He stiffened. “It is my child as well. And I will not see any baby of mine brought into this world without a name.”
She stood. “He or she will have a name. And if you think I’m marrying you just because I’m pregnant, think again. This…well, it isn’t planned, but I’m more than able to figure out my own life, thank you very much, Mr. Sheik.” She pushed past him and walked out the door.
Ahmed sat down.
A child. A flare of excitement kindled in him. He could see Melanie with his baby in her arms. He wanted that. This changed everything between them—but how did he make her see this as well?
11
Melanie headed for her room, locked the door behind her and leaned against it, eyes closed. No wonder she’d been exhausted and throwing up. Pregnant. The word echoed in her head. She wanted to burst into tears. She put her hands on her stomach. She also wanted to give a shout.
A baby wasn’t in her plans, not now anyway. And not like this. But she’s always wanted a family—a big one. That had been a someday idea for after she’d established herself and her company. But now…
Images of her as a single mom, working for someone else’s restaurant or catering company because she couldn’t put in the hours necessary to run her own business, flashed into her mind.
And then she thought of Ahmed, pushing a toddler on a swing as the child laughed.
Eyes opening, she drew a shallow breath, wishing that image could come true.
But she was too old for fantasies like that. She wasn’t Cinderella, Ahmed didn’t have a glass slipper, and happy ever after didn’t happen. Not in her world.
She frowned and rubbed her forehead. One thing she knew in her bones—she was not getting an abortion. She also had some time, and a hundred thousand dollars coming to her if she managed to get the delays to the wedding that Ahmed wanted. That would do a lot to help her deal with a baby. She might be able to make this work if she got Ahmed his wedding delay. She rubbed her tight forehead again. She was not going to think about Ahmed not only getting out of his wedding with Nasiji but also asking her to marry him. No way. He’d want her to live in this palace and give up her life and her work. She’d seen how Nasiji had to wear robes and a veil and how even the women in the city covered their heads. That wasn’t for her. She had a life back in New York—not here.
And now she had a baby to plan for.
Pushing off the door, she pulled out her phone. She ordered the vitamins the doctor had recommended, did a little research on how to deal with morning sickness and low energy, and then she did what she hadn’t done in far too many weeks. She called her mother.
She didn’t have to say more than hello before her mother said, “What’s the matter, baby?”
“It’s just been a tough job and I guess…well, I’m just tired and ready to come home.”
Her mother gave a low chuckle. “Man trouble?”
Melanie winced. “Okay, how on earth do you figure that stuff out so fast?”
“Honey, it’s a mother’s sixth sense. You know you can talk to me about anything. I was—honey, I worked too much when you were growing up. I missed out on so much. Don’t make me miss out on more. What’s going on?” The soft tone of her mom’s voice was too much, and Melanie began to cry. “Melanie? What’s wrong? Talk to me.”
“Oh, Mom, I just…I fell for a guy I shouldn’t have and he’s…let’s just say I don’t think he’s Mr. Dependable and…I’m pregnant.” She let out the last word on a wail.
“Melanie, honey, it’s not the end of the world. Plenty of women raise children on their own. I did, and I know it wasn’t fun at times, and it doesn’t mean you won’t meet someone else later.”
“But I don’t want anyone else. I’m an idiot to say that.”
Her mother laughed—dammit. “Yeah, the wrong guys have a lot of charm. But, honey, I’m here for you. My mom—bless her—wasn’t alive for me, but I’m here. You’re not going to be on your own. It’s not going to be hard work and giving up everything. And, darling, as much as I wanted some things, I wouldn’t exchange you for any other life. You were a blessing. So don’t you think that the way you were raised is how it has to be. I never had your skills in the kitchen. And you will never have to work the hours I did.”
Melanie wiped at her nose. “I know I’m whining, but I can’t help myself.”
“Melanie Marie Martin, now you listen to me and you listen to me now. You’re going to be an emotional mess. That’s just the hormones. And I’ve got to tell you, sometimes it’s those unexpected detours that are often the best things to happen to us. You may or may not hang onto this guy, so just enjoy every moment you do have and…and take it easy on yourself. On him, too. Now, go wash your face. Put your shoulders back, and do what you’ve done since you were eight and your daddy walked out on us—go bake something.”