Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 87913 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87913 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
“On a scale of one to ten, how bad are the cramps?”
“I don’t know... a two, maybe three,” I whisper.
With an upward nudge of his chin, we step up onto the sidewalk. “You’re what, thirteen weeks along now, right?”
“Yes.”
“Miranda had the same thing around that time. They said it’s just the baby growing.” My shoulders sag in relief. “You still might want to call your doctor to let ’em know what’s going on.” He holds open the door to the building for me to enter before him.
“I’ll do that.”
“Where are you going?” he asks after we both step onto the elevator.
“Clay and Willow’s. I’m just going to pick up PJ to hang out with me for a bit, and then I’ll drop him off again before I head back to the hospital.”
“How’s your dad doing? Dayton’s been keeping us updated but hasn’t checked in today.”
“It’s going to be a long recovery, but I think he’s going to be okay.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“Me too,” I reply softly as the doors open for his floor, and he steps out of the elevator.
“Let us know if you need anything.”
“I will. Thanks, Tucker, and tell everyone I say hi.” I give him a wave as the doors close, then step off the elevator on Clay and Willow’s floor.
After knocking softly, Willow answers the door and smiles before she wraps me in a hug and whispers, “Hey, how are you doing?”
“Okay.” I hug her tight, then let her go to pick up PJ, who is jumping up to greet me. “I missed you too, buddy.” I smile as he licks my jaw and then focus on Willow. “I really appreciate you looking after him for me.”
“Are you kidding? He is the best dog.” She smiles, closing the door. “I told Clay I want to get a Havanese when Rowen is a little older, and the only reason I want to put it off is because we are going to start potty training soon, and I don’t think I can handle a kid and a puppy peeing everywhere.” She laughs, and I laugh along with her.
“That’s probably smart. It took about four months for PJ to catch on to going outside, and all the accidents before that were exhausting.”
“I bet.” Her eyes move to my stomach. “How are you feeling?”
“Tired, but I think that’s just from not getting much sleep the last few days.”
“Keep lying to yourself. Being pregnant is exhausting; I would fall asleep anywhere and everywhere.”
“You could have fibbed and told me it gets better.”
“It does when the baby gets here, and your partner can take over. Right now, you’re doing all the work.” She tips her head to the side. “Speaking of partners, where is Dayton?”
“At work. He’s meeting me at the hospital when he gets off.”
“Are you two still lying to yourselves about just being friends?” she questions with a smirk.
“No, we’re figuring it out.”
“Good. That makes me happy.”
It makes me happy too, which is scary—but not as scary as the idea of never seeing if things might work out between me and him.
“Your dad… is he okay?” she asks.
“Better.” I put PJ down. “I think they might release him soon.”
Her head jerks back in surprise. “Already?”
“I’m not sure. The doctor is supposed to talk to Mom this afternoon. I think we’ll know more after that.”
“Well, if you need anything, you know we’re right here.”
My throat gets tight at her sincerity. “Thank you.”
“That’s what family’s for.” She reaches out to rub my arm, and my nose starts to sting as my eyes start to water.
“Thanks,” I whisper, and she smiles.
“Those pregnancy hormones are a bitch.”
“Yeah, they are.” I laugh, wiping away the tears overflowing my eyes.
“All right.” She laughs. “Go shower, and I’ll see you when you bring PJ back.”
“Thanks, Willow.”
“Any time.” She opens the door, and I leave with PJ on my heels.
When I get downstairs to my apartment, I don’t waste a second getting in the shower, and I spend a long time under the hot spray, just letting the water wash away the past few days.
After I get out, I put on my underwear and reach for my robe but pause when my eyes catch on my reflection in the full-length mirror behind the bathroom door. Turning to the side, I swallow over the lump in my throat. I don’t know when the last time that I really looked at myself naked was, but doing so now, I can make out the roundness of my belly that’s never been there before.
“Hey, you.” I slide my hand over the slight bump and then burst into tears. Of course, I’ve known for quite some time now that I’m pregnant—the test, ultrasound, and heartbeat all made that abundantly clear—but having the physical evidence of the child growing under my palm feels different.