My Unborn Daughter Warned Me Not To Marry Him Chapter 04
The Bride Switch
Josh comes home while I’m zipping up my suitcase.
His face changes. He grabs my wrist. Hard.
“Autumn. Are you done yet with this bullshit?”
“You had depression too. You of all people should get where she’s coming from.”
“She’s fragile. I’m only with her because I’m trying to help her heal.”
“Do you know what your little stunt today did? She climbed out on the roof. She almost jumped.”
A laugh bubbles up. I can’t stop it.
“Josh. Why are you worried? Prince Charming’s right here. Go save her.”
He exhales. Long and slow. His voice drops softly.
“Baby. Stop. You’re gonna hurt the baby.”
Daddy, you don’t love me! Dawn screams. Don’t you dare use me to trick her!
He can’t hear her. He keeps going. Puts on the devoted-fiancé face.
“The wedding’s next week, sweetheart. Don’t blow up our whole life over Sloane.”
“I swear, the second she’s better, I’ll end it. You are the only woman I love. Trust me. Okay?”
He tucks his face into my neck. Nuzzles me.
Like a snake sliding up my throat.
I shove him off.
“Josh. Since your body’s such powerful medicine, it seems selfish to only give it to Sloane. Why don’t you run a whole damn harem? Heal the world.”
His face closes.
He pinches the bridge of his nose.
“Take a few days. Cool off. Sloane has nightmares when she’s like this. I need to go.I’ll see you at the wedding.”
I plant my feet.
“There is no wedding, Josh. We are done.”
He gives a soft, mean little laugh.
“Autumn. Guys in my position don’t just have one woman.”
“But the wife slot, that’s yours. Always. I owe you that much. You gave me my start.”
Dawn’s voice is ice: Yeah. You never divorced. Even when I died. Even when Mom was locked away.
Everyone called you the devoted husband. Nobody asked why she went crazy.
I step back.
He steps forward. Looks down at me.
“Autumn. Come on. Be smart. Where would a girl like you even go without me?”
His hand slides to my belly. His mouth curls.
“Besides. You wanted this baby for so long. You wouldn’t hurt her. Right?”
I look up at him. My vision blurs.
“You’re threatening me with our baby?”
He just looks at me.
That look is the answer.
—
After he leaves, I sit in the dark. I don’t know how long.
Dawn is crying. Hard.
Mommy. I told you. I don’t wanna be born.
Why? Why do you always cave for me? This life, the last life, every single time.
Please. Please just let me go. Walk away. Don’t stay for me.
I run my palm over my belly. Slow. Gentle.
“Baby. Listen to me.”
“Last time? What broke us wasn’t me staying for you. It was me staying for *him*. Because I couldn’t let go.”
“Mommy did that to us. Not this time. I promise.”
I pick up my phone.
I dial a number I swore I’d never dial.
My voice comes out weirdly steady.
“Sloane. Let’s make a deal.”
—
Saturday morning. The wedding goes on right on schedule.
Josh walks into the venue. The bride is already in her dress. Veil down. Sitting quiet in the bridal suite.
His shoulders drop a little. Relief.
He crosses the room. Reaches for the veil. Leans in for a kiss.
The bride turns her face away. Muffled voice.
“Bad luck.”
Josh laughs, soft.
“Okay, baby. Whatever you say. This wedding is gonna be perfect.”
“Us. Our baby. Forever. Nothing’s ever gonna break us.”
The bride’s shoulders twitch.
Josh just thinks she’s nervous. He pats her hair.
The ceremony rolls. Smooth as silk. All the way to:
“You may now kiss the bride.”
Josh smiles. He lifts the veil.
His whole body locks up.
“Sloane?! What the hell are you doing here?!”
—