My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 217

Evelyn

His words sank in, and they still hurt-not because I didn't trust him, but because I did. Because I believed every word he said. Because I'd always believe him, even when he was the one who hurt me. And yet, here I was, crying in his arms like a wreck.

But how could I blame him? He had been scared too.

I never once felt like a burden-my father never made me feel that way. But Jacob? The very first stage of his life had been nothing but torment. He had every reason to fear the word father because his own had carved scars into him before Rosaline and Enzo found him, before he ever had a chance to heal.

I didn't know how this realization settled in, but as I felt his breath tremble, his body shake ever so slightly-so slightly, as if he was trying to suppress it just to keep mine steady-it suddenly hit me.

He was human too.

He had been a child too.

He had been terrified too.

"Do you... do you think it was easy for me to make this decision?" My voice cracked as more tears streamed down my face. "Do you think I wasn't scared? That I didn't feel like my entire world was caving in?" I sniffled, "I did, Jacob. I was terrified. I wanted to run. I wanted to cry. But then..." I took a shuddering breath. "Then I realized this is our child. A part of us. And as parents, how could we ever abandon them?"

He remained silent. His thumb traced slow, soothing circles on my side, his lips pressing soft kisses against my temple as I poured my heart out.

"I know it must have been hard for you," I murmured, "because of your past, because of him." I swallowed, my throat raw. "Maybe it wasn't as hard for me, but Jacob... being a mother is terrifying too. It was the hardest decision I've ever made. I doubted myself—if I could be good enough, if I could handle this, if I could keep our lives the same... But I still chose this. And not because I believed in myself." I met his gaze, my voice barely above a whisper. "I believed in us."

He exhaled sharply, his grip on me tightening.

"Do you not believe in us, Jacob?" I asked. "Do you really think I wouldn't stand by you when you're at your lowest? When your past haunts you? When you're struggling? Why won't you ever let me in?"

"I believe in us, baby," he whispered. "Trust me, I fucking do." His arms curled around me, crushing me to him. "I was just... scared." His voice was raw, breaking at the edges. "I thought I'd turn into him. That something dark would take over me, that I'd lose control and hurt you. Hurt our baby. I didn't want that I didn't want to be him."

I felt his lips tremble against my temple

"But if there's anyone in this world I trust, it's you." He exhaled, his breath warm against my skin. "I know you can anchor me. I know you'd do anything for me, even if it meant hurting yourself to keep me safe. That's what scared me the most. I didn't want your love to become your destruction."

My chest ached at his words.

slowing. "I want nothing

believe you, baby," he murmured, firmer this time. "I believe you more than I believe in myself." He let out a shaky breath. "I was just scared. And I'm sorry, Evelyn. For everything I said. For everything I did." He buried his face in my shoulder. "I swear, I never meant a single word of it. I wanted this baby from the very start—I just kept denying it. I tried convincing myself otherwise, but it didn't work. The moment you walked out of that apartment, the second you disappeared into that elevator... all I could think about was you. You and our baby." His voice

he know, he didn't even need

my mind, I'd already given him that

the moment he slid behind me and

slowly turned to face him. His eyes were glassy with unshed tears, his

his gaze and whispered, "So you're not going to ask me to abort

face before he cupped my cheek, his thumb gently wiping away my

"Never," he murmured.

lingering kiss to my

no matter what

change our baby's diapers?" I asked

played on his lips.

"And apply lotion?"

grew. "Yes,

help me put

"Yes. Always."

with me during labor when I'd be ugly crying and

"I won't leave. Not even for a second." His thumb

my bottom lip, worrying it between my teeth, but then I exhaled and pressed my forehead to his. "Then

I felt him physically relax. His entire body seemed to exhale in one long, unsteady breath, as if he had been holding it in for

tight embrace, his arms locking around me as if he never wanted to

curling into his shirt. "I

chuckle rumbled in his chest. "I love you

in his dark eyes. I felt his hand inch toward my stomach before he hesitated, looking back at me. "Can

I smiled. "Of course."

over my belly,

skin. His to

light, almost

yet," he murmere's

s