help. You're not obligated to do anything. I have a plan that I intend to see through and it doesn't include anyone but me."

A small grin hits his lips and I'm unsure how to react. I haven't seen anything but his grumpy face since Christmas and I forgot just how captivating it is. He's gorgeous. He clearly has good genes because everyone in his family is good-looking and smart. My baby is lucky for that.

"Felicity, let's get one thing straight. That's my baby you're carrying and I'm not about to let you do this on your own. That plan you have, it includes me now." He steps forward and grabs my hand. "I'm not going anywhere."

I search his face and do the only thing I'm capable of.

I nod.