Chapter 33 If It’s Mine
POV Ethan:
Pregnant. She’s pregnant.
Could there be even the slightest chance that the baby she’s carrying is mine? I know we had sex, and I know the condom broke—just as I know it’s been many days since that night. Could she have slept with someone else who got her pregnant? I’m so nervous about the possibility that I might be the father that I can’t even think straight—can’t decide what I want, or what I should want. And to make things worse, she’s involved with one of my brothers.
After we left her with the doctor, we went to Damian’s office to talk, but none of my brothers said anything meaningful. Out of the three, though, Damian was the one who stayed defensive the whole time. I went over everything that happened between me and Scarlett again, and the possibility that I could be the father of the baby she’s expecting. My brothers were shocked at first, but we didn’t go deeper into the subject because the doctor called us in.
Now all I want is to walk into the first pharmacy I find, buy a pregnancy test, and then have a conversation with Scarlett. But before I can even reach the car door, Damian’s hand grips my arm. The fury in his eyes tells me exactly which one of my brothers Scarlett is involved with.
“Wait, I’m going with you,” he said decisively.
“Damian, are you okay?” I asked, even though his expression made it clear he wasn’t.
“I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?” I looked deep into my brother’s eyes and saw the hurt written all over them. “Let’s just go. I got the prescription from the doctor for the prenatal vitamins she’s going to need.”
Oh, fuck. Of course. How didn’t I realize it sooner?
“Damian, she’s not—”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” He got into the car and slammed the door shut, cutting off the conversation I knew would shake him to the core.
Damn you, Chloe.
...
When I walk into the room, Scarlett is still resting with her eyes closed. I can tell she’s not asleep, though, because her hand moves slowly over her belly, caressing it tenderly. I’d give anything to know what she’s thinking. Is she happy? God, I hope so.
Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that I’d be hoping to be the father of her baby—but that’s exactly my reality now. I want to be the father.
With the test in my hand, I walk toward the bed and sit down. Before anything else, I want to talk to her—to make sure she’s okay, to introduce myself properly, like I should have done that night at the club.
“Hey,” I say softly, not wanting to startle her.
Her eyes open almost immediately, and I’m surprised to see them red and puffy. She’s been crying. Carefully, I place my hand over hers, still resting on her stomach. I want her to know she can count on me—on all of us, really. My brothers and I will make sure she gets everything she needs. Her eyes widen, and tears spill over again. I set the test aside and pull her into my arms, holding her close. I kiss the top of her head, bringing her even closer, wanting her to feel safe—to know she’s not alone.
“I... I’m scared,” she confesses, and I can’t help but hold her tighter.
“Don’t be. We’ll be here to help you,” I whisper, tracing small circles on her back, hoping to calm her down. “With whatever you need.”
“Thank you.” She pulls back just enough to look at me. “You already know, don’t you?” she asks, wiping her tears.
“That the baby’s mine?” I ask, and she nods. “I had my doubts before, but not anymore.” I smile and extend my hand to her. “Ethanian Blackwell—but you can call me Ethan.”
Her smile brightens her face, chasing away the last traces of tears. “Scarlett Monroe,” she says, taking my hand.
“Can I call you Scarlett?”
“You can.” She glances at the test beside her. “I’m sure I’m pregnant—the symptoms make perfect sense.” She picks up the test, staring at the box. “I just don’t understand why I’m so afraid of taking it and having it come out negative.” Her eyes rise to meet mine. “It’s crazy, isn’t it?”
“Tell me something,” I say, tightening my grip on her hand. “How happy would you be if it turns out positive?”
“Very,” she admits, biting her lower lip and avoiding my gaze. “And you—will you be happy if it’s positive?”
I consider her question for a few seconds, but deep down I already know the answer. I’ve known it since the moment I heard she was pregnant.
“Very,” I say, kissing the back of her hand before standing up. “Ready to find out if we’re going to be parents?”
She looks at our hands joined together, then looks up at me again.
“Ready.”