AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m surprised the father isn’t here.”
“Right? What kind of guy would miss the birth of his son?” Ronnie glances around to make sure we aren’t being overheard. “Well, from what I’ve gathered, it seems like the dad might not be in the picture.”
“What makes you say that?” I ask as casually as possible.
Ronnie shrugs. “She hasn’t mentioned him once. Actually, until I heard her friend on the phone, I thought the two of them might be together. But seems not.”
It’s hard to identify the emotion that washes over me. For one, a selfish part of me is elated that Lizzie is still single. But that feeling quickly gives way to anger at the thought of whoever Isaac’s father is having abandoned them both. Bastard. It’s an appalling thing to do, and if that’s truly the case, I hope he burns in Hell—for eternity. Who would walk out on somebody like her? Only a complete moron. Well, good riddance.
As I stare at Isaac, I can’t help but notice which of Lizzie’s features are prominent. He definitely has her nose. I even think his small ears share a similar shape to hers. But where do his other features come from? Who is his father, and why has he left Lizzie to raise the kid on her own?
It’s none of your business, Dillan, I tell myself, purposefully trying to detach from the situation. Keep it in your pants. The woman just had a baby. It’s been months since the two of you had your fling. She has enough on her plate without you inserting yourself into the picture.
Even as the words enter my mind, I know it won’t be that simple. Because the truth of the matter is, I’d fallen hard for Lizzie that night and it won’t be easy to just move on and forget about her. Hell, I’ve tried over the better part of a year and the feelings are just as strong as ever.
Once Isaac is clean and bundled up, I roll his cradle to Lizzie’s room. Her eyes light up when she sees us, arms immediately reaching out for her son. Carefully, I slide my hands under his tiny body to lift him up.
“Five pounds, fifteen ounces. A little one but strong,” I tell her as I place him in her arms. “He’s breathing fine and cried a few times when being washed. He’s perfect, Lizzie.”
“Thanks, Dillan.” Her face is still glowing, and she radiates such love and warmth, it’s hard not to be drawn in. “Not just for staying with him but for stepping in when Dr. Anderson couldn’t. You made the delivery a little less scary.”
“Glad I could help.” I want to stay. For some reason, I can’t bring myself to leave. I rarely stick around after deliveries, and yet, I don’t want to be anywhere else.
As she holds the baby close, I watch her pull down her gown, exposing her larger breasts as she prepares to nurse for the first time. Redirecting my attention, I look around and notice she’s alone. “Where’s Pippa?”
“She stepped away to get herself something to eat.”
“So, you’re here all alone?”
Lizzie shrugs, staring down at the baby. “It’s fine. I’m used to it.”
Pulling a chair over, I sit by her side. “You don’t have to be. I can wait with you until she comes back.”
Lizzie smiles. “You really don’t have to do that.”
“I know,” I mutter. “I want to.”
“Still. It’s really late. I’m sure you’re exhausted.”
“If you don’t want me to stay, I can go.” I make a move to stand up.
“No, please stay,” she says quickly, reaching one hand out to grab my arm. “You being here comforts me.”
So, I stay.
I want to ask her about that night, want to finally get the answers, but I’m not stupid enough to put her on the spot when she just had a baby. I can see it in her eyes that she’s thoroughly exhausted. After nursing Isaac for the first time, her eyelids begin to droop.
“Here, get some rest,” I say, taking the baby from her. “Your body has been through a lot, and you’re going to be tired for the foreseeable future. Might as well get as much sleep as you can.”
“Will you still be here when I wake up?”
I try to ignore how soft and hopeful her voice sounds. I almost tell her yes. I want nothing more than to stay by her side.
But it would only delay the inevitable. Also, I have a schedule to keep.
“Probably not,” I say. “I have a scheduled C-Section in the morning and need to get some semblance of sleep before then.”
“Oh.” The disappointment in her voice is too much for me to bear.
