“How did Coop take it?” My eyes flare. “He doesn’t know?”
I shake my head no. “I picked up a test on the way here from the airport. I had a suspicion.”
“Do you have another?”
“This is the fourth one I’ve taken.” It’s then she spots the other tests on the bathroom counter.
“He’s going to be thrilled,” she reassures me. “Do you remember how he was when he found out about Juniper? Do you remember how he took care of me? That man will be over the moon and then put you in Bubble Wrap.”
That gets a quiet laugh out of me.
Worries wash away.
“I hope it’s a boy,” I admit quietly. “I hope it’s a boy and has Coop’s eyes. Maybe not his size…I don’t want to push out an NHL player’s baby.”
Elliot gives me a knowing smirk.
She helps clean up my running makeup from the happy tears—that’s what we determined them to be after Elliot talked me off the ledge of our wedding being ruined.
We exit the bathroom, joining the rest of my bachelorette party. We’re at the beach, and our relaxing bachelorette weekend has just become even more special.
Jordan walked over to me with a mimosa in her hand. Elliot quickly sweeps it from her, tossing it back in one drink. “Thanks, I was parched.”
“You’re welcome?” Jordan eyes Elliot.
I don’t want to tell everyone here, especially before even telling Cooper, but having another person who knows and can help make sure no one funnels me drinks or doesn’t question if I get sick, would be nice.
Elliot slips her arm out of mine, and I pull Jordan into the room where we are staying.
“I’m pregnant,” I tell her as soon as the door closes. “You can’t tell your brother. I just found out.”
She squeals, hugging me tightly. “Sorry.” Jordan drops her arms. “I shouldn’t squeeze the baby too tightly.” Her long brown hair, streaked with blue, hangs over one shoulder. “Oh my god, I’m going to be an aunt. When are you going to tell Cooper?”
“When we get back, I suppose.”
“Do you want to go back now?” She spins on her heels and heads to the closet where our suitcases are.
“No. We’re staying. It’ll give me the weekend to wrap my mind around this.”
“Okay…if you change your mind, I’ll book you on the first flight out of here!”
Mid-Monday,I get back to our apartment. I’m exhausted. I leave my suitcase in the entryway, fully anticipating Cooper to take care of it when he returns from his workout.
When my head hits my pillow, I’m out cold.
Two hours later, the bed dips, and I roll over. Instantly, I can smell the minty gum he’s always chewed.
“Hi, Dave.”
“Hi, Superstar.”
“My beautiful girl, sleepy still?” Sleepy is one way to describe this all-consuming exhaustion. I nod against the pillow, eyes fluttering open to find his nose brushing against mine. “I missed you this weekend.”
“I missed you, too.”
I scoot my head forward to kiss him. We’ve shared countless kisses, and I know we have an infinity to go, but I swear each one is enchanted. With each one, I fall even more in love with him.
“You sleep. I’ll make dinner, and then I want you to tell me about your weekend.”
