Chapter 16
Parker lay on the table and looked at the screen as the probe was moved back and forth over her abdomen. Suddenly, the door to the exam room burst open and Kelly stepped through it.
"Sorry," he apologized. "Couldn't find a parking place in the garage."
He walked over to Parker. "Hey. Sorry I'm late."
The tech looked at Parker.
"Let him stay. He's the baby's father."
She regretting having to admit it to anyone, but she knew there would be hell to pay if she didn't let him stay. The last thing she needed was him harping that he wasn't allowed to be in the ultrasound room.
Kelly asked a million questions which both the tech and doctor patiently answered.
"Do we know the sex yet?" he asked.
"NO!" Parker exclaimed. When everyone looked at her, she felt like a total bitch. "I don't want to know. I want to be surprised."
"Well, I do," Kelly insisted.
"We'll write it down for you," the tech said diplomatically.
The rest of the exam was considered successful, and everyone left the room so Parker could have some privacy.
Out in the hallway, the tech handed Kelly a piece of paper. He took it and opened it. He smiled broadly when he saw the word written on it. He stuck the paper in his pocket.
Parker exited the room and started walking down the hall toward the exit.
"Parker!" Kelly called when he spied her.
She stopped and turned, then started walking again. Kelly jogged to keep up with her.
"You could have told me you had an appointment," he said in annoyance.
"Not your business nor concern," she said.
He reached for her arm and caught it, jerking her around to face him. "My baby too, remember? I have the right to know."
"I'm still giving the baby up."
"The Hell you are. I'm not going to let that happen if I have to sue for custody myself."
"Keep your voice down," she hissed. "And you don't have to keep doing this."
"Doing what?" he asked.
"Playing baby daddy. I know you don't give a damn, so stop pretending you're concerned."
"I am concerned, Parker. I want to be involved in this baby's life. So, you'd better get used to me hanging around because I'm not going anywhere."
"Talk is cheap, Kelly. You're gonna have to prove it." She jerked her arm away and walked through the exit door.
Kelly sighed. He pulled out his phone and dialed. "Hey, it's me. Yeah, I was late, but I got there in time to find out that everything is fine, everything is on schedule, and what you're going to be Great Grandma of."
He smiled and nodded his head. "Of course I'll come over and tell you all about it. Want me to bring anything? Yes, I can give you a ride to Bingo later. Of course. I'll be there in about 20."
Twenty minutes later, he pulled up in front of Mary Alice's apartment building. He walked inside and took the elevator up to her floor. He tapped on her door.
"Hiya, Cutie Pie," she greeted as she opened the door.
"Hi, Mary Alice."
He bent down and gave her a hug and a cheek kiss.
"Come in, come in," she invited.
Kelly walked in and closed the door, stopping to lock it.
"So, I have coffee made and I baked a pie this morning. Would you like a piece?"
"I'd love one and if I didn't know any better, I'd swear you were trying to fatten me up."
"You're too skinny, Kelly. Built like a brick shithouse, but you're still too skinny."
"Mary Alice, are you flirting with me?"
"Of course not. You're my Granddaughter's boy. I'm just stating a fact."
"Yeah, well, about that. Parker's not very receptive to me being around. And she's still talking about adoption."
"She's still scared, Kelly. She will come around by the time the baby gets here."
"You sure about that?"
"Kelly, not am I totally sure about that, I can guarantee it. No come, have some coffee and pie."
"You are an amazing woman, Mary Alice. I wish you really were my Grandma."
"I will be one day. And yes, I am sure about that too."