Chapter 9
NINE
ZOE
All morning I’ve been unsure if I have morning sickness or just butterflies over Declan moving in.
We know nothing about each other.
It’s weird. When I first told him about the baby, I was sure he was going to run a mile. The way he assumed that I was after his money or whatever had made me mad, but this turnaround has me second guessing everything.
He’s been gone a week, and although he’s kept in touch, the idea of him being here all the time makes my stomach twist.
My room has an en-suite, so we have a fair bit of private space, but we’ll still be sharing the rest of the apartment.
I have yet to tell my parents what’s happening.
They don’t even know I’m pregnant.
But I shove all that aside when there’s a knock on the door and I have no doubt about who’s on the other side.
I take a deep breath and open the door .
He’s so effortlessly handsome. In black jeans and a white collared shirt, he stands in my doorway and smiles. “Hi.”
“Hi,” I squeak, and his grin widens.
“It’s okay, Zoe. I know this is weird.”
I take a step back. “It is. Come in.”
This isn’t the first time he’s been here, but this time he’s looking around as if he’s never seen the place. I guess there wasn’t much reason to take in the scenery before.
I lead him down the hallway toward his room.
“Your apartment’s even bigger than I’d thought.”
That’s it. That’s all he says.
I bought a two-bedroom apartment because I liked having the extra space, and I figured I could always get a roommate if I wanted company.
And now I’m glad I’ve got the extra space for Declan.
“Thanks.” I lead him into the spare room. “This is your room.”
“We’re not sharing?” He smirks, and I roll my eyes as he drops his suitcase on the bed. His laughter makes me smile. “I’m pulling your leg. I have no expectations. I’m just glad you’re going to let me into my child’s life.”
“I’m still surprised you want to be a part of it.”
He frowns, but then huffs out a breath and shrugs. “If I’m honest with myself, I’m surprised. A few years ago, things might have been different, but …”
My eyebrows rise. “But?”
He places his hands on my shoulders. “I’ve just reached a point in my life where I need a fresh start. I like you, Zoe. And the idea of becoming a father doesn’t scare me as much as it would have done in the past. ”
I cock my head. “But your first reaction …”
“Old habits. I’ve dealt with pregnancy claims before, and none of them were mine.”
“And you think mine is?”
He drops his hands. “I messed up when you told me. But I’ve been down this track before. No one’s ever told me they don’t need me though. They’ve never told me just out of courtesy. It’s always been about money or fame. You’re the real deal.”
I swallow hard. “We can always do a paternity test if it makes you feel better. After the baby’s born.”
“Let’s see what the next few months bring and cross that bridge when we get there.” His smile is reassuring, which is weirdly what I need. He has the ability to do so much damage to me. If he takes me to court for custody, I don’t know what would happen.
I’m lucky I can afford good lawyers, but I want us to at least be friendly, and that can’t happen if there’s a court battle.
For now, I tuck that to the back of my mind. Lucky it’s easy to keep the peace with Declan. I wouldn’t want to deal with the fallout if we disagreed.
“I’ll … I’ll leave you to unpack and settle in. I’ve got an en suite attached to my room, so the main bathroom is all yours.”
Before he says anything else, I turn and head down the hall. There are a million thoughts jostling for position in my head, and not all of them are positive. But having Declan here is good. It’s better my baby has a father interested in their well-being than an absentee one.
He leaves me unsettled. I’m not sure I can ever get used to that calm presence he projects. I don’t even know this guy. What am I doing inviting him to live with me?
“I’ll cook dinner,” he calls out as he walks into the living room behind me.
“I …” I’m not sure what I expected, but it wasn’t that.
He chuckles. “Bet you thought I couldn’t cook.”
I shake my head. “I hadn’t really thought about it at all.”
“I’ve been looking after myself for years. Go and put your feet up. I’ve got this.”
For a moment, I just stare at him.
“Zoe.” He places his hands on my shoulders. “Let me take care of you.”
“This wasn’t part of the deal.”
He shrugs. “There weren’t really any specifics discussed. It makes sense to me. If you’re okay, the baby’s okay.”
I blink rapidly, unable to process any thoughts.
“Go,” he says gently.
“But—”
“We still need to talk about rent, but in the meantime, I’ve got to pay my way somehow.” He plants a kiss on my forehead. What’s with that? I’m a goner for forehead kisses. They cross any wall I try and put up.
He’s being sweet.
It’s not fair.
By the time I open my mouth again, he’s already in the kitchen, opening cupboards and pulling out ingredients.
With a shake of my head, I make my way to the couch and pick up the remote control, turning on the television and scrolling through channels.
“Do you have any allergies?” he calls out .
I press more buttons on the remote. “No.”
“Good. I know these are your groceries, but if I go shopping, then I know I can get anything.”
My throat tightens. I get that he wants to be involved with the baby, but this is a lot. He’s been here five minutes, and I’m already feeling pampered. I’m not sure I want this to stop.
“Zoe? You okay?” He pokes his head around the door and smiles.
“I’m fine. It’s just … this isn’t how I imagined all of this.” I wave my arms around.
His grin brings out dimples in his cheeks. “I want to be all in.”
“What does that mean?”
He crosses the room and drops to his knees in front of me. “I mean, all of this. We might not be together, but it’s making me happy to do what I can to make your life easier. You have enough on your plate with the baby and working out your contract.”
“I didn’t know that meant the whole domestication thing.”
Declan chuckles. “I’m not sure how to describe this, but I feel more alive than I have in years. Like I’m really working toward something worthwhile here. A healthy, happy baby with a beautiful woman who I know is going to be an amazing mother.”
I frown. “Don’t you make me cry.”
He pushes himself up until he’s standing. “Only happy tears. I promise.”
“Who are you? ”
Cocking his head, his gaze burns through me. “I’m the father of that baby, and I’m not taking my responsibilities lightly.”
For a moment, I can’t drop my gaze from his.
“Relax and enjoy it.” He winks before turning on his heel and heading back into the kitchen.
What the hell is going on?