Page 50 of A Bossy Surprise

“Oh yeah? What’s going on?”

“I have to tell you something, but before I do, I want you to promise not to get ahead of yourself with excitement.”

She laughs. “Okay, I promise.”

“Good… So—as it would turn out—I’m a father.”

The line is silent, but I know she’s still there because I can hear her breathing. After a moment, she says, “I don’t understand.”

“Do you remember Kayla Wood?”

“Lucas’ sister?”

“Yeah.”

“Yes, I remember her. She was a lovely girl.”

“Well, we got together at the end of high school. Actually, that makes it sound like we were dating. We hooked up. It happened once and she got pregnant. She had the baby and didn’t tell me. I only found out about him a few weeks ago.”

“Why didn’t she tell you?”

“She had her reasons, and I don’t want to get into them right now.”

“Did Lucas know about it this whole time?”

“No, he didn’t. In fact, he isn’t speaking to me right now, because he feels I violated his sister.”

“Goodness. How very caveman of him, but I wouldn’t worry about it. He’s your best friend. He’ll come around.”

“Yeah, I hope so. At any rate, I don’t have time to focus on that right now. I’m getting to know Brady and it’s amazing, Mom.”

“Brady…” Her voice quivers. “Is that his name?”

“Yeah, and he’s a great kid. He looks exactly like me when I was a kid, and he’s so funny and smart. I can’t wait for you to meet him.”

“Oh my God, Adam. I am in shock,” she’s blubbering at this point.

I laugh. “I know exactly how you feel. I almost lost it when I found out.”

“Yes sweetheart, it’s surprising that you have a son, but what I’m talking about is that I never thought I’d hear you gush like this about a child. I didn’t even know you wanted children.”

I scratch my head. “Neither did I, to be honest, but for some reason I naturally take to it. At least, according to Kayla.”

“I’m going to try not to be too upset with her because she’s my grandson’s mother—My goodness, I have a grandson. I’m a grandmother.” She laughs through her tears. “Anyway, what’s your relationship with her like now?”

“Nothing. She works for the company I just bought so we work together and we co-parent. That’s all.”

“Do you want that to be all?”

“I’m fine with things as they are.”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“Yes, this is what I want.”

“Liar,” she laughs.

“No, really. This is what I want.”