Chapter 27
TWENTY-SEVEN
MASE
Summer took today off school, and she also spent the night alone in her room. I couldn’t bring myself to join her despite wanting desperately to hold her and touch her stomach. But I knew I wouldn’t be able to take it again. To learn the little family I desperately want is so out of reach.
My phone rings, and my stomach plummets with each ring.
One.
I can’t fucking do this.
Two.
Not again.
A sound erupts from my chest that can only be described as an animalistic cry, and I slam my palms against my dresser.
“Mase?” I spin to face Travis. Surprised he’s still here and I never realized. He steps forward and pulls me into his arms, holding me tightly against his solid chest as I cling to him for support. “You can trust her, man. I promise. She’s a good girl, and she’s absolutely terrified.”
Pain rushes through my bloodstream, and I pull away from him and stand taller. Swiping away the snot from the end of my nose and wiping my eyes, I press the button to redial the missed call.
Travis takes a seat on the edge of my bed, and I rest my ass beside him, grateful for his support in this moment.
“Th-this is Mason Campbell.”
“Sir, we have the DNA results.”
I swallow past the lump in my throat. “Okay.”
“We can confirm we are ninety-nine-point-nine percent certain that the DNA proves you are the father of Summer Campbell’s baby.”
I end the call.
Elation grips my chest, so powerful it renders me speechless.
Holy. Fucking. Shit.
I eyeball my phone.
Is this fucking real?
“Are you okay?” Summer asks, and I lift my head to face her.
“I’m going to be a daddy.” A smile creeps over my face, and I place my palm on her stomach. “Fuck, Sum. I’m going to be a daddy!”
She rests her hand over mine, and as I get lost in her blue eyes, guilt lances through me.
With the bags under her eyes, I see the sadness and worry there, and suddenly, I want nothing more than to eradicate it all.
To be the best partner and daddy for her and our baby, but first I need to reassure her.
“I’m here for you, Summer. I’m not going anywhere now, my sweet girl.”
Tears pool in her eyes, making the blue in them darker than ever, and I lick my lips.
“I’m going to be your everything, because you’re quickly becoming mine.” My heart pounds as I lay my truth bare. “And it’s fucking terrifying, Sum, because I want this more than I’ve ever wanted anything before.”
Her lips part, and a sharp breath of air leaves her. “Really?”
I nod and cradle her cheeks in my palms. “Damn right, sweetheart. You’re mine.” My mouth becomes dry and my hands tremble, preparing to open myself up to her further and silently begging her not to let me down. “And I’m yours, right? I’ll guard your heart with my everything, Sum.”
Please say yes.
“Always,” she whispers.
That one word rights all the wrongs in my world.