Fighting Fate (Fighting #7)(66)

“I know. I just don’t know what to do about that. I’m tired of being a burden on everyone.”

“You’ve never been a burden. I know what it’s like to have to depend on others when it’s the last thing you want to do. I married Stewart for the same reason. You don’t have to do that, Axelle. Blake and I would love it if you moved back home.”

“Mom, no, I can’t. You guys have a great thing going on here. I’d only—”

“No.” She shakes her head. “Don’t finish that thought. Your lease with Mindy is another four months. Take your time, consider your options, and make the decision that’s best for you, but know that we’re here to help you through this.”

She and Blake have been paying my rent in exchange for me watching Jack when they need me or take a trip out of town. The tradeoff is in my favor since they only need me about once a week, but I can’t ask them to continue to pay for my rent once this baby is born. And what am I going to do? Live with Mindy while she’s banging football players on the couch and I’m up all night with a baby?

“Okay, Mom.”

She sighs heavily. “We’ll come up with a plan as things mellow. In the meantime, you should make an appointment with your doctor.”

“That’s right.” I rub my temples. “I need to do that.” So much for my I got this attitude. I can’t even remember to do the simplest things on my own.

Her soft touch runs up and down my back. “One day at a time.”

“Am I going to be able to do this, Mom?”

She presses a kiss to my head. “You’re never alone. We’ll always be right here if you need us.”

“You realize I’m making Jack an uncle, right?”

She sucks in a breath.

I tilt my head to study her. “And you’ll be a grandmother.”

Her eyes widen, but she wrangles in her shock and smiles shakily. “That’ll take some getting used to.”

~~~

“Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you?” My mom’s hand grips mine from the front seat of her car as I stare at the back of Killian’s Jeep.

He’s home.

“He’s missing class. He never misses a class,” I mumble to myself, trying for the life of me to sort out what I’m seeing.

“These last couple of days have been hard on everyone.” Her eyes stare thoughtfully at the back of his car. “He’s probably just taking a day to come to terms with everything.”

“I should just grab my car and go.” I can’t face him now. He’ll ask about Clifford, and I’ll have to tell him how he blew me off, claiming the baby wasn’t his and that I was trying to corner him into a commitment.

And then what? Will he offer to get back together? To raise this baby together? I press my palm to my lower belly. If he did, would I have the strength to say no?

“Come on. This is silly.” My mom swings open her door and slides out. “This is Killian we’re talking about. He’s your best friend, Axelle. He wants what is best for you. Stop acting like he’s the enemy here.”

I open my mouth to defend myself, but she shuts the door before I can. I watch in horror as she crosses to the stairs, and before I can think better of it, I’m bounding up the stairs behind her.

“Mom, wait! What if…?” I roll my lips between my teeth to keep from being heard because, damn, for a little woman, my mom is quick.

I’m out of breath by the time she reaches Killian’s door and knocks. My pulse rockets even higher with nerves, and I lean against the wall to keep from passing out.

Male voices come from behind the door, and butterflies burst behind my ribs as it swings open.

“Oh hey, Layla.”

I step to my mom’s side at the sound of Ryder’s voice.

He stares between us, confused. “What’s going on?”

I peek around his shoulder and see Theo with his hands in a box, staring back at me.

“Ryder, um…is Killian around?” My mom seems just as confused as I am because it seems like they’re moving Kill’s things.

“No, he’s in London.”

“What!” The word flies from my mouth with such force Ryder slices his gaze to mine.

“You didn’t know?”

Tears prick my eyes, but I hold them back. “No, I had no idea.” He didn’t tell me he was leaving so soon. I thought I had more time. He didn’t even say good-bye.

“When did he leave?” My mom presses in close as if to hold me up if my legs give out.

“Yesterday. I guess he changed his mind about the London gig, called my dad, and hopped on a plane with Rex first thing. He asked me to sell all his shit, but Dad said pack it up and store it. We’ll put his Jeep in storage too until he gets back.” He shrugs, but his eyes fix on mine.

I can’t imagine Killian told Ryder about my situation, but he saw us leave together Valentine’s night and probably assumed we’d be together. The fact that Kilian left without telling me makes it pretty obvious to everyone where things stand between us.

I clear my throat, eager to get out of here before I burst into tears. “I need to grab my things.” I push past Ry and see my bag in the same place I left it. My gaze slides to the bed, and my chest clenches to see it’s already been stripped and disassembled.