Lasting Attraction (Cassie Series) (18 page)

             
Except, of course, when he sees that ring on Cassie's finger.

             
I still feel like shit that it’s such a cheap ring. I only paid twenty three dollars on it, but she seems to like regardless. She still doesn't know how much money I lost out on when I dropped my contract for fighting. If not for this job Mason got me, I'd be borrowing money off my dad for sure. It sucks being this broke, especially with a baby on the way. We have so much to buy still. I plan on selling all my furniture in my room anyways, and use that towards a crib and all that.

             
Cassie's mom has been buying random things here and there, especially diapers. I don't know what half the things are though. Shit like a burp cloth, or butt paste. It creeps me out completely, but I try not to show it. If I do show it, Cassie just laughs and says that it'll all work out.

             
I hope more than ever it works out. When I told her I'd stay with her, regardless to if the baby is mine or not, I meant it. I meant every single word I told her. It was so much harder than I thought it'd be to tell her truth about my feelings, and about why I came to San Diego two years ago. She understood, she accepted everything I said, and we've been open and honest about a lot with one another. I couldn't be happier with her. With us.

             
For tonight, I was planning on bringing Cassie out on another date, wanting to remind her just how much I love her, but she made other plans. Apparently we're going to Mason and Aubrey's for a damn game night. I like hanging out with Mason, and love that Aubrey and Cassie are still best friends, but a game night? I'm not twelve anymore. I agreed though, wanting to make Cassie happy. So here is to Monopoly and whatever else the girls have decided on.

             
Once I get back to the apartment from work, I hurry and get into the shower. I half expect Cassie to meet me in here, as she does on most days, but by the time I get out, I haven't even heard a peep from her. I know her car was in the parking lot, so she is home. Maybe she didn't hear me come in. I wrap a towel around myself and walk out of the steamy bathroom. Walking into the bedroom, Cassie is curled into a ball on the bed, a blanket wrapped around her with a little bit of drool hanging from her lip. How is it that I find it incredibly adorable?

             
I get dressed before I plant a kiss on Cassie's forehead. "Hey, baby, time to go."

             
"Mm, I don't wanna," she whispers with her eyes still shut.

             
I can't help but chuckle and kiss her forehead again. "You don't have to tell me twice."

             
She pushes against my chest just as I'm about to climb into bed with her. "No, we need to go. Aubrey would be so upset if we didn't."

             
"Can't you just tell them you're sick?"

             
She smiles up at me and shakes her head. "No, I want to go. Don't you?"

             
"Since when have you known me to play board games?"

             
She giggles while she sits up, then shrugs her shoulders. "You'll have fun tonight I promise."

             
"Of course I will. Because I'll be with you."

             
She makes a face at me that causes me to laugh, then she climbs out of bed to get ready.

             
By the time we arrive at Mason's, Cassie is complaining about being hungry... again. She finally has a rounded belly and is noticeably pregnant, but with the amount she eats, I'm surprised she isn't twice her size. I've always thought she was gorgeous, but now? Gorgeous is the biggest understatement. That girl is radiant. She is perfection. Made just for me.

             
Mason is busy feeding Dakota when we walk in, but he makes sure to greet us, as Aubrey comes running and hugs Cassie. She then proceeds to get down on her knees so she can kiss and rub Cassie's belly. I think she is twice as excited about Cassie being pregnant than she was when she was knocked up.

             
I sit at the table and nod my head in Mason's direction while the girls make their way towards the cupboards to start dinner. That was my one stipulation, dinner.

             
"What she eating now?" I ask Mason.

             
He grins over at me. "Bananas. Its only the third food we've tried on her. She liked the peas and carrots so far, but I wanted to try a fruit."

             
I slowly just nod my head, realizing I'm in way over my head. I know nothing about this stuff. Mason has been nothing but an amazing father, and I truly idolize him because damn, he makes this stuff look so easy. He laughs, bringing me out of my day dream. "It takes practice, but trust me, you'll get the hang of it all in no time. Take things one at a time. Don't overwhelm yourself. I felt the same way."

             
"I didn't even say anything," I say in defense.

             
He laughs even more, whipping some splattered banana from Dakota's face. "You don't need to. That look on your face said it all." I don't say anything, I just keep watching him feed his daughter. He looks towards where the girls are starting on the dinner, completely oblivious to us, before he looks over at me again. "You nervous about tomorrow?"

             
"You have no fucking clue."

             
"If it makes you feel any better, I haven't seen Cassie happier than she’s been these last few weeks. Aubrey even says that Cassie is on cloud nine."

             
I just continue to watch him as he cleans Dakota and the highchair, then pulls her out from it. He looks back over at me when I don't say anything he raises a brow, rocking her back and forth in his arms. "It'll be okay. It'll all work out how its supposed to."

             
"That is what I'm worried about," I mumble.

             
Mason gives me a sad smile but doesn't say much. I stand up and walk towards Cassie as he brings his daughter into the other room to go in her play pen. "Smells good out here," I say, wrapping my arms around Cassie from behind. She peeks over her shoulder at me to give me a brief kiss.

             
"Just some cheese ravioli and a cease salad."

             
"I can't wait." I place my chin on her shoulder and watch as she chops up some lettuce for the salad.

             
"Boys. Out." Aubrey orders. I look over at her and she has a stern look on her face.

             
I back away with my hands in the air, surrendering to her murderous glare. "Got it, Duckey." I wink when she throws a crouton in my direction.

             
Mason hands me an opened beer and we go sit in the living room, turning on the television.

             
"I think I'm going to be sick."

             
I run towards the bathroom and Avery comes running in after me, pulling back my hair as I throw up. I hate when he sees me throw up, but I'm glad he is caring enough to do so.

             
"I know, angel, I know. It's okay." He continues trying to encourage me, rubbing my back with one hand. I can't believe I found this with Avery. I've never felt more loved or more precious in my entire life.

             
Once my teeth are brushed and my hands are washed, I go into the kitchen to slide on my shoes. Avery ties up his DC's, and grabs the keys to the chair. "Ready?" he asks.

             
"No," I admit.

             
He just smiles and opens the door anyway. I know he is just as nervous as me, maybe even more so, but he is doing well at taking care of me. I feel dumb for being so nervous. I know both guys are going to be great father's, no matter the result, but its just the idea of it. Plus, I may not even find out today, it could be a few days. But just taking the test is making me nervous, as well as finding out the sex of the baby later today.

             
How awkward that will be, too. Ugh. I have seen Pierce a total of two times since we split. Once was when we swapped items, once was last week at the store. He was pumping some gas but he didn't see me. I noticed a girl in his pickup too. All I could wonder is if she were the girl he cheated on me with, but I chose to ignore it. There is nothing I could do about it, and I had no reason to feel any heart broken.

             
We arrive at the lab, and I'm still yawning from how early the appointment is. I haven't had my morning coffee yet but I was told I wasn't allowed to beforehand. Avery holds onto my hand while we sit patiently in the waiting room. After five minutes, there is still no Pierce but the first lab technician comes in and asks for me. Avery smiles at me and says he'll be here when I'm done. I know its quick, but going alone still saddens me.

             
I walk into the section that closed off behind a curtain and the ladies asks me a few medical questions and makes me confirm I'm actually who I say I am. Once that is all confirmed, she has me open my mouth and she takes a swab sample of my saliva.

             
Once I sign my lab work, I walk back into the waiting room to see Pierce and Avery both sitting on opposite sides of the waiting room. Talk about being nervous. I smile over at Pierce as I take my seat next to Avery, just staring at the floor. I don't think I've ever been in a more awkward situation than this, and its only going to get worse when its time for the ultrasound later this afternoon.

             
Avery's name is called next. He squeezes my knee before he stands up and I look over at him. He smiles softly and runs his finger down my cheek. "I'll be five minutes, stop stressing out. I love you." He kisses my lips softly and I know its only because Pierce is close by. He is trying to be romantic, and I feel like a bitch when I pull my head back.

             
"Hurry up," I mutter.

             
He looks at my confused for a moment before he stands up and follows the same lady I was just back there with.

             
When he is out of sight, I take a deep breath and look over at Pierce. He is on his phone, texting someone or playing a game. My heart hurts at the thought of him texting the girl he was with the other day, but I'd never admit it out loud. It doesn't matter that my heart is with Avery, that he is the love of my life, that I'm beyond thrilled with the outcome of who I ended up with, because a piece of my heart will always belong with Pierce.

             
Instead, I clear my throat and wait for him to look up in my direction. When he does, he lifts his lips into a sad smile. "Thanks for coming," I tell him. The second it leaves my mouth I realize I sound incredibly pathetic.

             
Apparently he doesn't mind though, because she smiles a little larger. "Wouldn't miss it."

             
"How have you been?" I ask.

             
"Um, alright."

             
"Everything okay?"

             
He snorts out a dry laugh and tilts his head back so he is looking in the direction of the ceiling. "Oh, just fucking perfect."

             
"I'm sorry," I whisper to him.

             
He looks back at me and just stares, like he is memorizing me. After a few second, he whispers back, "don't be sorry, please."

             
As much as I want to ask him why not, I just smile softly and nod my head. "Okay," I tell him after another second. "Is the whole merger thing with your work going well?" Last I knew it was official, but I never received an update beyond that.

             
"Now it is. It took some time, we had some minor personal issues, but its all been dealt with and we're doing well. My dad signed the company over to Evan and me this week, so we're now officially CEOs."

             
"Wow, Pierce, that is awesome. I'm so happy for you."