Unexpected Reality (Unexpected Arrivals, #1)

by Kaylee Ryan

“He’s mine. I will be in his life, regardless of my relationship with his mother. His mother who, by the way, is currently lying in a hospital bed, fighting for her fucking life!”

I slump forward, my face in my hands. She’s gone. My son will never know his mother. He won’t get to see the love in her eyes that she had for him. He will never get to see that he is all she ever wanted. He will never get to experience the childhood that I did, with both parents loving and supporting him. How am I going to do this without her?

What has my body screaming his name is his baby boy, cradled in his arms. This man—tall, dark, handsome, looking like sex personified—is holding his baby boy close to his chest. Ovary explosion!

Life is funny like that; it has a way of changing on you when you least expect it.

To love your child is a feeling that unless you experience it for yourself, you will never understand the meaning.

“Trust your gut, son. When you find her, it’ll let you know. Don’t fight it; it’ll just make you both miserable.”

I lean in and press my lips to hers. I have to; there’s no other way to explain it. It’s quick, but the meaning behind it is no less than what it is. A ‘thank you,’ plus an ‘I don’t know what I would do without you in this moment’ kiss.

“You find her, and you hold on” That’s what Dad always said. I’ve found her, and I’m not letting go.

“We’re lucky, Knox. She wants both of us. Oh, you like that idea, do you? I see your smile.” Knox coos at him. “You’re probably too young for this conversation, but my dad once told me to trust your gut and when you find the one to not let her go. In this case, she’s not just mine—she’s ours. We’ve found our one.”

“I think your mommy would approve. She just wanted the best for you, for you to feel loved and know you’re wanted. I love you, little man, and Kendall . . . well, she’s important to me, and I hope that whatever this is grows. I think that would make your mom happy. I know it would me. What about you, huh?” Knox coos. “Good, glad we’re on the same page. Good talk.” He chuckles and I reach for the receiver, turning it off.

“If you knew him—really knew him—you would know that, up to this point, he’s done it all on his own. You would know that I had to force him to let me hold this little guy while he ate. If you really knew him, you would know that he puts those he cares about first.

Furthermore, if you knew me, you would know that I want them both. I know this little angel lost his momma, and I’m honored that I get to be a part of his life. As for you—” I stop and take a minute to look at her with disgust. “—if I ever hear you call this baby anything other than his name, you will answer to me.”

“You love him, Kendall. I get that. Hell, it causes all kinds of emotions to swirl inside me. He’s a part of me.” “I do and he is, but he’s such a sweet baby, and I miss him when I’m not with you. I miss you when I’m not with you,” she says, looking down at her lap. “Baby, look at me.” I wait for her sad blue eyes to meet mine. “We miss you too. Both of us. We love you.”

“I’m in love with you. All of me, every second, every hour, every day that I spend with you, that love grows, and I ache until I can see you again.”

“It’s news that is unexpected, but that’s life, right? Life is full of unexpected moments that lead you to find your way.