Secretly Hers (Sterling Canyon)(72)

 

Mason studied her as if she were some strange zoo exhibit he’d never seen. “I wish I could tell you what you want to hear, but I don’t share your faith in Gunner. He’s never sustained a friendship beyond five years or an adult relationship with any woman beyond a few encounters. He’s always been happiest skimming the surface, having a good time, not caring about others’ expectations. Nothing in his past points toward him being a good partner or father.” Mason rocked back and forth on his heels before crossing to the door. He placed his hand on the knob, then paused and glanced back over his shoulder. “I hope, for your sake, he proves me wrong.”

 

Kelsey hid the chilling effect of his warning behind a blank expression.

 

After he disappeared, she slouched into her chair and laid her hand over her stomach. Trip’s history didn’t bode well for her future, but her gut urged her not to give up on him. People could change when motivated, when they met the right person.

 

All this time she’d been holding herself back, following Trip’s stupid tips. No more. She would be herself, show her feelings, and shower him with affection. And, in her heart, she just knew it would be exactly what he needed.

 

Leaning her head down low, she whispered to her little bean, “Don’t you worry. Your daddy will prove everyone wrong.”

 

 

 

Trip held the phone away from his ear in anticipation of his father’s reaction to the life-altering news. He couldn’t help but feel like the world’s biggest hypocrite after the way he’d argued with his dad two days ago. Hell, after the way he’d felt for most of his life.

 

Silence reigned for several seconds before Ross Cutler spoke.

 

“I’m delighted, son.” His father’s surprising blessing eased some of Trip’s fears. “For you and for me.”

 

“Why for you?” Trip grinned. “Because now you’ve got a shot at a grandson?”

 

“Partly,” his dad said through a chuckle. “More because you’ll learn exactly how much I love you even though you weren’t planned. Maybe this baby will finally convince you of that and unite us as a family.”

 

Trip considered the swell of emotion that had arisen since Kelsey dropped the bombshell. The protectiveness he already felt toward her and junior, the connection he’d felt by the time he’d left her house. Was that how love began? Was that what his father had experienced when they’d first met?

 

“I hadn’t thought about it that way.” In a moment of discomfort, he rushed his dad off the phone. “Listen, I’ve got to take Kelsey to the doctor now. Thanks for being supportive. I’ll talk to you soon.”

 

He actually had a little time before he was to meet Kelsey. He grabbed a jacket and closed his bedroom door behind him as he strode through the apartment.

 

“Thought you had another hour before your appointment?” Grey called out as he came around the breakfast bar and approached Trip, lollipop in hand.

 

“Need to make a quick stop first.” Trip zipped up his fleece, grateful for a nonjudgmental friend who hadn’t questioned his ability to handle parenthood. Maybe that made Grey foolish, but it had helped lessen Trip’s own doubts.

 

Grey slapped him on the shoulder. “Good luck. Tell Kelsey I said congrats.”

 

“Will do.” Trip nodded and headed toward the door.

 

“Will you be back tonight?”

 

“Not sure, ‘Mom.’” He snickered. “Didn’t know I had a curfew.”

 

“Does anyone other than you laugh at your jokes?” Grey tucked his hands under his armpits, smirking. “With all this baby business, I’m just making sure you don’t forget about tomorrow’s climb. Group of four. Eight o’clock meet up downstairs.”

 

“I’ll be there.” Trip grabbed one of his hats. “See you later.”

 

Within minutes, Trip was browsing the pregnancy book section in Mind Matters bookstore, a place he didn’t frequent often. There were several such books, including a couple specifically geared toward expectant fathers. Flipping through them, Trip had some kind of out-of-body experience, like he was looking at himself through an ever-expanding tunnel.

 

This time next year, he’d be carrying a child around town, changing diapers, going to the doctor’s office for checkups—generally being exhausted and overwhelmed.

 

No more women. No more going where he wanted when he wanted. No more putting his needs first.

 

He shoved the book back on the shelf, a thin line of perspiration dampening his brow. Take a deep breath.