Chapter 6: The Coffee Shop

Cole was playing video games with Chase when he got a text message from an unknown number. He picked up his phone and read it:
Unknown: Hi Cole, this is Harper.
Well shit. How had she gotten his number? But more importantly, why was she texting him? He sat the controller down, “I have to take this: work,” he told Chase who nodded. He went to his car, the only place he really got privacy, added her number to his contacts, then texted her back:
Cole: How’d you get my number?
Harper: Harvey’s phone
Of course, she had. Why hadn’t he thought about that? Probably because whenever she was concerned, his brain shut down.
Cole: ofc. What’s up?
Harper: r u busy rn?
Cole: no, y?
Harper: can we meet up somewhere?
That he wasn’t expecting. Why did she want to meet up? But of course, he didn’t ask that.
Cole: Sure. Where?
Harper: I’ll send you the location.
Cole: k
Moments later he got a location to a small cafe about a 15-minute drive away. He put the location into his GPS then backed out of the driveway.
 
He arrived 20 minutes later. Evening traffic was no fun. He went in and immediately spotted her sitting at a table in the corner. He walked over and slid into the seat across from her. She looked nervous. “Did you order anything?” he asked. She shook her head, “I’m not thirsty.” He nodded, “Okay. Why did you want to see me? I can imagine you didn’t tell Caden about this.” Harper frowned, “Caden? What’s he got to do with this?” “He’s clearly into you.” She shook her head, “I don’t feel the same way, but that’s beside the point.” Why was he secretly happy that she didn’t like his brother back? “Okay then, what’s up? You look nervous.” She gazed down at her hands, “Did you attend a rave about six months ago?” So she did remember him. “Yeah. That’s where we first met.” She looked up, “You remember me?” “Yeah, and if I’m being honest, I’d like a repeat of what happened.” She blushed. She was cute when she blushed. She cleared her throat, “I’m pregnant.” As if he didn’t notice. “Yeah, I can see-” Then the implication hit him. He sat up straighter, “Are you saying that….” He couldn’t bring himself to think it, let alone say it. She nodded, “You’re the last person I’ve slept with.” That made him too happy. She clasped her hands, “And I’m six months pregnant.” “So…” He prompted, wanting her to spell it out for him. “You’re the father.” He slumped back into his chair and scrubbed a hand over his face.
 
Harper could tell that he was mad. She knew this was a bad idea but she had to let him know. She couldn’t go over to the Martinson house once more and have this big secret with her. He looked directly at her and seemed to notice her fear. His face softened, “Harper, I’m not mad at you.” “You’re not?” He shook his head, “I’m upset at myself. I never meant to get you pregnant. I know it can’t be easy on you.” She couldn’t contain the smile in response to his thoughtfulness. “I also don’t think this will positively impact my relationship with Harvey or Caden.” Harper nodded; she knew Harvey would be furious. “I’m going to find out the gender tomorrow. Do you...want to come?”
 
Cole’s eyebrows shot up, “Me? Go with you?” “Well it’s your child too but if you don’t want to be in his or her life, I’ll understand.” Cole shook his head, “Of course I do. I was raised by loving parents and I would want that for my child. I just thought maybe you’d have someone else going with you already.” She shook her head, “No one knows I’m going.” “Oh. Well then yes, I’d like to go with you.” Her smile was breathtaking but as quickly as it came, it was replaced with a frown. “How, when, and should we tell our parents?” she asked. “Tell our parents what? The gender?” “No, that you’re the father.” Well shit. He ran his fingers through his hair, “I don’t know. I should plan a funeral for shortly after because Harvey is going to kill me.” Just as he’d hoped, she laughed. Her laugh was beautiful. He had the sudden urge to kiss her but he refrained himself. “But you’re his best friend.” “And you’re the baby sister he’s always going on and on about.” “True. How will your family react?” “My parents support my brothers and I unconditionally. As for my brothers, they should be fine, except for Caden. I know he has feelings for you so I can imagine how he’s going to take this. But to be fair, this happened before he caught the feels.” She nodded, “I know.” He sighed, “Ugh. I already feel bad for him. He just had to go and fall in love with you, not that I can blame him-you’re beautiful.” She blushed. “Let’s wait a little longer to tell them, you know, a little closer to the due date so at least I’ll be able to hold my kid before Harvey kills me.” She laughed, “Okay.” “Text me the details for tomorrow.” She nodded, “I will.” They stood up and headed outside. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said. Again, his eyes slid to her lips and he remembered how they tasted so good before. He wanted to kiss her. When he looked into her eyes, he saw she was looking at his mouth. Without a second thought, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. At first, she hesitated but then melted against him and kissed him back. He kissed her until he was sure they were making a scene, then he pulled back. They both took a moment to compose themselves. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said, then left before he took her in the back of his car.
 
All the way home, Harper replayed the events at the coffee shop. Cole had taken the news quite well, which was a relief. She didn’t know what she’d do if he didn’t want to be in his child’s life. She thought about the searing kiss they’d shared. She should feel ashamed of kissing him like that when his brother was courting her, but she didn’t. She knew she didn’t share Caden’s feelings, but Cole was a different story. She felt her lips; the man could kiss too. Giddy from the positive events, she pulled up at Paige’s. Mrs.Porter let her in and she went up to Paige’s room. “Harper! What are you doing here?” she asked, giving her a hug. “I know who the father is,” she said, not beating around the bush. Paige’s eyes widened, “Really? Who?” “You can’t tell anyone.” “Okay, okay, who?” “Cole.” “Who?” “Cole Martinson.” “As in the elusive fourth Martinson brother?” Harper nodded. “Wow! How’d you find out?” “Long story. Anyways, we met up and I told him.” “How’d he take the news?” “Good. He wants to be in our child’s life. Tomorrow we’re going to find out the gender.” Paige grinned, “Good for you! I want to be the first to know.” Harper smiled, “Of course.” Paige gave Harper a weird look then crossed her arms, “There’s something you’re not telling me.” “What do you mean?” “Something happened between you and Cole, besides the baby.” Harper blushed, “He kissed me before we left.” Paige grinned, “How was it?” “Amazing!” “You lucky girl.” Harper sighed, “But the thing is, Caden likes me.” “Martinson?” “Yeah.” “You’re so lucky! Two Martinson brothers want you!” “That’s not lucky. I don’t like Caden that way but I don’t want to hurt his feelings.” “And what about Cole? Do you like him that way?” “I’ve only talked to him like once.” “That’s beside the point.” Harper sighed, “I am attracted to him.” Paige smiled, “Then that settles it. Tell Caden to back off.” Harper rolled her eyes, “It’s not that simple. Besides, Cole’s in the military with my brother.” “How old is he?” “Good question.” She pulled out her phone and texted Cole:
Harper: how old r u?
Cole: 21
Paige gasped, “21?! Girl, you’re 17!” “And?” “You’re a minor still.” “And?” “It was illegal for you two to sleep together in the first place.” Harper’s heart ached, “Could he lose his job over this?” Paige shrugged, “I don’t know, maybe. Ask him.” Harper turned back to her phone.
Harper: could u be discharged for this?
Cole: for what?
Harper: getting me pregnant
Cole: possibly, idk, y? When will u b 18?
Harper: 5 months
Cole: i see. What do u want 2 do about it then?
Harper: idk. Maybe we should keep this between our circle until then just to make sure u dont lose ur job
Cole: sweetheart, my child is more important than my job. If i do, in fact, get discharged, that’ll be more time to spend w/ my baby
Harper couldn’t help but smile at his term of endearment. “Aww,” Paige said, “I like him already.” Harper texted back.
Harper: if u say so
Cole: i do. I’ll c u tomorrow
Harper: ok
She texted him the information before she forgot then turned to Paige. “You’ve got yourself a keeper,” Paige said.