Page 57 of My Ex’s Dad

Anton leans down to face me. “I’ll be just a minute.” He doesn’t wait for my reply. As I adjust my dress and settle against the cushion, he straightens and closes the door to speak to Viktor outside.

I heave out a nervous breath and slide my phone out of my coat pocket.

This man didn’t just get me a dress and shoes, he had Viktor find a matching coat, too.

I shake my head at the extravagance and check my phone. My parents are clueless about this, still away at the rehab place, but I like that Jenni knows where I am. Just like a woman should always tell her girlfriends when she’s out on a date, I’m relieved that someone who knows me knows where I am.

I see several missed texts from her.

I’m sorry.

I didn’t mean to push you into anything you didn’t want to do.

Please don’t hate me.

I know you don’t want to see him yet or face him.

But you need to.

I sigh, hating that she’s right. According to my checkup, I’m already over two months along. I’m nearly at the end of the first trimester, and sooner than later, I’ll start showing. In the back of my mind, I know that the longer I hide this from Anton, the more likely he’ll be upset with me for the secrecy.

It’s probably just better to get it over with. Tell him and not have that burden weighing me down.

I know. And you’re right, I respond.

So you’re going?

She must have been staring at her phone, waiting for me to reply, since she texted that back so fast.

Don’t you need to come home and get ready then? I have a dress you can borrow.

I smile, wondering if I’m a hypocrite for loving this gown I’m wearing.

Anton is the kind of man who plans ahead, apparently.

I take a selfie of the dress and send it.

OMG!!!!

That is gorgeous.

I bet I could sell it for a decent price too. After.

Ha.

I furrow my brow.

The way that man looks at you, I doubt he’ll let you.

I scowl, not liking her insinuation.

He looks at me like a man who lusts for a woman. That’s it. He’s not some Prince Charming who’s going to change my life.

I bite my lip. He already has changed my life. He’s made me a mother. And that’s not a bad thing. Bad timing, perhaps, but not a curse.

He looks at you like a man who realizes what love means.

I shake my head.