Chapter 51 Tish
TISH
The image of Mica lurking in the background of that docuseries footage burns behind my eyelids every time I close them.
Even now, hours later, sitting in my living room with a cup of tea growing cold in my hands, I can’t shake the violation I feel knowing he’s been watching me. Watching us.
At least we have proof now. Something concrete to show the police that he’s been stalking me, that all those anonymous messages and gifts weren’t just coincidence.
But the relief I should feel is overshadowed by the creeping sensation that crawls up my spine every time I think about his eyes on me, studying my every move.
God, what if he knows I’m pregnant?
The police weren’t much help when we called them earlier. “Not enough evidence for an arrest warrant,” they said. “We’ll contact his parole officer, let them know he’s wanted for questioning in connection with an attempted kidnapping.”
As if that’s supposed to make me feel safe. As if Mica cares about parole violations when he’s already proven he’ll do whatever it takes to get what he wants.
My hand drifts unconsciously to my still-flat stomach.
Carl, Jake, Ash.
One of them is the father.
I won’t choose between them. I can’t.
They each hold a piece of my heart, and the thought of losing any of them makes me physically ill.
But I also won’t force them to stay if they can’t handle sharing me, sharing this child that might not even be theirs.
Tomorrow. I’ll tell them tomorrow night.
I’ll make a nice dinner and then tell them.
If I’m going to drop a bombshell on them, at least I can do it with full stomachs.
The next evening, I’m a bundle of nerves as I put the finishing touches on dinner.
The pot roast smells incredible, filling the apartment with the rich aroma of herbs and slow-cooked beef.
The table is set with my good dishes, candles flickering in the center. I even picked up a bottle of wine, though I won’t be drinking any.
Becky is safely at Carl’s house with Mrs. Henderson, the sweet older woman who babysits for him sometimes.
I told her I had an important business meeting, which isn’t entirely a lie, and she’s aware of the Mica situation.
Carl arrives first, as always punctual to the minute.
He fills my doorway in dark jeans and a navy sweater that brings out his blue eyes, his silver hair perfectly styled.
The sight of him makes my pulse quicken, the same way it has since that first day I walked into the team offices.
“Smells amazing in here, Trisha,” he says, leaning down to kiss my cheek. His lips linger a moment longer than necessary, and I catch the subtle scent of his cologne. “You didn’t have to go to all this trouble.”
“It’s no trouble. I wanted to do something nice.”
His eyes search my face, and I know he can sense something’s different.
Carl has always been perceptive, able to read people like open books. “Everything alright? You seem…tense.”
Before I can answer, Jake’s voice booms from the front door. “Hope you saved room for dessert, because I brought ice cream!” He appears in the kitchen doorway with his trademark grin, holding up a bag from the local creamery.
His dark hair is tousled from the wind, and he’s wearing a leather jacket over a white t-shirt that clings to his muscled chest.
“You know I made cake, right?” I laugh despite my nerves.
“Can never have too much dessert, sweetheart.” He sets the ice cream in the freezer and pulls me into his arms, spinning me around until I’m breathless and giggling.
When he sets me down, his green eyes are warm with affection. “There’s that smile I love.”
Ash arrives just as Jake releases me, and the temperature in the room seems to drop several degrees.
The tension between them has been building for weeks, ever since we established our unconventional relationship.
Ash nods curtly at Jake before focusing on me, his brown eyes soft with concern.
“Hey,” he says simply, but there’s a world of meaning in that single word. He’s wearing a simple black sweater and jeans, his blonde hair slightly mussed.
The small scar at the corner of his mouth catches the light as he gives me a gentle smile.
“Hey yourself.” I rise on my toes to kiss him, and he responds immediately, his hands settling on my waist. When we break apart, I catch Jake watching us with an unreadable expression.
The front door opens again, and Trent’s voice carries through the house. “Smells good in here, Sis.”
My brother appears in the kitchen, and the atmosphere shifts immediately.
He nods at Carl, who returns the gesture with professional courtesy. But when his gaze lands on Jake and Ash, his jaw tightens.
“Trent,” Ash says carefully. “Thanks for coming.”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Trent replies, though his tone suggests otherwise.
I clap my hands together, forcing brightness into my voice. “Well, now that everyone’s here, let’s eat! I’m starving.”
Inviting my brother wasn’t my first choice, but Ash and him already had plans for the night.
Leaving him out didn’t make sense when he was going to find out anyway.
Breathe.
Dinner starts awkwardly, conversation stilted and careful. But gradually, as the wine flows and the food works its magic, everyone begins to relax.
Carl compliments the pot roast, Jake tells a funny story about practice, and even Trent cracks a smile when Ash mentions a construction project they might collaborate on.
I barely touch my food, my stomach too knotted with nerves to manage more than a few bites.
The men don’t seem to notice, too caught up in the first civil conversation they’ve had in months.
As I serve the chocolate cake, I catch Carl watching me with those perceptive blue eyes. “You’re not eating much, Trisha. Feeling alright?”
“I’m fine,” I lie, setting a generous slice in front of him. “Just excited to have everyone together.”
Jake reaches over and squeezes my hand. “This was perfect, Tish. Just what we all needed.”
Ash nods in agreement. “It’s good to see everyone getting along.”
Trent actually smiles at that. “Yeah, well, don’t get used to it,” he says, but there’s no real heat in his words.
I take a deep breath, my heart hammering against my ribs. This is it. The moment I’ve been building up to all evening.
“Actually, there’s a reason I wanted you all here tonight.” My voice comes out steadier than I feel. “I have something important to tell you.”
The room falls silent, all eyes on me.
Carl sets down his fork, his expression growing serious.
Jake’s hand tightens on mine.
Ash leans forward slightly, his protective instincts already kicking in.
“I want the men in my life to get along,” I continue, looking pointedly at Trent and then at each of my lovers in turn. “Because what I’m about to tell you affects all of us.”
The silence stretches, heavy with anticipation. I can hear my own heartbeat, can feel the weight of their stares.
“Because I’m pregnant.”