Chapter 2 

One month later…
Erika looked at her doctor with wide eyes. “What do you mean
I’m pregnant!?” Lynn, her doctor, smiled, “It means you’re going to
have a child. Unless you want an abortion.” Erika placed a
protective hand on her stomach, “Hell no!” “Okay then.” “But how am
I pregnant?” “Sex. That’s how it normally works.” “But…” “Think
back. You’re one month pregnant. Who did you sleep with a month
ago?” Erika thought back. She’d come here about a month ago after
she broke up with her boyfriend. Her eyes widened as she remembered
the man from the club. Shit. They hadn’t used protection, had they?
She grumbled. Lynn smiled, “See. Now, do you know who the father
is?” “I know who he is, but I don’t know who he is.” “English, please.” Erika
laughed, “I could pick him out of a crowd. I mean, God, he was
fine. But we didn’t exchange numbers or even names. Damn it!” Lynn
patted her arm, “That’s alright. Plenty of women raise their
children on their own.” “I know. But he has a right to know.”
“Maybe you’ll run into him again.” Erika nodded, “Maybe. I’ve only
been here for a month.” “That’s the spirit.”
 
But
one year later, she still hadn’t seen or run into him. At this
point, she figured it was useless trying to find him. He was gone
forever. For all she knew, he could be married with
other children on the way-
living his best life. She wanted to be angry with him for getting
her pregnant then running off but forgetting protection was partly
her fault, and he had no idea he had a beautiful son. She named him
Asher.
 
One month later…
Erin busted
into the apartment. Erika had moved permanently in with her sister
so she could watch Asher while she worked during the day. Today,
however, was Sunday so they both were off. Erika jumped from her
spot on the couch, “Geez sis, what the heck? I almost dropped Ash.”
Erin grinned sheepishly, “Sorry about that. But I have big, big
news.” Erika arched her eyebrow, “Okay…” “So I was in the grocery
store and you wouldn’t believe who I saw!” “Who?” “Okay well, I
didn’t see him. He was on the cover of a magazine. He was just
voted to be the most eligible bachelor in the world.” That had
Erika interested. Erin held up a magazine and Erika’s jaw dropped.
It was him. Asher’s father! Her heart rate picked up. She’d
described him to Erin just in case she ran into him. And she had!
Sort of. “What’s his name?” she asked. “Alexander Jenson. His
family is hella rich or whatever.” “Oh…” “You don’t seem too
happy.” Erika shrugged, “I wouldn’t care if he was rich or not.”
“Of course. You should send him a letter letting him know about
Ash.” “You think so?” “Of course. I can find his address and
everything for you.” “You’re the best. Thanks.” Erika put sleeping
Ash in his crib then got down her photo album. She found a picture
from when he was just born to send to Alexander. She also cut off a
couple of strands of his hair to send as well. She knew rich people
like Alexander. They’d be cautious when a woman tells them they
have a child. She could very well be after their money. So she’d
send some hair so a paternity test could be done. She put it in a
snack Ziplock bag then returned to the living room. “I have his
address here,” Erin said. Erika looked over her twin’s shoulder at
the mansion that supposedly belonged to Alexander Jenson. “Well
damn,” she said. Erin laughed, “I’ll write it on an envelope for
you.” “Thanks. Let me write this letter.” She sat down and began to
write. It took her a whole hour but she finally got it right. She
enclosed the hair and photo then slid it into the envelope. “I can
watch Ash while you drop it off at the post office,” Erin said.
Erika smiled, “Thank you.” She slipped on some shoes and hurried to
the post office. A part of her wondered if, when Alexander got it
and read it, he’d want to be a part of Ash’s life. That’s what she
was hoping for. She knew little boys needed their fathers. She
dropped it off at the post office and headed home. She couldn’t
help the smile that was forming on her lips.
 
A
few days later…
“Dad!” Alexander called, coming inside the mansion. “Stop
yelling,” his mother, Jane, said. “Sorry. Where’s dad? I got your
mail on my way in.” She waved it away, “Give it to your father.
It’s normally about his business deals. He’s in his office. When
you’re done, come get lunch.” “Okay.” He headed to his father’s
office. He knocked on the door before stepping in. His father,
Alexander George Jenson I, was looking at some papers. “Alexander,”
he said, looking up. Alexander gave his father his mail, “Got your
mail.” “Thank you. What would you like?” “I want to talk about the
companies we are considering acquiring.” His father sighed,
“Alexander, I trust your judgement. Over this last year you’ve been
extremely dedicated to the family business and have proven
yourself. Do what you wish. You don’t need my approval.” Alexander
smiled, “Okay. Well, I’m going to get lunch.” He heard his father
chuckle as he headed out.
 
Once his son
was out of the room, Alexander Senior glanced through his mail. One
envelope stuck out to him. The addresses were hand written and not
professionally printed like the rest of his mail. He opened it.
Inside was a letter, a photo of a newborn baby, and a ziplock bag
with hair in it. He opened the letter, already dreading what it was
about. Sure enough, it was from a woman claiming to have
Alexander’s kid. He figured that the woman sent the letter to the
wrong Alexander, which meant she wasn’t familiar with his family.
That put him at ease a little. Also, she sent hair, which she said
was for a paternity test. Smart woman. But then he frowned.
Alexander had been so focused on the business for this past year
now that his wife was out of the way. He didn’t need another
distraction in the form of a child. What he didn’t know wouldn’t
hurt him. Besides, the Jenson family did not need a bastard child
soiling their name. Making his decision, he called his
lawyer.
 
A
few days later…
Knock knock.
Erika laid Ash down on the couch then went to the door. She opened
it. There stood an older man in a suit who looked all business.
“Can I help you?” “Are you Erika Houston?” “Who’s asking.”
“Alexander Jenson.” Her eyes widened but her heart fell. He hadn’t
come. He sent someone in his place. She swallowed, “Yes. That’s me.
What can I do for you?” “I’m his lawyer. All parental rights will
be signed over to you under one condition.” She blinked, “What do
you mean all parental rights? He doesn’t want anything to do with
his child?!” “As I said, you will have full custody.” She glared at
him, imagining Alexander in his place. Of course he wouldn’t want
anything to do with Ash. He was rich and a child would soil his
name. She clenched her jaw, “What’s the condition?” “You can’t go
to the press about this.” She sputtered, “Why the hell would I do
that?!” He shrugged, “He’s willing to pay $10,000 for any fees.” “I
don’t want his fucking money.” The man widened his eyes. “What do I
sign?” He handed her some papers. She hurriedly signed them. “And
tell Alexander,” she sneered, “that we’re better off without him.”
She slammed the door. She knew she shouldn’t shoot the messenger
but she couldn’t help it. She took some calming breaths. That only
served to calm her anger, and now tears threatened to spill over.
He didn’t even have the decency to come and tell her to her face
that he didn’t want anything to do with their child. He sent his
damn lawyer. If she ever saw him again, she was going to kick him
in the nuts so he could never get another woman pregnant and then
sent his lawyer to clean up the mess.