Lily winced. “Have you taken a test?”
“I literally just threw up in front of your husband in the office and realized what it could be. I don’t know if I’m ready though. Because if it’s positive, that means it’s Stone’s and it’s all so messy now…” Because he still wasn’t awake. Because he might never wake up. And then, what if she had to look into the eyes of a little boy who looked just like the man that ripped her heart to shreds? The man who might not ever get to know that he was going to be a dad.
“Like you said, things have been really stressful lately. It could just be that.”
“And the way I’ve been nauseous and throwing up for a week now? How my boobs feel like they are going to fall off my chest and I can smell myself sweating even when I’ve just gotten out of the shower and am clean?”
“Come on.” Lily hooked her arm through Mae’s and hauled her up out of the chair.
“What are we doing?”
“You’re taking a test. It’s the perfect time with Sage down for her nap, and I have about fifty in the bathroom cupboard because I can’t stop myself from testing! I can be right by your side if you want, or I’ll stand outside the bathroom. But either way you’re not putting it off any more, because you are a responsible adult, knowledge is power, and you have people here who love you and will help you figure out whatever the next step is.”
They made it to the bathroom, Lily stepping inside to pull a box of test strips out from under her sink. And then she turned to Mae, clearly waiting for her to make up her mind.
“Stay.”
Lily nodded, a soft smile forming. “You got it. I’m definitely turning around while you pee though.”
“I don’t know. If I am… you might have to be in the delivery room with me. Maybe we should start practicing the lack of privacy.”
Lily squeezed her arm. “I’d love to be with you, but there is no doubt in my mind that Stone is going to wake up, and when he does, he will want to be by your side through this.”
Mae shook her head.
“Okay. Just don’t catastrophize. Let’s see what a test says and then go from there.”
Lily handed her four packets. “Don’t I only need to pee on one?”
“It’s better to take a few. I wish I had known to tell you to hold your pee…”
“Uh, what?”
“You’re in your mid-thirties and didn’t know that first morning urine isbetter?”
“Maybe? It sounds familiar, but my brain feels weird. Like I can’t think.”
“Okay, okay.” Lily let out a sad laugh. “This is fine. It’ll be fine. You’ll dip a few and then we’ll have a better idea.”
“Because there could be a false positive,” she blew out her breath, letting her shoulders relax.
“It’s more likely to be a false negative.” At least Lily had the heart to look somewhat remorseful about telling her that.
“Just give me them and let me pee.”
Silence filled the bathroom.
“Oh my god,” Mae groaned. “I can’t do this. It’s too quiet.”
Lily sighed, her hands coming up dramatically by her face. “I’ve heard you tinkle before.”
“Don’t say tinkle…” she laughed.
“Do you want me to sing you a song like I do for Sage when she’s on the potty?”
“Just turn on the faucet!”
Lily rolled her eyes. “You’re no fun.”
