No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 307

Chase's lips twitched with a barely contained smirk. "Hey, if I can become a dad without breaking a sweat, I'm all for it. Not like you, busting your hump for months on end and still no bun in the oven. I'm starting to think it's not Clara's issue. Maybe you're not up to the task."

Ian laughed off Chase's jab with an easy grin. "If you are up to it, where is that kid of yours, huh?"

"Who said anything about wanting to be a dad? I'm just showing some friendly concern, unlike you—cold-hearted and callous."

"Well, you stick around and show all the concern you want. I'm out. Gotta go home and test out the New Year's present my wife got me." Ian dangled a pair of cufflinks in front of Chase, his face the epitome of smug satisfaction.

Chase couldn't help but scoff, "You act like you've actually got a wife to spend the holidays with. Last I checked, you got kicked to the curb. What's there to be smug about?"

"I've got a present, and you don't. That's reason enough for me."

"Ian, grow up, man. Let me see that thing. Where'd you get it?"

"Snagged it at an auction. 'The Violet Kiss' symbolizes eternal love. Get it?"

"Love, my foot. You two split up, and you're still on about love and affection? Embarrassing."

"Buzz off!"

"I won't. I'm crashing with you tonight. My grandpa kicked me out, too."

When she heared those words, tears began to trail down Clara's cheeks as a weight lifted from her heart.

At the sight of the tiny, indistinct form on the ultrasound, she felt the true rush of impending motherhood. She clutched Sasha's hand, her eyes brimmed with tears, and a smile tugged at her lips as she said, "Sasha, I really am going to have a baby."

Sasha patted her head reassuringly. "I told you the pregnancy test was accurate. You kept doubting it. Now you can relax. Take good care of yourself, and soon, you'll all be together as a family of three."

As they left the obstetrician’s office with the report in hand, discussing what they'd like to eat at home, Heidi caught sight of them. Her fist clenched in fury, she quickly pulled someone close and whispered urgently into their ear.

Clara, in high spirits, linked arms with Sasha as they made their way out of the hospital lobby. Just then, a gurney being pushed past them suddenly swerved, heading straight for Clara's lower back.