Military Daddies’ Nanny (Lucky Women’s Daddies Reverse Harem #1)

Chapter 21

Nancy

The doctor's words seem to hang in the air like a lead weight, slowly sinking in. "You're pregnant."

Pregnant. I'm...pregnant?

A dizzying swirl of emotions crashes over me—shock, elation, disbelief. And beneath it all, a persistent thread of fear and uncertainty.

Because as monumental as this news is on its own, one fact looms above the others: I have no idea whose child I'm carrying. I've been intimate with all three men—Carlos, Nathan, and Drew. Any one of them could be the father.

The thought of Drew twists something deep in my gut. It’s an ache I can't quite put voice to. Just this morning, he was ready to discard whatever we have, to turn his back on this beautiful, tangled family we've built for the slim possibility of reuniting with his ex-wife.

Now this. A baby, our baby, will tie us together irrevocably whether he wants it or not.

"Ms. Jones?" The doctor's voice filters through the fog swirling in my mind. "I know this is...well, overwhelming can't begin to cover it. But we should discuss next steps."

Mutely, I nod, hugging my arms around my midsection. Beneath my palms, my belly is still smooth, still soft. There’s no outward sign yet of the profound change taking place within.

A million questions clamor for purchase within me, each more insistent than the last. Is the baby okay? What are my options here, if I even have any? What about the fathers? Should I tell them? Can I...?

I’m still fighting with these questions as I watch the color drain from the faces of the two men. Carlos and Nathan simply...stare at me, twin masks of shock on their faces, leaving them unnaturally still.

I nearly flinch beneath the weight of their shared gazes, the desire to flee fluttering like a trapped bird in my ribcage.

Jamie is the one who breaks the silence. “You’re pregnant…”

Her eyes are wide with shock as she comes to stand in front of me. I nod and look at the guys who still remain still like statues, clearly processing the gravity of the news.

Then, finally, Carlos blinks—once, twice—before jolting back into motion. He closes the distance between us in two long strides until he's looming above me, gently pushing Jamie aside. She moves away without a fuss, understanding clouding her gaze.

What will I do without her?

Carlos reaches out as if to touch me, only to falter at the last second, hands hovering an inch from my shoulders. "You're... mamacita , are you sure?"

I nod numbly, fresh tears stinging my eyes. "I told you, the doctor confirmed it."

Carlos drags a hand through his dark hair, mouth twisting around words I can't decipher. Nathan, for his part, stays rooted where he stands, expression unreadable.

"And..." Carlos swallows audibly, shoulders rising with a fortifying breath. "Is it...?"

He trails off, but the implication rings clear. Whose baby is it?

In my wildest dreams, I never could have anticipated a scenario like this. It’s both a nightmare and an answered prayer all at once. Because how do you choose, when your heart yearns equally for three different men?

Seeming to sense my anguish, the doctor steps forward, drawing their attention. "We don't have a definitive way to determine paternity this early on," she says in a tone of practiced calm. "We can do an amniocentesis around sixteen weeks if you'd like, or run DNA tests once the baby is born. But without knowing Ms. Jones's exact ovulation window..."

Her voice washes over me, practical and detached. I should pay attention, ask questions, absorb the information being presented. But somewhere between the doctor's reassuring cadence and the pounding of blood in my ears, I drift.

Because suddenly, the enormity of my situation doesn't seem to matter quite as much as one simple, overwhelming need.

I can’t tell Drew. Not now, when he’s made up his mind to return to his ex. Letting him know about the baby will do nothing more than complicate things further for him and his family.

Fresh panic lances through me at the mere thought. How can I involve him, the man who was prepared to sever all ties between us mere hours ago, in something this significant? This life-altering?

And yet...part of me rebels against the notion of excluding him. Of not, at the very least, affording him the chance to claim what is just as likely to be his.

My head is pounding in double-time with my pulse by the time I tune back into the conversation around me. Carlos and Nathan have drifted closer, eyes trained on the doctor with rapt focus as she runs through some point or another.

At my almost inaudible sniffle, however, their attention snaps back to me like a rubber band finally reaching its terminal stretch.

"Hey." Carlos's hand finds mine, thumb rubbing soothing circles across my knuckles. "You still with us, mamacita ?"

I swallow hard, mustering what little composure remains. When I meet his concerned gaze, my voice comes out steadier than I'd anticipated. "I would like it if we could please keep this from Drew."

Another weighted pause stretches between the three of us. Then…

"Nancy..." Nathan steps closer, jaw tight. "I know why you’re saying this. I know my brother well enough to know that he’s barely holding it together with Karen showing up again and the relationship we’d begun to build. This would simply add another layer of complexity…but still, not telling him is a bit…”

I look to Jamie for support, to be sure that I’m making the right decision, and not just letting my hurt decide. I filled her in on everything when she met me at the hospital and so, she knows exactly why I’m making this decision.

Her eyes fill with compassion and she shakes her head to let me know I’m not going overboard.

Carlos sighs and nods, picking up where Nathan leaves off. “This is not the kinda thing you want to keep from Drew. I know him well enough to assure you that keeping this from him will not go well for any of us.”

"I know, I know." The placating words spill free, fueled more by instinct than rationality. "But you said it yourself. He can’t afford to know, right?” I look from Nathan to Carlos.

“You know Drew. He doesn’t strike me as someone who makes impulse decisions. If he decided to make things work with Karen, then he probably gave it a lot of thought, right? Now, can you tell me with certainty that Drew would go through with that decision if he finds out about this child?” I ask tersely.

The two men exchange a look, and I see the truth of things in their eyes. To keep Drew, all I have to do is tell him about the child. But I don’t want him like that. I’ve never been capable of such manipulation and even if by some miracle I could pull it off, I don’t want to. I deserve better than that. So I’d rather let him go. He made his choice already.

“He still deserves to know,” Nathan says. “If there's even a chance that he could be the...you can't hide this from him, Nancy. Not in good conscience.”

“Not to butt into whatever this is, but I’ve never known Nancy to make a decision she does not have a good reason for. If she doesn’t think it’s a good idea to tell Drew anything about this, then I think it’s best if you honor her decision. At least for now,” Jamie says.

The last part is clearly added for the guys’ benefit after the deep frown that settles on their faces and the sudden tension in the room following the secret I’m asking them to keep from Drew.

There's an impasse between us, two opposing views locked in a silent tug-of-war. Then, unexpectedly, it's Carlos who breaks the stalemate.

"He’s right, Nancy." His voice is a low rumble, gaze unflinching as it clashes with mine. "I don't like it any more than you do, but he's right. If this is Drew's kid, we don’t get to make that call…" He trails off, shaking his head grimly.

I feel my heart begin to beat faster. Are they going to tell him anyway?

Jamie frowns as she notices my distress. “Can you two put yourself in Nancy’s shoes for one second? She’s already been rejected, and now it’s going to seem like she’s forcing him to change his mind. Would you want to be chosen only because there is no other choice?”

Both men wear grim expressions, Nathan frowning and Carlos pressing his lips together. I look at both of them pleadingly, hoping they can understand.

Carlos gives in first. “Jamie’s right. It’s your news to share, and we won’t say anything to Drew about this."

Nathan turns to his friend as though to protest, but just holds Carlos' stare for a few heartbeats, silent conversation passing between them. Then, finally releasing a slow sigh, his shoulders slump ever so slightly.

"Okay," he says after a beat. "Okay, we don’t tell him. But I’d like to point out that this is a bad idea."

Neither Nathan nor Carlos looks particularly thrilled by the prospect. I can hardly blame them. After Drew's rash proclamations earlier, I don't precisely relish being the one to dump another bombshell on him either.

And yet, I cannot escape the fear that not telling him is a mistake. No matter how Drew might react in the heat of the moment, he still has a right to know. And my child deserves a father.

All of them.

Even Drew.

Maybe he’ll find out about the child much later. For now, I have no intentions of telling him about it. A part of me, traitor that it is, actually believes that Bella and Jason need their mother. I try to tell myself I’m doing this for them, but I know it’s a lie.

As if sensing my resolution, Carlos gives my hand a firm squeeze. "Whatever you decide, mamacita ," he murmurs, the gentleness in his tone at odds with the intensity burning in his brown eyes. "We're with you every step of the way, okay? You've got us now."

"All of us," Nathan echoes, his gaze drifting meaningfully to my abdomen for a fleeting second.

The reality of the situation hits me anew, leaving me unsteady and breathless. I'm going to have a baby. Carlos and Nathan's baby.

Or...or Drew's .

The prospect is terrifying, exhilarating, and utterly overwhelming. Part of me yearns to curl inward, to shelter myself from the upheaval I know is yet to come.

But a larger part? The part that's been slowly blossoming in the sunshine of Carlos, Nathan, and Drew's steadfast care?

That part is ready. More than ready, even if Drew’s decision more than means our relationship as we know it has come to an end.

Because having their child—no matter whose biology won out in the genetic lottery—is a dream I've held close, quieting the persistent ache that's haunted me ever since, well ever since before all of this started, really.

Bracing myself, I blow out a long, slow breath and lift my chin.

"We aren’t telling Drew," I say, keeping my voice even and strong. "He deserves to know the truth, yes. But I don’t think this is the right time to tell him."

Carlos and Nathan exchange a look, but nod in solemn agreement. I try not to dwell on how much more difficult this might have been without their unhesitating support.

"All right." Nathan scrubs a hand down his face, jaw set in a firm line. “Karen really couldn’t have picked up a worse time to remember her maternal instincts, and the next few weeks are going to be weird for sure."

Nathan gets a call and slides his phone out of his pocket. “It’s the garage,” he mutters.

He walks off until his voice no longer carries to my ears. His frame is tense as he speaks. This must be difficult for him, feeling like he’s betraying his brother. At least, that’s how I feel, although I have a right to keep this away from him with all that’s happened lately. Carlos follows him, a comforting hand patting his shoulder.

Fingers wrap around mine, and I pull my gaze from the men, looking at Jamie, who offers me a soft smile. Her eyes convey her worry.

“Nance, are you okay?”

I suck in a sharp breath, allowing myself to relax with her. She’s the best person to be with me in this situation.

“Jesus, Nance. All of this just seems like the stories we hear about, but that never happen to real people,” she says with wide eyes, speaking in a hushed tone as she pulls me away from Carlos so we can have a private conversation.

“I know, babe,” I reply quietly, taking some strength from the comforting familiarity of her presence.

“Thanks, Jamie, for being here with me.” My grip tightens around her fingers. “Honestly, you’re such a gem and I don’t deserve you.”

“Cut the crap, Nance,” she says, her voice softening. “Where else would I be? We’ve always had each other’s backs, and that won’t change now just because you have your men. I will always have your back.”

Warmth floods through me at her words. I didn’t know those were the words I needed to hear, but now that I’ve heard them, they open the floodgates. I manage to blink away the tears that have slowly begun to gather in my eyes and sniffle.

For a long moment, there’s nothing but silence between us as we revel in the strength of our friendship. However, in typical Jamie fashion, I know that it won’t last.

Then finally, “ HOLY SHIT GIRL! ” she yells. “I know this might not be the right time but, oh my God, I’m going to be an auntie—”

She does an excited little jump as she squeals. She cuts off almost immediately, her voice dropping several decibels. “Wait…just, hold on…do you know who the dad is? I know what the doctor said, but do you have a feeling as to who it might be?”

I should be relieved by her enthusiastic response, by the clear elation in her voice and some part of me is, honestly. Jamie and I have been like sisters since our freshman year in college, our bond forged through our shared hatred of school, and way too many late-night cramming sessions. She deserves to share in this news, to revel in my joy.

And yet...as I think of a response to give, a sick sort of guilt takes root in the pit of my stomach.

“It's...complicated,” I admit, pulse fluttering with nerves. “They could all potentially be the father. I won't know for sure until later in the pregnancy. Maybe I should have some sort of idea, but I’ve been with them all. I truly don’t know. I’m so ashamed.”

“Nancy Alexandra Jones!” Jamie’s voice booms with incredulity. “Are you kidding me right now? Why should you be ashamed? Don’t give me that crap. You did nothing wrong. You all had a wonderful open relationship. It’s not like you were two-timing anybody. You even have two of these men here and supporting you.”

I blush and glance towards the guys to make sure they didn’t overhear that. They’re still too far away to have heard.

I take a deep, bracing breath, aiming for at least a modicum of calm, and reduce my voice to a whisper. “You’re right,” I admit.

“Damn sure I am,” Jamie responds. “Instead of those silly feelings, you should be allowing yourself to be excited! You’re going to be a mom! I know how much you love kids.”

Jamie’s words bring a smile to my face unbidden. “I know, I knowwww. It's...wow. Trust me, I'm still wrapping my head around it.” She’s right again. Beneath all the complicated feelings, I’m very happy.

“This is my reality now,” I say incredulously. “Carlos and Nathan say they're in this with me no matter what. Which is...amazing. Incredible. God, Jamie, I'm going to have a baby!”

It's a giddy sort of revelation, both surreal and viscerally real at the same time. Because despite the chaos raging around me, despite not knowing who the father might be and how Drew will react when he eventually finds out...my body is quite literally blossoming with new life.

A life we created from love, pure and simple. A life I already cherish with every fiber of my being.

Jamie’s voice rings in my ear again, "That’s better. I don’t want any of that ugly overthinking right now.”

I huff a watery laugh, swiping at a stray tear that escapes unbidden down my cheek. “You know me, always going for the gold in Olympic-level overthinking. You’re right. I should be positive. This baby is the most incredible, miraculous thing, and I'm going to love them with everything I have. I just…”

The words stall in my throat, choking me with a sudden rush of anxiety. Carlos and Nathan are truly great. They are warm and patient and so, so loving.

They've already thrown themselves behind this, pledged themselves to this child – no questions asked. But Drew... Drew is another matter entirely.

“Whatever the case,” Jamie says. “I need you to remember this. You have me. I’m right here. Whatever you need, just let me know. Just relax, Nance. We’re going to figure this out.”

A few tears splatter on my thigh. “I love you. More than I can say. Seriously, where would I be without you?”

“In a world of trouble,” she teases. “You know I love you too.”

Jamie wraps me in a warm hug, and I look over her shoulder at Carlos and Nathan, who are already coming back. I’m scared, but surrounded by people who care for me, I close my eyes, and truly process the fact that I’m about to become a mother.