“You’re leaving?” Her eyes scrunch, and she stares at him with big, sappy doe eyes.
“I think it’s for the best.” He shoves his hands into the pockets of his pants.
She leans forward. “I need to tell you something.”
He tips his chin up. “I heard the doctor say you’re pregnant. Congratulations. I’m sure you’re ecstatic. I don’t want to take away from your family celebration.”
“But…” She waves her hands and pushes all the way to a seated position. “Don’t you want to be here?”
He shakes his head. “There is no place I’d like to be less right now than here.” He takes one last look at her and sighs. “I’ll leave you two alone. Goodbye, Nicole.” Turning on his heel, he escapes from the room.
“Nic?” My hands ball into fists at my sides.
“Yes.” Her eyes dart to me.
Anger radiates through my body and seeps into the space around me. I can’t believe the prick just walked out on my little sister. “Is he the father?”
“No.” She shakes her head. “He’s the sperm donor. I’ll raise the baby alone.”
“No. You won’t.” My jaw pulses. I’m going to kick his ass. Natalie lost our baby years ago and the thought guts me. He’s throwing his baby away. It’s repulsive.
“Trey, you aren’t saying anything to him. He doesn’t want children, so let it be.”
“That’s bullshit,” I spit out. “I’m going to kick his white ass. He thinks he can knock up my baby sister and not follow through with his obligations.”
“That’s enough.” She straightens her shoulders. “I chose to have sex with him. He didn’t force me to do anything. It’s my own fault for not using contraception. I’ll deal with the consequences.”
“No, Nic. He needs to provide for the baby. He needs to take care of you.” I step over to the bed, sit down, and grab her hand. I’m careful not to disturb the IV line.
She sighs and shakes her head. “I appreciate the big brother knight in shining armor routine. I really do. But I don’t want him if he doesn’t love me or want to be a part of our baby’s life. On his own. Not forced. I can’t be a woman that traps a man or comes in second place.”
“Nic?”
“No.” Her jaw tightens. “I told him I wouldn’t get pregnant. I wanted to have sex with him even though we didn’t have protection. If he thought there was any chance, we’d make a baby, he would have run for the hills.”
My teeth ground together. Finally, I sigh. Nicole is an adult. She’s perfectly capable of deciding how to live her life. “Okay. I understand. I don’t agree because a man should hold up to his responsibilities, but I respect your wishes.”
“Thank you.” She leans forward, places her arms around my neck, and sags into my chest.
“When did you grow up?” I pat her back. “I remember when you were a little pissant that got into my baseball cards and passed them out to all your friends.”
“Hey, I was in first grade, and you weren’t using them.”
“I was saving them. Do you realize how much some of those cards would be now?”
She cringes. “Yeah, so I’ve heard.”
I lean back and place my hands on her cheeks. “Don’t worry about anything. Between Mom, Dad, Leah, and myself, we’ll help you with anything you need.”
“Thanks.” She falls back against the pillow and moves as if she’s trying to get comfortable.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Natalie
“Are you sure you’re okay with watching the kids tonight?” Lillian asks as she checks her earrings.
Once she’s confident her jewelry is snug, she places her hands on her hips. The navy dress she’s wearing is stunning against her red hair.