Chapter 13
“I don’t need him, and the baby doesn’t either,” I say, the words building strength. “I could ask for a transfer. Start fresh. You can come visit… but Noah doesn’t need to be in our lives p>
Lilly stares at me like I’ve lost my mind, and maybe to some extent I have, but this seems like the best course of action.
“This way, there won’t be any awkwardness. No pressure on him. No pain. It’s cleaner. Quieter p>
If I leave, then there won’t be any tension. Noah won’t be forced to be in our lives. We’ll all be much happier that way. I think peace of mind is better than the chaos this will bring.
“Sierra,” she murmurs, voice low. “Have you really thought this through p>
“No. But it feels like the best option p>
“What was the other option?” she asks softly.
I swallow hard. “Abortion p>
Her eyes flash. “That’s not going to happen p>
“We agree on that. That’s why this is the only one left p>
She scoots closer and takes my hand in hers. “I usually support you in everything, but not this. I can’t. I won’t p>
I blink at her, hurt flickering in my chest. I push it down.
I know she’s always supported me, but I’m also aware that Noah is her cousin, which makes her my baby’s auntie, not just by the ties and bonds we share, but also by blood.
“But p>
“I want you to listen to me,” she says, tightening her grip. “We grew up together. You know my story. You know how hard it was when I found out my mom lied to me about who my dad really was p>
I nod slowly, because I do. I remember that time like it was yesterday.
Aunt Harper and Uncle Gabe got married young. It wasn’t built on love, more like a manipulation from Aunt Harper’s brother. He had cancer and he knew he was dying. So, to put it mildly, he manipulated things so Uncle Gabe would marry Aunt Harper.
When Lilly’s uncle died, Uncle Gabe divorced Aunt Harper and kicked her out of the country. He didn’t know she was pregnant. Aunt Harper got married to another man and they raised Lilly together as a couple. That was until he died and Uncle Gabe came back into their lives.
Lilly had to rewire everything she believed. She loved the man who raised her, but the betrayal of not knowing the truth–it left scars.
“And you,” she continues. “You’ve always wanted to know who your father is. Hasn’t that haunted you your whole life p>
I frown as her words sink in. It’s always been me, my mom and grandma. No matter how many times I cried and begged, my mother never gave a name or a clue who my father is.
I’ve had great father figures in my life. Uncle Gabe and Uncle Rowan… but still, I always wanted to know who my biological father is. I always wondered why he wasn’t in my life.
“Think about it,” she says. “Do you want to do the same thing to your child p>
That question lands heavy on my chest.
I get her point, but still…
“What if he doesn’t want anything to do with the baby?” I ask, my voice barely a breath.
“Then that’s his choice,” she answers. “This baby will have all the love in the world, and a big family that adores him or her, whether Noah wants to be in their live or not.” 1
I close my eyes and take a shaky breath. “Okay p>
I’m not sure what I’m agreeing to exactly, just that she’s right. I can’t keep this hidden forever. Noah deserves to know… even if he walks away afterward.
But deep down, I know this won’t end well. And when it all comes out, I have a feeling he’s going to go nuclear.