SWNOVELS Chapter My CEO 397
397 The DNA Results (Winona)
The envelope the courier just dropped in is in my hands. My hands are buzzing. I have been praying and wishing for these results to make life slightly less complicated.
But that's not how my life generally goes. But I'm determined to hope. There's more chance Jayden is the father. Law of averages. All I have to do is open it and read what's inside.
My stomach flips and I feel ill. I sit down on the sofa and close my eyes.
Please God, let this be the answer I want. The answer need. The answer my family needs. Just this once. I swear I will never fuck it up again.
I finger the envelope, holding all the answers. Finally, I rip it open, my heart pounds as I skim over the words.
Positive match.
Oh. My. God.
There it is, in black and white. Jayden is the father of this baby. We did the impossible again! But will I get to be a mother to this tiny life inside me? How do I cope with the worry and pressure of an impossible pregnancy?
The relief crashes over me all the same. Jayden's the father. It's really happening; this baby is ours. I can't help the grin that spreads across my face, my fingers trembling as I close the envelope and tuck it away. Tonight, I'll tell him. Face to face, just like I've wanted.
Everything I've been so afraid of, all the doubts, can finally rest. Jayden's coming home tonight, even if just for 24 hours, and I can tell him I'm pregnant.
A knock on the door snaps me back, and I quickly tuck the envelope into a drawer before heading to answer it. Lisa's standing there, a grin stretching across her face.
"Well, Matteo!" she says, stepping inside with a dramatic flourish. "What an absolute dream!"
"I told you."
"Wait, any news?"
"Nope. Nothing yet." I want to tell Jayden I'm pregnant first.
Lisa and Lance can wait for the news and as long as they don't mention anything to Jayden about a pregnancy scare, all will go down easy.
"Lisa, I don't ever want this doubt about paternity mentioned to Jayden. If he has to have that news, it comes from me only. If I can avoid him having that news for now, I'd prefer that." "Sure."
I make a mental note to make sure Lance knows that too.
"I think I'm pregnant just from Matteo's wink." She sighs.
1/3
397 The DNA Results
+25 BONUS
"I'm guessing you need coffee?"
"I've had some sleep. I behaved... mostly. But coffee would be nice."
We head to the island counter in the kitchen.
Lisa leans against the counter with a dreamy look in her eyes. "Matteo Ricci. Honestly, I don't think I've ever met anyone quite like him. The accent alone could melt an iceberg. And he's just..."
She pauses, searching for the words, then laughs. "It's like he knows exactly how to look at you. Not in that sleazy way some guys do, but like he's actually listening, like he's reading your mind. I swear, if he'd asked me to marry him on the spot, I'd have said yes." I laugh, shaking my head. "Lisa, as if you would have."
"Yeah okay, but he's Italian," she says, as if that explains everything. "They're practically born knowing how to sweep a woman off her feet. And he's got this way of saying my name-like, 'Leeee-sa, with that rolling 'L,' like he's tasting it."
"Okay girl, he's got you bad. But he is like that. I was mesmerized by him. Jayden seemed amused. He likes Matteo a lot and he even said he was the Italian version of Lance."
"Wow, Mr. Jealousy took that in his stride. Maybe he is growing up. But yes, I get that Matteo is likely a player. I'm just having some fun."
"He is very attentive, it makes a nice change."
"I know right? He held the door for me, pulled out my chair, and paid attention like there was no one else in the room. I totally get why a man like that is every woman's dream." I raise an eyebrow. "Since when are you the romantic type?"
"Oh, I'm still not. But, Winona, I can't help it with Matteo. He's that perfect mix of charm and intensity. And he's funny too, which is just unfair."
I laugh again, watching her face light up. "So you're saying he's a keeper?"
"If he didn't live across the ocean, I'd probably be planning our wedding," she says with a grin. "But honestly, I'm just happy to meet someone who knows how to treat a woman." "Preach!"
Lisa laughs. "It's like he was born knowing how to make a woman feel special." "That sure isn't our men. I'm not sure Jayden gets it completely yet." I smile. "Oh, please, he dotes on you," she retorts. "He's really got it together lately."
"Yes and leave it up to me to ruin that with hall pass week."
"No more 'what-ifs' remember? Wait until you know for sure."
"Yes." I can barely contain the excitement, but I keep it tucked away for now.
Just a few more hours, and this secret I've been holding onto will finally be his too. Then I don't have to face the possibility of losing this much-wanted life inside me alone. 2/3
397 The DNA Results
"You're lucky. You really are. And I know you two are everything." She gives me a soft smile. "So, here's to
I nod, my heart swelling with excitement and anticipa
Tonight, when Jayden walks through that door, everyt