His Unexpected Exception

Tonight was the night. The night I was going to ask Kadence to marry me. I finish looking over myself in the mirror when my mom walked in the room. She grabs the ring off my dresser and hands it to me before she starts tugging at my jacket making sure it looked right on me.

Mom: Are you sure Vince?

Me: Positive.

Mom: I hope you're not just marrying her because she's pregnant.

Me: Mom, I love her. She means the world to me and her carrying our child is just a bonus.

She places her hand on my cheek and smiles.

Mom: Well, she's one lucky girl.

Me: She's ready to pop. She's honestly due any minute. I can't wait to be there when he's born.

Mom: I can't believe I'm having a grandbaby.

Me: Hopefully many more. I'm so nervous I hope she says yes.

Mom: She'd be crazy not to! Now go on!

I kiss my mom and head out the door. Everything was going great. I had just made partner at the law firm I was working at, she was pregnant. All that was missing was her saying yes to my proposal. I stop by a flower shop and buy her some red tulips. It was her favorite flower. I had everything planned out perfectly. We were going to have a nice dinner, and I was going to ask her to dance and in the middle of the dance floor get on one knee and propose. I arrived at the restaurant where I made reservations and the hostess escorts me to the table. I sit there waiting for Kadence to show up. I had told her to arrive at seven. I check my watch it was only fifteen minutes past seven. I pull the ring out and smile. The waiter came over.

Waiter: A glass of wine sir?

Me: O-Oh yes please.

He poured me a glass of Chardonnay.

Me: Thank you.

He bowed then walked away. I took a sip of my wine before checking my watch again. Ten more minutes had gone by. I pulled my phone out and try calling Kadence, but she didn't answer so I left her a voicemail.

Me: Hey honey. Was just calling to check on you. I know we had dinner reservations tonight and was just wondering if you forgot. Anyways, I'm here waiting so call me back.

I hung up the phone. The waiter came back and offered me more wine. I check my watch again, and it was a little past eight. I try calling again and still nothing. I start tapping my fingers on the table. The waiter came back again.

Waiter: Sir would you like to order?

Me: Not yet. I'm waiting for someone.

Waiter: Understood sir.

He bows again and walks off. Where could she be? Was she in labor? Why wouldn't she call me though. I try calling her parents, but they wouldn't answer either. I couldn't take it anymore. I set some money on the table along with a generous tip and head to her parents' place. Before I could even knock, I could see through the window she was having dinner with her parents. There was another man sitting next to her. She didn't have any siblings. She wouldn't...would she? I shake the thought from my head when my phone starts ringing. It was my mother.

Me: Hello?

Mom: You need to come home.

Me: I'm checking on Kadence.

Mom: Forget her! We have a serious situation here at the house!

My mother knew what tonight meant and her demanding I get home wasn't sitting well. I got back in my car and drove home. When I got home, I opened the door to find my mom sitting on the couch with a newborn baby in her arms.

Me: Who is that?

Mom: Kadence came by.

Me: When?!

My mother had a pained expression on her face.

Mom: She wasn't showing up tonight.

Me: Why?

She hands me a note. "Sorry, there's someone else." I read the words over and over again. I look at the baby my mother was holding.

Me: T-That's --.

Mom: Your son.

I take him in my arms and take a seat on the couch. I was breaking down mentally and emotionally on the inside. But I refused to show it. My mother wrapped her arm around my shoulder.

Mom: You boys deserve better.

Me: I'll give him everything.

I sat in my office looking at the reminder from the day my heart turned to ice. No one since that day had even been able to get close to me or Donovan. I wasn't going to let anyone hurt him. My mother helped me raise him. She watched him late into the night as she didn't want to disturb my work. Around the time Donovan turned one, I opened up my own law firm and within a year it had blossomed into a multi-million-dollar company. Unfortunately, she had passed shortly after, and I lost the last ounce of support I had. No matter what sitter I hired, they never lasted. Most days, I brought Donovan to the office, and he sat on the floor playing with his toys. I had a meeting, so I called for my secretary to keep an eye on him. She walks in my office.

Tissy: Yes, Mr. Trescott?

Me: Can you watch Donovan? I have a meeting with Ray Grantson.

Tissy: Of course, sir.

I grab my briefcase and kneel in front of Donovan.

Me: I'll be back in a little bit.

Donovan: Ok, daddy.

Me: Behave.

I kiss his forehead and head to my meeting. When I arrived, to my meeting and he looked drunk. The room reeked of alcohol. I take my seat this wasn't going to be long.

Me: Mr. Grantson, you do know under the guidelines of your release you are not to consume alcohol.

Ray: Ah! So what?!

I cross my arms.

Me: My company's reputation is on the line and if my client won't comply them neither will I.

Ray: Ah! Shut up and get the charges dropped!

I was not about to let some drunken buffoon destroy everything I built for me and my son.

Me: Well, since you can't act your age, I'll act mine. Mr. Grantson, I'm dropping your case.

Ray: Y-You can't...*burp*...do t-that.

Me: I can and I just did. Have a good day Mr. Grantson.

I stand up and grab my suitcase heading back to my office. When I open the door, Tissy was sitting in my chair wearing the wedding ring. I look around and don't see Donovan.

Me: WHERE IS MY SON?!

She jumps up.

Tissy: H-He was--.

She starts looking around in a panic.

Tissy: He c-can't be far.

Suddenly I hear a squeak sound. It was from his firetruck he never went to bed without. I follow the sound and he was behind a fake plant in my office. I walk over and pick him up. She comes running over.

Tissy: oh thank god.

I refuse to look at her.

Me: You had one job. Simple task. Keep an eye on my son.

Tissy: I'm so sorry Mr. Trescott. It won't happen again.

Me: I know it won't.

I hold my hand out.

Me: Take it off.

She looks confused for a moment before she looks at her hand and takes the ring off.

Me: You're fired. You have twenty minutes to get your desk cleared before I call security. And don't you dare put me down as a reference.

She rushes out of my office. I set a timer. I lay Donovan on the couch as I started to gather up his toys. I finish a few things then pick him up out the door. As soon as I step off the elevator my timer goes off. I look to see she was still packing. I turn to a nearby security guard.

Me: See Ms. Jones out. Whatever isn't in that box can go in the trash.

Guard: Yes sir.

I head out to the car as I hear her start demanding to finish packing before it turns into a screaming match against no one. I get Donovan in his car seat and head home.