Page 24 (1/2)

"I figured we could get this out the way now," I said "I don’t want any tension between us when the baby conancy to be stressful either"

"I agree," replied Erik He opened a glass cabinet, and took a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue out with two tumblers He poured it neat, no ice, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was testing enerous sip, unflinching when the a to lie and say that I was thrilled when Jade told ainst his desk, and I re she would have , and you’re still in college, so you can understand my concern, can’t you Reid?"

"Yes sir," I replied "But I need you to know that I love Jade, and I will do everything in ht by her and our child They come first Always"

"I don’t doubt you, Reid, but I need you to show randbaby"

In thatbecame clearer to me I understood Erik’s concern, because I was able to put hter I would have reacted the sahter

"I will," I told hilass in my direction, and I finally relaxed We finished our drinks and joined the rest of our fa room Jade was huddled between our teary-eyedat the latest ultrasound picture Erik joined theed hi down at his e a little girl"

"Everything okay?" My father had stepped up toJade to notice

"Yeah," I replied "Erik and I had so to," he said "I can see so you"

"We can talk about it later, Dad Were you able to get the info I asked for?"

"Yes," he sipped a beer "I got everything Are you sure about it, though?"

"I’," I said "I want to make sure that Jade and the baby are taken care of"

"And you and Jade?"

I lifted my shoulders and expelled a heavy breath "I don’t know, Dad Oneht now is take care of the mother of my child I’m not sure she’ll ever want to be more"

My father put his hand on my shoulder, and I looked at him "Maybe she’s just as scared as you are"

Chapter 13