Of Mountains and Men: A Why Choose Romance

Chapter 21

Lindy catches on a week later, when I rush to the bathroom after a kid spills his apple sauce. The smallest things are making me vomit, it's getting quite annoying. When it's naptime for our younger group she pulls me into the back room.

"You're knocked up!" She accuses whisper yelling.

I feel a deep blush take over my face, "Guilty. I only found out last week. Before you ask, no I'm not telling them. It's been a month, if they cared even a fraction of what they claimed then they would have called me. I refuse to use our child as a way to lure them back in." I wag my finger at her.

Her mouth drops open, "Girl, think of the child support alone even if the father doesn't want to claim the child."

I shake my head, "This baby will be loved and given everything I can give her...or him. Just like I do with Charley."

She rolls her eyes, "I think you should at least think about it. Don't say no, just think about it. That baby could have a whole lot more than you'll ever be able to give."

With that, I break into tears bawling my eyes out. "You don't think I know that? I just, I can't stomach the idea that they'd only be back for the child. They left and haven't thought of me once, I can't stand the heartbreak again, I just can't."

I stand up, going to the bathroom to wash my face. I can't stand to look at my big watery red eyes. It's too embarrassing, I know in my heart I'm making the right choice for me. I groan closing the lid of the toilet seat, plopping down to hang my head in my hands. Is it what's right for my baby though? Lindy is right, this baby could have everything they dream of. Would I just be selfish and stunning their potential by not allowing them to know their dad?

I cry for a few more minutes before washing my face again and heading back out to watch over the sleeping toddlers.

Lindy gives me a gentle hug, "I'll always be here for you." She whispers.

I nod, mouthing, 'thank you'. I don't want to cut any of their thirty-minute nap short. Most of the parents won't be picking them up until three. I guess the snow is perfect today. I already long for spring to start making its appearance. For the first time, I'm over the snow.

I gaze out the window wishing it would all melt already, since it's only February we have another two months to go. I hear a yawn, looking over to see that our quiet time is already over. One of the little girls stretches looking around lost.

I smile, picking her up I take her over to the snack table checking the label on a sippy cup before handing over the water to her. She snuggles into my arms drinking her water. I can't wait for another baby.

...

I let another two weeks pass by, before the decision is made for me. I receive an email from Andrew telling me 'Congratulations! I see your business is taking off, I hope all is well. -Andrew'

That is all he said, not anything intimate. Fuck it, I'm going to send them my lab results letting them know I'm six weeks pregnant. I attach the document with my results, and the ultrasound. I write and 'Congratulations are in order for you as well.' I hit send and hold my breath. It's Saturday, maybe he doesn't even read his emails on the weekend. I sigh, looking out the window at the slowly melting snow piles. One thing I did invest in is making a parking space from bricks with a walkway to the house. I hope to one day have a garage put in or a carport, so I'm not out scrapping snow with two little children.

I smile picturing all the little changes I want to make to the property. I'll actually be able to do it, in a reasonable time. Andrew really gave me the lift I needed to become independent and so far, successful.

Charley is fixing a cabinet with his tool kit and listening to the Lion King which for some reason is the only movie he'll watch at the moment. I decide to call Lindy and tell her about the email.

"Charlotte? Are you alright? You never call on the weekend."

"New phone, it has unlimited text and calls and is still prepaid. It's so weird. Oh, yeah. Andrew sent me an email congratulating me on my business." I scoff at the last part.

There is silence for a few moments before Lindy, huffs. "That was probably sent from Allen. He usually handles Andrew's businesses."

I arch a brow looking at the phone for a moment, "Have you been talking to Allen lately?"

She quiet again before letting out a girlish giggle, "I didn't want to upset you." She starts all breathy. "I decided to drunk call him a huge explanation of all of my faults and somehow he called me back the next afternoon and we've been talking everyday."

"Oh, I'm happy for you." I say automatically. I want to grill her on what she's told him about me, I restrain myself.

"I am super happy!" She squeals! "I'm so glad he gave me another chance, he's amazing. I just wish we could see each other. Video calls only go so far you know."

I take a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "That's amazing that you're back together." I say again, "Alright, well I'm going to let you go see you Monday."

"Bye hun!" She says hanging up.

I grab my coat and boots, yelling over my shoulder I'll be right back. I stomp over to the barn, opening one of the double doors. It squeaks as it opens, I should oil that soon. The inside is dry, the four stalls are still filled with old hay. I should really clean this all out, even if we don't have any livestock at the moment. I pace the aisleway, has she been talking to Allen about my sulking? Has he said anything to Andrew?

I throw my hands about my head, cussing quietly to myself. I want answers damnit! I pull up my email, still no response. I might go crazy until I know something! I sit down on the dusty bench by the feed room. Actually, knowing Lindy she probably hasn't brought me up at all. She's kind of self-absorbed that way, it's more likely she hasn't said anything.

I groan pacing again, if they knew and were ignoring it that would make this their fault not mine. I sigh, at least I sent that email telling them. I'm not being a completely terrible mother. With that conclusion I head back into the house to make dinner and try not to check my phone every five minutes.