All I Need: Rod & Daisy (All Of Me Duet Book 2) A.D. Justice (short novels to read TXT) 📖

“Kevin is the best man in the world, but we’re back to daily conversations about meeting my family and winning over my father so we can move forward with our relationship. I’ve tried to explain in every way I know how that even I haven’t been able to win over my dad, so Kevin has even less of a chance of succeeding. He’s a fixer and thinks he can fix my fucked up family.” Tracy sighs heavily, no doubt reliving one of the many horrible childhood memories she’d rather permanently forget.

“You can’t blame him when you sugarcoat the truth about your childhood. I was there, and I remember feeling helpless to do anything to stop it. You need to tell him what you went through, so he better understands why you don’t go back to their house. I tried to tell him even I don’t go to visit your family and I’ve known you forever.”

“Easier said than done, my friend. You were there with me as I went through it, so I don’t have to regurgitate all the details to make you understand. Reliving even one of those memories isn’t high on my to-do list.”

“Admitting you felt powerless isn’t easy either.” She thinks she’s hiding the real reason she doesn’t talk about it now, but I know her better than anyone.

“As a kid, I was powerless. But I got away from them the first chance I had. You know I tried to visit them once after I was accepted into law school, but that didn’t turn out so well. You were with me, and they made you wait outside on the porch. I’ve never been so embarrassed. Imagine how they’d treat my white boyfriend.”

“I remember that day. I was so proud of you and couldn’t wait to tell your parents all about how hard you’d worked for that acceptance letter. When they so callously showed they weren’t one bit proud of you for acing the LSAT and being accepted into such a competitive program, I was horrified for you. I don’t blame you for staying away from them. They’re toxic to you.”

“Convince my man of that. He’s certain he’s the answer to all my family’s problems. Let’s save the rest of this conversation until I get there, have a few drinks in me, and can really say what’s on my mind.”

We disconnect after making firm plans for our long overdue slumber party. I step into Juliana’s room to check on her and give her the news.

“That sounds perfect. I’ll sleep all day so I can stay up all night, or at least most of it. Do you mind inviting my best friend Karen over?” Her voice is weak, but her smile is still bright.

“My pleasure. The more, the merrier.” After I send Karen’s contact information to my phone from Juliana’s, I leave to let Jules go back to sleep.

Rod and Louise are entertaining the kids when I join the family in the kitchen. He’s more than supportive when I tell him about my plans for the evening. He thinks having Karen over long with other encouraging friends will help lift Juliana’s spirits. After a quick call and introduction to Karen, we have a date for four ladies on the books.

“Before all the excitement of a girl’s night in, don’t forget we have an appointment after lunch for the ultrasound. We have to confirm how many weeks along I am. When we get the pictures, we should sit down and explain what’s happening to Landen.”

“Do you want me to drive you today? I can pick you up at the school and take you to the doctor. I’m happy to be your chauffer any time.”

“That would be nice. Pick me up at twelve-thirty. We’ll probably be finished at the doctor’s office just in time to pick the kids up after school.”

“Look at us, being all domestic and shit.” He has the biggest grin on his face.

“How did I get so lucky to find the most romantic man in the world?”

“It’s because you have such a nice ass. I liked it from the first time I saw it.” He waggles his eyebrows and cops a feel at the same time. “Now it’s all mine. I’d do anything for that ass.”

“Again with the romantic gestures. My ass will always be here for your viewing pleasure.”

We laugh together, which feels amazing, and gather Landen and Isa to leave for school. Riding to work with Rod is a new experience. He holds my hand while he chats with the kids. I can’t help but wonder if this will become our new life soon. I’m both excited and nervous about my appointment today. Will Rod freak out when he sees the baby on the screen, or will it further cement our future together?

I try not to let these doubts creep in, but I’m only human.

With a kiss goodbye and a reminder of what time to come back, we part for the morning and I head into the school to start my day. My classroom settles without a fuss and begins working on their assignments. When lunch rolls around, I have to double check my watch against the clock on the wall because I can’t believe how fast the first half of the day flew by.

These butterflies in my stomach are more than a tiny baby flittering around.

The substitute arrives and I give her the instructions for the rest of the day. I walk out of the school with a smile I couldn’t hide if I tried. I’ve spent so much time in fear and dread of telling Rod about our baby. Now I can’t wait to talk about it all the time. My hand automatically finds its way to my stomach, and I only realize it when I notice something I haven’t before now.

I’m starting to show.

It’s a small bump, but a noticeable one, nonetheless. I’ve been so preoccupied with everything else, and wearing my baggier clothes the last few weeks, so I haven’t noticed