Page 134 of Embracing the Beat
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” His nostrils flare, his fists clenching, but I refuse to flinch.
Michaela and the baby are too important to me. I’m less afraid of Sawyer than I am of losing my family again.
“Whether you like it or not, I am the father of Michaela’s baby.”
“Could have fooled me. More like sperm donor,” he snorts, and I wince internally at the dig.
“I made mistakes. Mistakes I’m not denying. Ones I will work every day for the rest of my life to make up for. And I will. Whatever it takes, whatever she needs from me—I will do it.”
“Some mistakes can’t be taken back.”
Which is my biggest fear, but I won’t tell him that.
“I know. But I can try.”
“I’m not going to let you hurt her again. I trusted you. You were more than my best friend. You were my brother. And you destroyed my sister.”
“I’m sorry. It’s all I can say since I can’t go back in time and kick my own ass before I hurt her.” I let him see the regret, the pain I caused not only her, but myself. “And regardless of how you feel about me, I’m not giving up. I’m not walking away.”
He steps toward me, coming toe to toe, and I stand straighter, meeting his gaze with mine.
“Why?”
“Because my life is meaningless without her,” I say. “Because I love her. More than I thought was possible, more than I could imagine. I wasn’t looking for her, but I was powerless to fight the fall. It started before I knew it, and I didn’t realize it until too late. Until I pushed her away so hard, the chances of her returning my love are minimal. But I’m not giving up.”
“Even if I kick your ass?”
I open my arms. “Take your best shot. But I’m still not going anywhere. As much as I want your blessing, I don’t need it.”
He studies me for several moments before finally lifting a hand, extending it, palm open.
“Finally,” he says with a smirk.
“What?” Tentatively, I slide my hand into his.
“I was wondering when you were going to show up,” he tells me. “You may not need my blessing, and I may still want to punch you, but the decision is up to Mikey. And if she loves you too, then I’ll be on board.”
I hadn’t expected his reaction. Anger and disappointment, sure, but not acceptance.
“But if she gives you another shot, and you hurt her again…” He leaves the threat lingering.
I swallow and nod. “I won’t.”
“Then you have nothing to worry about. Except convincing my baby sister to give you another chance.”
“So, we’re cool?” I ask.
“Getting there.”
“I’ll take it.” It’s better than I could have hoped for. “Here.”
Reaching into my pocket, I pull out one of the ultrasound images.
“What’s this?” He studies the picture, his eyes softening when he realizes what he’s holding. “The baby is really okay?”
“Everything looks good. But we’re still waiting on the doctor to confirm.”
Please be okay.
