Ethan stood. “If you believe that of me, then we’ve got a serious problem. I’m no saint, but hell, I’m not that kind of sinner either. I didn’t know that to be with the woman I love, I had to spill every dirty secret from my closet for your critique. I’m not perfect, I’ve made mistakes, so if I’m to be hung for them, then so be it. But do not ever compare me to the man who got you pregnant, the man you knew so much about that he had a wife and kids in a different state and traveled to Third World countries to get it on with underage girls.”
She stared at him in horror as he spoke.
Ethan said coldly, “I would’ve raised my child regardless of its mental or physical condition. My crime is I cared too damn much to see past many things. Maybe I love you too damn much, and wanted you for too long, for me to see that we’re not right for each other. Either way, if you feel this way about me, you can’t trust me. I’ll go to the court tomorrow, and we can have an annulment. God knows you shouldn’t be with a man who doesn’t meet your high standards. Hell, maybe you believe that I beat up Lurlene too. You know a cad like me has no morals whatsoever.”
His words made her blood run cold. Kyle had a wife, kids, and had exploited underage girls. They used condoms, but one broke, and she got pregnant. He could’ve given her any number of diseases, and she’d fallen for his lies.
She looked at Ethan, who stood before her. His eyes and face were dark with anger, and she could see hurt there as well. Could she trust him? Could she trust her own judgment? She chose Kyle, and she’d made a big mistake with him. Why couldn’t this be simple and she was pregnant with a man who loved her and she knew it was real? Was it too much to ask for the white picket fence and for love? She was overwhelmed, and her body began to shake. The room tilted precariously, and her knees suddenly felt weak as she stood to leave the room.
“Mya, you don’t look well. You should sit down.”
There was worry in his voice, and she barely met his gaze before everything seemed to fall away.
“Mya!”
His voice was the last thing she heard before dark took over and she fainted. Mya woke up to a cool cloth on her head, the beeping of a monitor, and muted voices. She opened her eyes, and the room was dim except for the light coming from the doorway. She could make out two figures standing there.
“Hello?” Her voice was soft.
“Mya.” Ethan was one of the people. He rushed to her side and knelt by the bed. “How do you feel, baby?”
“What happened?” she asked.
“You fainted. I got your doctor’s number from your cell phone.” Ethan took her hand. “Jesus, you scared me. Don’t do that again.”
“I told your husband that you probably just got up too quickly. When you’re pregnant, your blood flow changes, and you can get light-headed faster.” Dr. Keen stepped inside, and Ethan moved so he could examine Mya. He chastised her gently. “Ethan told me you barely nibbled when you ate last, and that’s been a few hours ago. Remember I told you small regular meals to keep your energy up and replenish what you lose when you throw up?”
“I thought morning sickness is just the first trimester?” Ethan asked.
“A lot of women experience nausea throughout because of high hormone levels,” Dr. Keen explained. “Ethan ordered you soup, bread, and hot sweet tea. Later I want you to have a snack because your blood sugar is low. I want to see you in my office Monday morning, and either of you call me if anything changes. But most of all, rest. Today has been a big day, I hear, so let’s keep your feet up for the remainder of the night.”
“I’ll make sure she does exactly that,” Ethan said and shook the doctor’s hand. “I’ll see you out.”
“Thank you for coming, Dr. Keen,” Mya called.
“It was fun to make a house call for a change.” He smiled and gave a small wave as he left.
Mya closed her eyes, but opened them again when she heard a noise in the room. Ethan was coming through the door with a tray.
“Can you scoot up, or do you need my help?” he asked.
“I can manage,” Mya replied.
She felt uncomfortable all of a sudden. Their argument came rushing back, and while she could see he was worried about her, she also felt distance from Ethan, and that was painful. She sat up against the pillows, and he carefully put the food tray over her lap.
“Eat it all up, and drink the tea,” he ordered. “The overnight bags are on the chair by the window if you want to change. If you need help, let me know.”