Joshua Healy (The Mitchell/Healy Family #10)(58)
“You’re jealous, aren’t you?” She laughs. “You probably thought you were coming here to have me tell you I’m backing off of Josh, didn’t you?”
“I know better to believe a word out of your lying mouth.”
“Things happen for a reason. I told you he was mine and always would be.”
My fists are clenching at my sides. “Shut up.”
“What are you going to do?” She taunts. “I’m pregnant.”
“Your face isn’t pregnant. Keep running your mouth and I’ll take a few more steps and break every bone in your skull.”
Livvy shakes her head, but continues to smile as if she doesn’t believe me. “Give it your best shot. You wouldn’t dare.”
I shove her back. “You think I won’t? I have nothing left to lose. You took everything from me. Go ahead and try to win him back, Livvy. When you’re alone in his arms, just remember he’ll be wishing it was me.”
I’m about to cry, so I jump in my car and peel wheels out of the parking lot. She’s got me so worked up that I actually call Josh.
“Hey. I didn’t think I’d hear from you this early.”
I’m shaking profusely as I explain. “I just met with Livvy. That bitch wants me to…” I stop myself. “You know what, screw this. Don’t call me anymore, Josh. Be a father to your child. Have a good life. I can’t deal with this anymore.”
I hang up the phone and turn it off. Why bother trying when she’ll just keep coming at me? I can’t win this. I’d never ask him to choose me over his own flesh and blood.
It’s over. We’re through. The end.
Chapter 28
Joshua
It’s been three weeks since she’s taken my calls. After the conversation where she told me we were through, I’ve been climbing the walls, desperately trying to reach her.
I had to go to Liv for answers. She told me Tamsyn pushed her around and threatened to hurt her and the baby. She said Tamsyn told her she didn’t want anything to do with me. Although I doubt she’s telling the truth, I can’t get in touch with Tamsyn to ask her about it.
I’m going through hell. It hurts every bit as much as it did the day I lost her.
I’ve tried to go to the dealership, but her father asked me to leave his daughter alone. I went to the campus and she wouldn’t answer the door. I’ve emailed, and even posted to her social media accounts, but gotten no response.
It’s finally time to go to the doctors. Not only will we know if Liv is pregnant, but we’ll also be able to tell around when she conceived. There could be a chance this kid isn’t mine, and I’m praying on it.
My parents have been trying to help me, but it’s impossible. Wes won’t speak to me. My sister barely looks at me when she visits. She’s in the middle of everything, so of course she’s going to take Wes’ side, because I lied to her too.
Liv is looking for a place closer to the ranch to rent, but she’s been staying at her grandfather’s massive residence nearby. We’ve spoken a few times, all of which she’s asked if we could try to start over.
It’s not what I want.
I haven’t seen her for a while, so meeting her at the doctor’s office seemed like a better plan than driving together. My hopes are that the baby won’t be mine, and I can avoid an awkward drive back to the ranch.
Liv may think this baby is going to bring us together, but all I have is animosity when it comes to her. Love didn’t give us a baby. If it is my kid, the innocent fetus was made out of spite and jealousy. Anything I ever felt for Liv is gone because of that. She’s cost me too much.
Liv tries to talk to me when we’re in the room waiting on the ultrasound technician. “You haven’t said two words to me since we got here, Josh.”
“I’ve got nothing to say. I’m here. Quit your bitching.”
“You could at least be supportive. It’s not like we’re strangers. We need to get past all the anger and realize we’re having a baby. Whatever made it happen doesn’t matter. There’s a part of you growing inside of me now. If I can wrap my head around it, then you should too. I know it’s a lot, but we have to make the best of it.”
The doctor comes in followed by the tech. They put something clear on her belly and bring the wand to glide over the area. She’s still very skinny, so I don’t feel like I’m sitting in the room with someone I should have more respect for. I need to see something to believe it’s true.
Then it happens. I see the head on the screen. It’s just a little peanut, so the doctor points and explains what’s what. She turns up the volume and we get to hear a faint heartbeat. She throws a few dates out, saying that according to the size of the fetus, she should have conceived then, and that’s when I know without a doubt that the child is most likely mine.
Liv is crying as she watches the screen. Before I can withdraw, she captures my hand and holds it as we both stare at the tiny person growing inside of her. Nothing is ever going to be the same. Tamsyn will never come back to me. I’m going to be a father, and I know I have to make the best of the situation, because like they both tried to tell me, I’ve had unresolved feelings for Liv I’ve never been able to understand. I have to stop running, because if I don’t, I’ll never have happiness in my life.