Chapter 275

Chapter 275
"I'm getting hungry," I said, unable to suppress a yawn. The day had been draining.

"We could get some spicy fries and cheeseburgers," he suggested.

"Fries, grilled cheese, and strawberries," I specified.

His lips curved into a gentle smile. "Or we could head back home and eat on the couch in front of the fireplace."

"That sounds perfect," I admitted.

"I'll even let you watch The Vampire Diaries," he said with a smile.

"I really am a lucky girl," I joked, looking up at him.

---

Dominic dropped me off at home first, promising to return quickly with food. The moment he left, I headed straight for my bedroom, eager to change into comfortable pajamas.

I dragged my thick wool blanket from the bedroom and carefully arranged it on our couch, trying to make it as comfortable as possible.

My mood had improved significantly since this morning. Today had its beautiful moments—our trip to the beach, spending time with friends, even the bonfire had been fun. But I couldn't help worrying about Mason. He hadn't shown up at the lake gathering, and I hadn't heard from him all day.

While waiting for Dominic to return, I decided to make grilled cheese sandwiches and call Mason.

Mason answered on the second ring. I could hear rummaging in the background.

"Hey, shorty," he greeted me, his voice warm and familiar. "How are you doing?"

"Why didn't you come today?" I asked directly, unable to hide my concern. "Is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine. I've been busy packing," he explained. "I'm leaving on Monday."

"So soon?" I said, feeling a pang of sadness. Mason had become one of my most important friends.

"Yeah, early admission program. But hey, we're still on for lunch Sunday, right? I promise I won't stand you up this time."

"You better not," I warned playfully. "I want to see you."

"I miss you too," he replied. "We'll meet on Sunday, and you can tell me about all the party fun I missed."

"It's a deal."

"Alright, I've got to go, but I'll see you soon."

"Goodbye, Mason."

I heard the front door open just as I was ending the call. Dominic stood there, grocery bags in hand.

"Who were you talking to?" he asked.

"Mason," I explained. "He didn't show up today, and I was worried. So I called to check on him. Did you get strawberries?"

He nodded, setting the bags on the counter. "I did, baby. I'll fix you a plate, you go sit down. Is he okay?"

"He's fine. We're having lunch on Sunday," I said, settling onto the couch and wrapping myself in the blanket as I turned on the TV. "He's leaving for college on Monday."

"Football scholarship?" he asked, arranging the strawberries neatly in a bowl.

"Yes," I smiled.

"He's good, but not as good as I was," he remarked, his eyes gleaming with pride.

I rolled my eyes at his competitive nature, turning my attention to the TV. But I appreciated that he was making an effort to control his jealousy. He always protected me well, though I was used to it by now.

"I had five scholarship offers," he continued, bringing over a plate of food and sitting beside me.

I took the plate, my curiosity piqued. "So why didn't you go to college? With all those opportunities."

Dominic's expression grew more serious. "Pack responsibilities. I needed to be here to eventually take my father's place."

"But you wanted to go, right?" I pressed.

He was quiet for a moment. "Sometimes. I thought about what it would be like—living in a dorm, joining a fraternity, playing football." He shrugged. "But as the Blackwood heir, I had more important responsibilities."

"That's a shame," I said softly.

"Nothing to regret, I've made my peace with it."

He turned to me then, pulling me close. "Besides, if I'd gone away to college, I might never have met you."

"You're right about that," I laughed.

"Have you contacted your father yet?" he asked.

"I was planning to just show up, but I think I'll call him first to check."

"Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked.

"Of course, I want to meet my family. I have a complete family I've never met."

"You will meet them, and they'll love you just as much as I do."

"What if they don't like me?" I added more quietly, expressing my deepest fear.

He cupped my face gently, his thumb brushing across my cheek. "You're the purest, most loving person I've ever met, Riley. If they don't love you instantly, then screw them. You've been fine without them before, and you will be now too."

"I love you so much, Dominic," I kissed his cheek. "I can't wait for us to be a family of three."

"We still need to tell my parents," he reminded me.

"We owe them dinner, since we stood them up last time," I said.

"I've already arranged it, reserved a table for tomorrow at seven."

"So tomorrow we tell them?" I asked, feeling both nervous and excited.

He nodded, pulling me closer. "Tomorrow."

I yawned, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up with me.

"I think it's time for bed now. You can keep watching your show while lying in bed."

I probably wouldn't last five minutes, and sure enough, I fell asleep shortly after.

I woke in the middle of the night to a sharp pain in my abdomen. I didn't think much of it, until I got up to use the bathroom.

Another wave of more intense pain hit me. I stumbled, catching myself on the doorframe.

When I looked down, I saw my sleep pants were completely soaked with blood. My heart sank, and my throat felt like something was blocking it.

I clutched my stomach, silently praying that my baby was okay.

The blood-soaked pajama pants told a different story, and I couldn't stop the wave of panic washing over me. This couldn't be happening. Not now. Not when everything was finally falling into place.

Dominic appeared in the doorway. "Baby? Are you okay?"