Her Secret Affair

Chapter 32

"I know," he sighed.

"You know already? So she told you?" Frankie asked, surprised. "Why hadn't Brie said anything?" he thought.

"No, she didn't. But it's not hard to figure out she's pregnant when she keeps running to the bathroom whenever I make coffee in the mornings."

They remained silent for a while.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Why didn't you come for her all these years? Why now?'

"I thought she was happy with you," he answered simply.

Joseph slowly nodded his head in understanding.

"I guess I will be seeing a lot of you. You know, with Nicky that is."

"Joseph, you do not have to worry about Nicky. I will not treat him any different than my own. And I will never replace you as his father in his life. You have my word on that."

"That I know. Brie won't let you," he smiled.

The two men looked at each other. Neither had ever expected to be talking so calmly about something like this. Frankie stood up and extended his hand, Joseph took it in his and gave him a firm shake.

"I'll see you around."

**********

Brianna stood pacing the living room. She was determined to tell Joseph she is leaving when he got home. "Where is he?" she thought looking at the time. It was already past six o'clock and he wasn't home yet.

It was almost seven o'clock when she heard him open the door.

"Where have you been? I was starting to get worried."

"I just went to the bar for a beer."

"Are you drunk?" she exclaimed.

"No, I just had two beers." He looked at her solemnly and walked towards her. As he reached her, he hesitated slightly before pulling her to him and held her tightly in his arms.

"Jo, what's got into you?"

"I just wanted a hug, that's it. Have you eaten?" he asked.

"No, not yet. I was going to prepare something light afterward. Joe, can we talk? There is something I need to tell you," she said, twisting her fingers nervously.

Joseph had thought about this moment all day since Frankie left his office. He thought about whether to pretend he doesn't know. He thought about insisting that the child may be his and refuse to let her go. But in the end, he didn't want to be cruel, that's not who is was. 

"You have to eat properly for the baby," he said softly as shock registered on her face.

"You know?"

"You haven't been well these past few days, especially each time I made coffee in the morning," he smiled sadly.

"I'm so sorry," she sobbed.

"When are you going to him?" he asked.

"As soon as we talk to Nicky. He doesn't have to come with me immediately. I thought we could take it slow with him, give him time to adjust."

"Ok, I'll have mum bring him over tomorrow.

**********

7 months later...

"Jo, I need your help," Brianna cried frantically as Joseph picked up his phone.

"What's wrong? Are you ok?"