Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 99967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
“Are you sure? Because maybe you counted wrong. You’ve been pretty busy the past few years, you know.”
I frown and think back. “I got it the year before Nathan and I got together, and we were together for two years—”
“That’s three.”
“And I’ve been away from him for two years—”
“That’s five.”
I blink at her.
“Babe, it expired.”
“But … fuck.”
“Yeah, you fucked, and now you’re knocked up.”
I hang my head and moan.
“He’s going to be so mad.”
“Whoa.” Ava hurries around the island and wraps her arm around me. “You don’t know that. He’s a doctor, and I may not know him well, but he seems level-headed. Not to mention, the man worships the ground you walk on. It’s almost disgusting. I’m totally jealous, by the way.”
“Aves, Blake and I have had these conversations. Neither of us really wants kids. Hell, neither of us really wanted a serious relationship.”
“Well, you have both.” She leans her head on my shoulder. “Unless you don’t. You know, you have options. You have choices. But you really need to talk to your man about this because he deserves to know.”
“I won’t keep it from him.” The mere thought makes me so uncomfortable that it’s not even an option. “I wouldn’t do that. I’m not scared of him or anything. I just hate the idea of disappointing him or having him think that I’m trapping him.”
“He asked you to live with him,” she reminds me. “That was his idea. He’s smarter than that, Harper. Give both of you some credit.”
“I know.” I let out a breath that I didn’t realize I was holding and feel the thump of my heart in my ears since it’s beating so hard. “I’m kind of freaking out.”
“Of course, you are, babe. But we’re going to figure this out. If need be, I’ll raise this baby with you. You have a village. You’re not alone.”
I pause and frown down at her. “I don’t feel alone, you weirdo. And yes, you’re going to help me raise this baby because you’re Auntie Ava, and you’re the cool aunt who lets her eat ice cream for dinner and takes her to Seattle on the weekend for a Swiftie concert.”
“Oh my God, I can’t wait to do that. What do we need to do to make sure it’s a girl? Do you need to like hang upside down during a full moon or what, because I’ll get the rope.”
I shake her off and pace to the other side of the kitchen.
“I’m not hanging upside down. Jesus, we went off on a tangent. Ava, I’m pregnant.”
“I know. I’m actually a little excited and grateful that it’s not me. What’s next?”
I cringe. “Well, Blake’s working late again tonight and he works at the clinic tomorrow, and I start nights for two nights, but then we get three days off together, so I’ll tell him then. I think I should probably see a doctor and get an ultrasound and stuff.”
Ava’s nodding. “Do you want me to go with you?”
No, I want Blake with me.
I want my man. I want him so bad right now, but he’s busy saving lives, and I need to suck it up and deal like a big girl. Because if we’re going to make this work, I’ll be dealing with his schedule for a long, long time. How can we possibly do this? How are we going to raise a baby together when we hardly see enough of each other as it is?
I shake my head and feel the energy move right out of me. “No, I’ll do it. It’ll be okay.”
“I have to say, you might think you’re freaking out on the inside, but you seem to be taking this remarkably well. Do you want to yell? Cry? Break something?”
“I don’t think it’s real yet,” I admit. “I think the major freak-out is still to come.”
Chapter Thirty
BLAKE
It never ceases to amaze me the horrible destruction that humans are capable of inflicting on each other. The way they can literally tear each other apart and leave nothing behind.
Not even life itself.
That some people can take a life without thought. Without remorse.
I don’t often see humanity at its worst, but tonight was one of those nights, and I’m sick to my stomach as I pull into the garage next to Harper’s car and cut the engine.
There’s a light on in the kitchen. I’d normally come home to a dark house, but my girl left a light on for me, and it loosens the knot in my gut for the first time in hours.
I need her.
I changed out of my bloody scrubs and showered at the hospital, so I didn’t bring that mess home with me, and I’m glad because I don’t want to wait long enough to shower to touch her. I need her now.
Walking through the mudroom and into the kitchen, I smile when I see the note on the counter next to a plate of cookies, illuminated by the soft glow of the light above the stovetop.