Carolyn bawls even harder then, but this time, they’re happy tears.
“Really?” she whispers.
“Yes, baby,” I vow in a broken voice. “I love you so much. Please say that you want to be with me, and that you want our child.”
She flings herself into my arms then.
“Yes, Preston,” the curvy girl whispers against my lips. “I love you and want to be a family. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
I lean in to kiss her, caressing her cheek gently with my thumb as my heart flips over with joy. After all, this is the culmination of my dreams. After two horrible experiences and countless meaningless flings, I’ve finally found the woman I was meant to be with. We didn’t expect to get pregnant, but now, I know that this woman is much more than a wedding hook-up, or my daughter’s friend. Carolyn is my one and only, and with gratitude, I embrace my future and the baby to come.
Epilogue
Carolyn
A few months later.
It’s been five months since I confronted Preston about his past, and my life has changed for the better. As soon as he found out I was pregnant, my boyfriend moved me into his penthouse.
“You can’t stay here,” he growled while surveying my apartment.
“Why not?” I asked innocently.
“Because it’s not fitting for a woman of mine. You deserve the utmost luxury, and besides, where will the baby and I sleep? Squashed together in your tiny bed?”
At that, I gave in and moved out. Dani’s still looking for a new roommate, but she’s comfortable and enjoying having the space all to herself for now. Meanwhile, within a few days I was ensconced in Preston’s aerie in the sky. It’s been wonderful to live with him, and I swear my man spoils me. Just the other day, he cooked two different breakfasts in case I wanted both French toast and breakfast burritos. He’s gone insane, but I love it. My boyfriend adores me and makes sure I know it at every turn.
Even better, Zora accepted our relationship when she found out. We told her immediately after our confrontation, and she was surprisingly calm.
“You’re not mad?” I asked hesitantly.
She merely shrugged.
“Not really. I mean, I would have liked for you guys to tell me earlier, but I guess this has only been brewing a few months right? Besides, I’m pregnant now too, so we’re going to be mommies together.”
That news made me squeal with joy, and we hugged each other in elation. Now, Zora’s over at the penthouse and we kick our feet up while enjoying our fill of cookies.
“Do your feet get swollen?” Zora asks, and I laugh.
“Look at them! Of course. I’m swollen all over, but yeah, by the end of the day, I swear, they’re twice the size they normally are. I can’t wear any of my shoes anymore.”
Zora looks relieved. “I thought it was just me, and I hate it so much! But you know one good part? Tim loves my swollen feet, and I’m still wearing my stilettos when we have sex. Can you imagine that? Me with my bulging tummy, wearing nothing but a pair of six-inch stilettos crammed onto my peepers?”
I giggle then.
“Oooh, you guys are so naughty, but I love it. But your dad is super into pregnant sex too, and I swear he wants to get me knocked up again as soon as this baby is born.”
“Carolyn!” my friend squeals in mock-outrage. “Oh my God, TMI! I don’t need to know about my dad’s sex life, please!”
We both laugh heartily, but then Zora goes serious.
“You’re not angry with me, are you?” she ventures in a hesitant voice. I shoot her a look.
“No, why?”
The pretty brunette takes a deep breath. “Well, because I told you all those terrible things about my dad when I didn’t really know. I’d never had a conversation with Preston about it,” she says shamefacedly. “I got most of my info from the tabloids, just like everyone else.”
I consider for a moment what to say.
“It wasn’t a great way to find out,” I acknowledge, “but your dad and I got things cleared up immediately, so no harm, no foul. We’re good, girlfriend.”
Zora pulls me in for a heartfelt hug.
“Thanks, Carolyn,” she says in a muffled tone. “Or what should I call you, now that you’re dating my dad? A proto-stepmom?”
We both laugh heartily even as I blush, but at that moment, my man enters the living room after a long day at work.
“Are you two talking about the babies again?” Preston rumbles while taking off his coat, and I grin.
“You know it,” I reply, as he leans down and kisses me on the cheek. “How was work today?”
He shrugs mirthfully and shoots a look at his daughter. “Not bad.” Then, Zora jumps up from the couch, smiling.
“I’d better get going,” she sings. “I’ll see you both tomorrow for lunch? Bye Carolyn! Bye Daddy!”