Do It Again

Chapter 33

"What are you doing on the floor?" Rocky asked, stopping my conversation with Riker.

"I wanted to see the kids." I said to the floor.

"And she was about to tell me something." Riker said quickly. "What is it?"

"Come on." Rocky picked me up off the floor. "I'll get them for you. I told you to wait."

"You were taking forever." I whined.

"You could have waited another minute." He set me back in the chair. "Are you hurt?"

I moved the blanket over. "Just my ego. I could have gotten them myself."

"Ashley." Riker tried to get my attention. "Are you just gonna act like we weren't just talking?"

I looked slowly up at Rocky. "Will you give us a second?"

"Are you sure?" He whispered. "I'd rather be in here with you."

"Please?" I took his hand. "It will be ok."

He lingered for a second. "I'll go see if Ross needs help with the groceries."

I waited until Rocky left the room and I heard him going down the stairs before I looked at Riker.

"Are you finally gonna tell me?" He crossed his arms.

"Pick me up." I held my hands out to him.

"Why?" He took a step toward me.

"I have my reasons. Pick me up." I repeated.

Riker didn't think twice before he lifted me out of the rocking chair and into his arms.

"I need to tell you something." I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"We've already been over that part. I just never got to find out what you need to tell me."

"You're not gonna be happy." I didn't want to tell him.

"Can I know what I'm not gonna be happy about?"

"Please don't yell." I didn't want my voice to crack.

"Ashley, you're scaring me. What is it?"

"Riker, I'm pregnant."

He froze. "No you're not."

"What?" I was confused.

"You're just messing with me again. Just like you said you were really a brunette. Come on, tell me what you're really keeping from me."

"Riker, I'm not kidding this time. I really am pregnant."

"Is it Blake's?" His jaw tightened.

"Why does everyone assume that?" I said more to myself.

"Everyone? Who else knows? Why didn't you tell me first?"

"Rocky, Ross, Blake, Brittany, Ryland, and my mom."

"Blake and Ryland know before me? Why? Why wouldn't you tell me? Whose is it?" He was getting angry.

"I didn't want to hurt you." I fought back tears. "The baby is Rocky's."

"Didn't want to hurt me." He repeated. "What makes you think that's a good excuse? Why do Blake and Ryland know? What was the significance of that?"

"I was living with Blake for how long and I was with Ryland a lot at the hotel."

"So that's why you got sick when I spun you. How far along are you?"