Ryder's phone rang again, breaking the silence in his office. He sighed, rubbing his temples. He couldn't avoid Sophia forever, but he needed more time to think.
He picked up the phone, his voice firm. "What is it, Sophia?"
"Ryder, darling, I'm starting to get worried," Sophia said, her voice laced with concern. "You've been avoiding me, and I don't understand why. Is everything okay?"
Ryder hesitated, unsure of how to respond. He didn't want to hurt Sophia, but he couldn't keep stringing her along. "Sophia, we need to talk," he said finally. "In person. Not over the phone."
Sophia's voice perked up. "Okay, darling. I'll come over right away."
Ryder nodded, even though she couldn't see him. "Good. I'll expect you soon."
As he hung up the phone, Ryder felt a sense of dread wash over him. He knew he was about to break Sophia's heart, and he wasn't looking forward to it.
Meanwhile, Emma was enjoying a quiet evening at home. She had spent the day shopping and catching up with Sarah, and now she was curled up on the couch with a good book.
As she read, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. She was starting to heal, to move on from the pain of Ryder's rejection. She was determined to focus on her baby and her own happiness.
Just as she was getting comfortable, Emma's doorbell rang. She frowned, wondering who it could be. She wasn't expecting anyone.
She got up to answer the door, and her heart skipped a beat as she saw Ryder standing on her porch.
"Ryder," she said, her voice neutral. "What are you doing here?"
Ryder's eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Emma could see the tension in his jaw, the uncertainty in his eyes.
"Can I come in?" he asked finally, his voice low.
Emma hesitated, unsure of what to do. Part of her wanted to slam the door in his face, but another part of her wanted to hear him out.
"Okay," she said finally, stepping aside to let him in.
As Ryder entered her home, Emma felt a sense of trepidation. What was he doing here? What did he want?
Ryder looked around the room, taking in the cozy atmosphere. He noticed the baby furniture and decorations, and his heart skipped a beat. This was real. Emma was having his baby.
"Emma, I..." he started to say, but Emma cut him off.
"What do you want, Ryder?" she asked, her voice firm.
Ryder took a deep breath. "I want to talk to you about us," he said, his eyes locked onto hers. "I was wrong to push you away. I realize now that I made a mistake."
Emma raised an eyebrow. "A mistake?" she repeated. "You think pushing me away and rejecting our baby was a mistake?"
Ryder nodded. "Yes, I was wrong. I was scared, and I didn't know what to do. But I've been thinking a lot, and I realize that I want to be with you. I want to be a part of this baby's life."
Emma studied him, trying to read his expression. She wasn't sure if she could trust him. Hadn't he hurt her enough already?
"What makes you think I'd want to be with you?" she asked, her voice cold.
Ryder took a step closer to her. "Because I love you, Emma," he said, his voice full of emotion. "I realize now that I was blind to what I had. I don't want to lose you. I don't want to lose our baby."
Emma felt a pang in her heart. She had wanted to hear those words from him, but now they seemed hollow. Could she really trust him?