Текст книги "Jerk"

Автор книги: Kat T. Masen

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Текущая страница: 12 (всего у книги 17 страниц)

I hear a low growl over the speaker. “What did he say?”

I laugh, because it is funny when you think about it. “It’s not what he said but more what he showed.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?!” Haden snaps.

“Don’t worry, I can handle him. I’m not looking to start things up with him again if that’s what you’re worried about.”

More silence.

“I’m not worried. Marcus is relentless when he wants something he can’t have. He shouldn’t send shit like that to you.”

“Sounds like someone else I know,” I blurt out without thinking.

He laughs on cue. “You mean me? I’m not like that.”

“Yeah, and I’m not going to turn into a crazy cat lady.”

“I wouldn’t let you get a cat. So there, you can’t become a crazy cat lady.”

I shake my head and realize he can’t see me. “It only takes one visit to the shelter and BAM, you’re coming home with a kitty and a bag of litter.”

“What if I told you I’m allergic to kitties?”

I almost choke into the phone as I fall into a fit of laughter. “Um, I don’t think you are allergic to kitties because if you were, you might as well call me Immaculate Mary.”

Even through the phone I can hear him smiling. “Mind in the gutter, Malone. I think you are long overdue to get some.”

God, was that the truth. Don’t you dare mention that you want some from him!

“That would involve dating,” I state in a serious tone.

His breathing becomes heavy and thick. “You’re thinking about dating already?”

“No. But maybe one day. I can’t stay a nun forever. Although I’m not sure how desirable I’ll be. Single mom, and the guy would have to deal with you?” I joke lightly. “Talk about excess baggage.”

“Why would you need to date? Is it just about sex?” he barks.

Taken aback by his change of tone, I go into defense mode. “Are we really having this conversation?”

“Yes. I want to know why.”

“Then yes!” I almost yell. “This is the longest time I have ever gone without sex. I am so fucking horny it’s depressing, and I miss the smell and touch of a man beside me in bed every night. Being single sucks big time.”

“I have to go,” he quickly tells me.

              Great, another awkward ending between the Jerk and Presley. It’s a broken record, so overplayed.

Before I can say goodbye, he hangs up on me.

What the fuck was that?

Lying flat on my bed, I let out a loud growl and shake my body in frustration. The nerve of him to put me on the spot and then just back out mid-conversation. When my cell beeps a minute later, I am wondering what pathetic excuse he’ll use this time.

I’m sorry I had to do that. There’s something about you…I don’t know what it is. I just don’t want you seeing anyone else. Yes I know I’m selfish but it’s the truth and I’m sick of hiding it.

I read the text over and over to make sure I get the words right. What exactly is that supposed to mean? He’s confusing me; throw Eloise into the mix and I really have no idea what’s going on.

You’re going to have your own life soon with Eloise. I don’t think you’ll be bothered with what I’m doing or who I’m seeing.

I haven’t even hit send yet when his next text comes through.

This is complicated. You’re my kid’s mom. You’ll be in my life forever. Every man that touches you will have some bearing on our kid. I don’t want anyone else being my kid’s dad or stepdad. Only me.

His words anger me. How hypocritical of him! Does he honestly expect that I will never have a boyfriend again or get married? But it’s okay for him? I am typing so fast with zero self-control as the words pour out onto the screen.

I’m not turning into a nun Haden so you can feel good about yourself. I have needs too. Just like you do. You need to get over it because your stupid demands mean nothing to me. I will do whatever the hell I want.

I wait for his reply for what feels like forever. I expect a long-winded message, but instead it’s only a few words.

Then why won’t you let me help you?

What the hell is he talking about? He wants to help me find someone to date or marry? This is ridiculous and I am  growing bored of his antics.

Help me do what?

I wait impatiently for his response.

Let me take care of your needs. Nobody has to know. It can remain our secret. Maybe you need to just release and you’ll feel different about the whole situation.

Now I am completely lost, so I dial his number and he picks up immediately.

“I don’t understand.”

“You’re smart …What part of having a mind-blowing orgasm don’t you understand?”

Did he just say mind-blowing orgasm???

“Are you talking about phone sex? I don’t think that’s a good idea. Besides, you’re in Vegas…and did I mention already that it’s probably not a good idea?”

“It doesn’t matter where I am. I’m right here, talking to just you, Presley. Get comfortable.”

I laugh nervously. “How? I’m pregnant.”

“Sorry, I meant naked.”

Shit. It just got real. And why am I peeling off my clothes at his command? Maybe he is right, this could be our little secret. It’s only phone sex, no physical touching involved.

“If I have to get comfortable, then so must you.”

“I already am…naked, that is.”

My palms start to sweat and I focus on his uneven breaths as I close my eyes and listen intently. My body has betrayed me, reacting with pleasure even in my uncomfortable state.

Phone sex is something I’ve never dabbled in. When Jason went off on trips, the only sexual interactions between us were quick ‘I’m horny so I’ll jerk off when we hang up and catch you later’ types of calls.

This was unfamiliar, nerve-wracking…yet incredibly hot.

“Relax,” he whispers calmly. “It’s just you and me. But I’m warning you, I don’t play fair and this will be over real quick.”

Kitty, sitting on her high horse, is laughing at the Jerk, extending her hand, and saying, “Challenge accepted.” He doesn’t play fair? Well then neither will she. He wants it to be over real quick; she will finish this in the blink of an eye.

“I don’t play fair either, Haden. I’m assuming your cock is out and hard as a rock. I’m also guessing that this is driving you insane, and as we’ve been speaking, you’ve been stroking it gently, trying to control the mind-blowing orgasm you’re about to have.”

His silence only confirms what I’ve just said.

“So, what if I were to tell you that I’ve been lying here, pussy soaked and throbbing, thinking about how your hand moves slowly from your shaft up to the tip of your cock as your back arches and your eyes close feverishly with pleasure? Tell me, what would you do next?”

A low grumble escapes his throat. “I’d tell you that all I can think about is how fucking wet your pussy is and how I never got to taste it. How my tongue wants to slide all over your clit and suck it till you beg me to fuck you.”

Dammit! He got me.

I squeeze my legs to contain the persistent throb, to no avail. My arms weaken and the tingling sensation spreading throughout my body intensifies. Shit, this is torture. My hands don’t reach that area comfortably, and when they do, I am mortified at the amount of bush forming and blush in embarrassment. Talk about a distraction! Thank God he can’t see it!

Shit, where was I?

“I wouldn’t beg you to fuck me, I can see how desperate you are. It’s all you’ve been thinking about…”

His moan deepens. “Tell me now how fucking wet you are again.”

“Soaking wet….” I moan, rubbing my fingers across my swollen clit. I gasp unwillingly at the heightened arousal. “You’ve got me so wet that I can’t stop thinking about how perfect your cock would feel inside me right now.”

My eyes are closed, and I allow those words to escape without thinking.

“Tell me how you taste,” he begs me.

I raise my fingers to my lips and gently lick the tips. “I taste sweet…”

The echo shifts and there is a moan followed by a growl. Without a doubt, he is just about there. I speed up the motion and know that I have about five seconds before I am seeing stars.

“I want you to come, Haden. Come all over that beautiful, pierced cock of yours. Imagine my mouth is there waiting to take you all in….”

Three…two…one…and I’m fucking done.

I moan loud as my body jerks back. I forget he’s on the phone, and as my eyes flick open, reality hits and I think about what the hell I’ve just done.

As the communication between us goes stagnant, I have no choice but to speak first.

“Well that was…”

“Hot?” he teases.

“Hot…interesting…different.”

“Needed.”

I sigh. “Yes, fine. Very needed.”

“You hate admitting that, don’t you?”

“That I’m horny? Sure. Doesn’t everyone?”

“No. I’ll admit it,” he tells me.

“First of all, you’re a guy who’s seen strippers nonstop for three days. Second, you’re in a relationship. You can pretty much get laid anytime. I’m only human, I have needs too, and I seriously didn’t think this single mom stuff through. I will never get laid again,” I ramble.

“Are you done?”

“What? Yes,” I mumble.

“Yes, I have seen strippers non-stop for three days, but my dick was as soft as a marshmallow. Yes, I’m in a relationship, but it’s just…” he trails off. “I don’t want to go into that part. Third, you’re fucking beautiful and you don’t see it. Every guy in our office was waiting for you to break it off with James—”

“Jason,” I correct him.

“Whatever,” he grumbles. “Because they wanted to fuck the living daylights out of you.”

I laugh, thinking it’s a joke. “C’mon, Haden. Joke’s over. No one in the office shows interest in me. I wish!”

“You don’t realize what you do to men. You’re like this untouchable goddess walking around with a fucking wand that makes everyone’s dick hard.”

“Jesus Haden, I’m pregnant! What planet are you on?”

“And thank God you are because now they’ve backed off.”

“What did you just say?” I ask, nervously.

“I’m saying that this was a good thing.”

“I didn’t know this was a ‘let’s lay all the cards out on the table’ type of conversation, but then again, you just made me come over the phone, so no more hiding stuff anymore.”

“My cards are out if yours are.”

“They’re out.” I breathe into the phone, tired and exhausted.

“Why are you worried about getting laid once the baby is born?”

“I’m not worried about getting laid straight away. I’m saying that one day I’m going to crave the touch of a man and it’s going to be difficult since I have a child to think about. It’s not just about me anymore.”

“But I told you that I didn’t want anyone touching you.”

“And I told you that’s too bad because you’re getting married and getting laid every night, so stop being a jerk.”

“I don’t want anyone touching you.”

“Why are we even arguing about this? Let’s deal with it when the time comes.”

“I want to deal with it now. I don’t want anyone touching you.”

“Yeah, well I don’t want anyone touching you, but life is unfair,” I shoot back.

“Then no one will,” he states confidently.

“Empty promises, Haden. You’re a guy, I respect that your cock needs to get laid.”

“By you,” he confirms.

Whoa. This conversation took a turn, a major turn, to God knows where. The whole dynamic of our conversation has changed and I’m rendered speechless. He has no idea of the enormity of his words, and being the rational one, I feel I have no choice but to bring him back down to reality.

“Haden,” I whisper. “We need to talk about this when you’re back. Right now, I’m tired and I have to get up for work in a couple of hours.”

“I’ll be back on Sunday. I want to see you then.”

“Okay.”

I hang up the phone, bewildered. Not even a minute later, I receive a text.

I meant what I said.

I know he meant it. I’m just not ready to deal with it.

Vicky and Kate come home not even ten minutes later. Vicky has decided to sleep over, and the second I see her walk through the door, I run to her with a razor in my hands.

She yawns. “Pres, it’s three am and you want me to shave your kitty?”

“This is an emergency situation! You don’t understand.”

“I understand that it’s three am and there is a possibility that I may give you a mullet.”

I drag her to the bathroom and close the door behind us. Kate is already in her room, drunk on her bed.

“This really can’t wait till tomorrow?”

“No, I can’t sleep knowing I let it turn into the Amazon Rainforest.”

“I must really love you to do this….” she mumbles to herself, armed with razor, soap, and water.

Ten minutes later, she’s done.

“You wanna see? Geez, I think the razor went dull.”

I laugh. “No, I’m fine. Thank you.”

“Honestly, the things I do for you.”

I wake up the next day, incredibly happy despite the lack of sleep. With a shaved kitty and a refreshing cup of tea, life has become a bed of sweet roses. Not to mention, I get another text from Haden which makes me smile.

I still mean what I said.

I don’t respond just yet, and when I receive a bouquet of flowers ten minutes later, my day gets even better. It’s a bunch of rainbow-colored roses with a card attached that says, “From your #Jerk.”

I can’t help but smile, until I notice Eloise walking towards my cubicle. Holy shit! Perfectly dressed in a pristine, white, turtleneck dress, she appears somewhat cheerful as she greets me hello and bends down to kiss me like we’re the best of friends.

My conscience and Kitty are on the run like fugitives, leaving me to deal with that god-awful emotion called guilt.

“Hi Presley, are you free for lunch?”

“Uh…I’m kinda busy,” I lie.

“It’s really important. Hey, nice roses.”

She leans in to sniff them and I thank God the card is still in my hands.

Reluctantly, I join her for lunch at another one of her green diet-friendly restaurants. She sits across from me, sipping her lawn in a glass, flashing her bright white teeth.

“So, first, I know we haven’t had a chance to catch up, but I heard everything went well with your trip to visit your parents.”

“Yes it did, thank you.”

“I’ve been so preoccupied with the wedding that I haven’t been able to give you this.”

She slides an envelope in front of me and I see the fancy cursive writing on the front. Opening it slowly, I see that it’s their wedding invitation.

“The date on there is next week,” I say, trying to control my nervous stutter.

“Yes, we made the decision to move it closer. It’s only very close family and friends at my parents’ house, so changing the date wasn’t really an issue.”

“I’m not sure what to say. I just think it would be uncomfortable for me to be there.”

“But you’re family. We’d really love to have you there.” She smiles.

My mind is reeling; did he know this information last night? Surely he had to. Then why did he go on and on about it just being us? Or was my brain reading way too much into this?

“How’re things going with the pregnancy?”

“Fine. Five weeks to go,” I respond with my best poker face.

“I’m kind of excited to say this, but since we are like family and I feel like I can really open up to you…Haden and I are trying to have a family.”

“You’re trying for a family?” I stare at her in disbelief.

“Yes. We spoke about it briefly, but I thought, why not go off the Pill now? Anyway, before he left for L.A. we had quite a night.” She leans in. “We did it three times that night. I really think we made a baby.”

The sound of my heart shattering into a million pieces echoes throughout the room, or at least that’s how it feels. I feel a stabbing pain, its persistent jabs creating deep, unfounded wounds. I’m infuriated with him, with her, at myself for believing that this fucked up story would become a fairytale.

“I think it will be perfect. Our babies can grow up together. I told Haden this morning that I had a gut feeling about it.”

“What did he say?” I can barely speak.

“He seemed pretty tired, but he said that if I am pregnant then we probably should get a bigger place for both of the babies.”

“Both babies?” This time I don’t hold back my animosity.

“He didn’t tell you?” Her face falls. “I was really hoping he did. He wants to file for joint custody. A week on, week off type of arrangement.”

Under the table, my hands sweat profusely as my blood begins to boil. “When did he tell you this?”

“We’ve been speaking about it for a while, but late last night we talked about it again. He’s got the papers drawn up.” She pulls an envelope out of her bag.

I can barely see; I’m fueled by anger and every shade of red is blinding me. My stomach is twisted into heavy knots and I feel like I’m going to be sick.

“I need to go.”

Dizzy, I stand up and leave her behind as she calls after me.

Somehow I make my way back to work, confused and utterly disappointed. At my desk, I throw the flowers into the trash and grab my scissors, angrily cutting every stem to pieces. I take a picture of it and send it to him.

Fucking #Jerk

My hands are shaking and I see Vicky standing over me, mouthing something. I try to hear her, but the warm gush of liquid running down my legs confuses me.

“Holy fuck, Pres! Your water just broke!” Vicky screams.

I look down and then back up at her in a blind panic, only to hear her yell to the office, “It’s show time, baby!”

 

I’ m staring at this face.

It’s soft and wrinkly and everything is so small.

              Ten tiny fingers, ten tiny toes.

              It’s my baby.

 

My life does a complete one-eighty in just twenty-four short hours.

It all happens so fast from the moment my water breaks. In a state of denial I want to go home, but Vicky shoves me into a cab with her and we head straight to the hospital. I wasn’t experiencing any pain physically, but emotionally I was angry, hurt, and humiliated by what the Jerk did. The delusional fog I was in, which I blame on the hormones, has come to a screeching halt, and there is no time to even think about that as I lay in the hospital bed, tied up to a number of drips and monitors.

“I’ve tried to call Haden,” Vicky tells me.

“Why would you do that?”

“Because you’re having this baby and he needs to be here.” She shakes her head at my question, gently patting my forehead with a cold wash cloth.

“I’m not having this baby. I’m only thirty-five weeks along. It’s not going anywhere.”

Denial only gets you so far. No matter how much I try to talk myself out of it, the contractions are a mutha-fucking giant slap of reality. The pain ricocheted across my back, then moved towards the front. Gritting my teeth in this unbearable state, I’m given a jug of ice cubes to suck on for the next lot of contractions. I want to throw the jug at the nurse, but physical abuse won’t help me and I shouldn’t be mean to the person who has the drugs.

“It keeps going to voicemail,” Vicky says in a worried tone.

“Well, fucking good! He doesn’t deserve to be here anyway!” I yell, mid-contraction.

The second the contraction winds down, I start to cry, and I mean ugly-sob cry. Even with Vicky by my side, I feel so alone and terrified. She holds onto me for what feels like forever until I manage to calm myself down.

Mom and Dad are honeymooning in Fiji; they only just arrived there yesterday. Gemma and Melissa are staying at some B&B and their phones have no coverage. To add to everything else, the crib hasn’t arrived yet and I haven’t washed all the clothes like you’re supposed to, plus my hospital bag is sitting beside my bed at home.

This was not my plan. This is so unplanned, it makes me want to cry even more.

“Shhh.” Vicky strokes my hair at the same time Kate rushes into the room with Lex right behind her.

“Oh my god, what the hell happened? Lex and I were in a cab when I got your text. I had the cab driver rush right over here.” Panicked and out of breath, she is by my side, riddled with worry.

Still in an emotional state and unable to communicate effectively, I let Vicky do all the talking. She starts with my lunch with Eloise, how the Jerk screwed me over, and the cab ride over here. The both of them offer their opinions on Eloise, but I immediately tune out, not wanting to deal with that.

“Did the Jerk really knock Eloise up, too?” Kate whispers to Vicky.

Vicky nods and proceeds to tell her the rest of the story. Lex walks over to the end of the bed and lifts the chart off the railing to read it.

Curious, I continue to watch him. “Can you read charts?”

“He used to be a doctor,” Kate adds.

“Intern,” he corrects her.

“What does it say? Is something wrong with my baby?”

He continues to read, then puts it down. “Well, your water broke but you knew that. The baby’s heart rate is high and it appears to be distressed. Basically, if it continues they will need to do a C-section.”

“But…but I can’t be cut open…” I panic; not once did I think this was a possibility. “I don’t handle blood very well, or knives and scalpels. And what about if they can’t close me up? What happens if my organs fail?”

Lex moves over to Kate’s side, and with a calm demeanor, tries to ease my worries. “You’ll have well-trained surgeons taking care of you. Women bounce back without too much trouble. Aside from no driving for a while, you’ll just need to take it slow. No heavy lifting or strenuous exercise. But let’s see what your doctor says first. In the meantime, is there anything I can get you from the nurses’ station?”

I shake my head and thank him.

“I’ll be right outside if you need me, just need to make a few work calls.”

He goes off into the hallway and I rest my head back and close my eyes. The second he is out of sight, Vicky is quick to comment.

“Shit Kate, why didn’t you tell me he was gorgeous?”

“Because he’s married and totally off the market.”

“Does he have any brothers? Or even cousins…hell, what about his dad? I’m quite open.” Vicky winks.

Even in my despair, I laugh out loud at her comment. “You are very open!”

“Like a twenty-four hour convenience store!” Kate roars.

“Hey!” Vicky hollers. “That’s not nice…but so true.”

Kate grabs the chair behind her and pulls it in, still holding onto my hand. “I hope you don’t mind that Lex is here. It was hard enough getting a cab at this hour without having to drop him off first, plus he was worried about you. He called Charlie straight away and she sends her best wishes and a message for you: ask for the drugs.”

              I manage to laugh out loud again, not plagued with another contraction yet. They appear to be inconsistent, which is probably a good thing. The doctor still hasn’t turned up, but according to the last nurse that came in, he will be here shortly. It’s a waiting game, and uncertainty was something that made me extremely anxious. I hadn’t even taken the time to research Caesareans, believing I would have a normal vaginal birth. My body temperature begins to rise again, so I shove some ice cubes in my mouth, biting hard to stop panic-ridden Presley from blacking out.

Vicky checks her cell again before placing it back in her purse, turning her attention back on me. “I get why you’re pissed off at him after what Eloise told you. But what did he say or do the night before for you to get so worked up, Pres?”

“Nothing,” I mumble. “It’s not even worth talking about. Just distract me. Tell me what happened with Patrick.”

Once Vicky gets started on Patrick, it’s like listening to a soap opera. Apparently, he separated from his wife because she busted him cheating with some secretary at his firm. Although they aren’t divorced yet, he seems eager to move on with his single life, and Vicky’s name is at the top of his list.

“You’ll be proud of me! I didn’t touch him whatsoever.”

“Good, because I would hate for you to be here one day, pushing out a baby that belongs to a jerk!” I scream suddenly, riding out another contraction that catches me by surprise.

I squeeze both Kate’s and Vicky’s hands, and I only let go when the pain subsides. They let go as soon as I relax again and shake their hands to stop the numbing. I hadn’t realized how tight I was squeezing till I saw their pale white hands.

Exhausted from the tides of pain, I manage to close my eyes for what feels like only a brief moment. Time is lost on me, and when Lex walks back into the room with the doctor, I pray for pain relievers and a positive solution.

“Miss Malone, you’ve gone into early labor and the baby is distressed. We need to operate shortly,” the doctor informs me.

“Wait, operate? You can’t cut me open! That’s why I have a vagina!” I yell, out of breath as I choke, panicking.

The midwife strolls in and takes Vicky’s spot, patting my forehead with a cloth. She talks to me but all I hear is blah, blah, blah. I’m certain I’m going to pass out from the sheer terror of this all. I begin to cry, wanting my mom or sister, someone familiar to comfort me and not this stranger. With Vicky and Kate sent to the waiting area, the pain mixed with my desperate pleas drown out an army of nurses who come into the room and unlock the wheels to my bed.

“We’re going to wheel you to the operating room now.”

The doors open and my girls are to my side with Lex behind them. The sobbing starts again, and I desperately hold onto their arms, not wanting to let go.

“It’s gonna be okay, Pres,” Vicky whispers. “The Jerk hasn’t picked up his phone but I’ll keep trying.”

“I’m scared,” I cry through thin, strained sobs.

“I know, sweetie, but I promise you’ll be okay.”

“How do you know?”

“Because you’re my best friend and you have to be.” She kisses my forehead with tears falling down her cheeks. Kate looks equally distraught but is attempting to smile, reassuring me everything’s going to be okay. Lex stands beside Kate and offers his kind words.

“It’ll be over before you know it and you’ll be holding that beautiful baby of yours in your arms.” He smiles, looking somewhat nostalgic.

“Great, I think someone just got baby fever again,” Kate says as she rolls her eyes at him.

I manage to smile through my tears before their faces disappear down the hall.

There’s something to be said for being a patient in an operating room; it’s the most surreal out-of-body experience there is. The sterile walls and bright lights somehow create a calm before the storm. I’ve zoned out, only barely hearing the distant voices. Things are thrown over me, poke and prod me. When a contraction rocks me to the core, they warn me they are giving me an epidural and the pain is suddenly washed away.

I want to smile.

I want to laugh and run through the fields, dancing and carefree.

What a fucking relief.

In a sea of calm, I stare into the light, blissfully dazed, until the doors burst open and the Jerk rushes in. The guards behind the surgeons are trying to catch him, and when the nurse figures out who he is, they give him a gown and a mask and make him sanitize his hands. He is by my side so fast, with bloodshot eyes surrounded by a thick black bruise; he looks a complete wreck.

The stale stench of alcohol lingers on his breath as he sits closer to me. Jesus, he is drunk.

“Really? This is how you welcome our child into the world? Drunk and covered in dried blood?” I whisper.

“It’s a long story.”

“We’ve got time. In case you haven’t noticed, I ain’t going anywhere anytime soon.”

“I don’t want to get into it now.”

“Why? Because Eloise is pregnant, too?” I spit back, accusing him in front of the entire medical team.

The anesthesiologist tries not to smile, but it’s obvious behind her mask. It doesn’t stop me from asking the questions the Jerk doesn’t want to answer.

“She’s not pregnant, okay? I don’t know why she told you all that,” he answers, sounding short-tempered. “We have a baby to bring into this world, so enough questions, Malone.”

“Well, you’re still a jerk and your roses suck,” I mutter.

He doesn’t respond, focusing on what is happening behind the makeshift wall between my head and my stomach. At this moment, I notice his bloody shirt and split lip for the first time. He grabs my hand and entwines his fingers into mine. It’s not the right moment to pull my hand away from his and start another argument. So I just wait and stare at the ceiling, avoiding his bruised and battered face and my bruised and battered ego.

There’s chatter, chaos, and anticipation around me. Time becomes fuzzy and my eyes continue to watch the lights until the moment my heart jumps out my chest, singing a song of ecstasy. The moment the sound of my baby’s wail breaks the silence, and officially, we welcome a son into the world.

There is joy throughout the room, and I stretch my neck to see the little wrinkly baby lifted into the air, covered in goo. I am besotted and smiling through my tears at the beautiful sight. Moving my head to the left, I watch as they take him away to clean him up, rubbing him vigorously with a towel. Then the nurse wraps him up and calls Haden over. She hands him our son, and with a slow and careful pace, he walks over to me with a gentle smile and brings the baby closer so I can study him properly.

I am in awe.

He is the epitome of beauty, and everything else in my life becomes insignificant because this little baby has completely stolen my heart.

“Say hello to Mommy,” Haden whispers, bringing the baby close to my face. I stare at him in astonishment, and desperate to touch him, I rub my nose along his cheek and smell his soft skin.

He has broken me, but in a good way.

My ill feelings towards Haden wash away at this very moment because of my gratitude.

If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be experiencing a love so great. A love that consumes me whole.

I love him, more than life itself.

The baby, that is.

And maybe, somewhere very deep inside, the Jerk as well.