“I was thinking about calling him when I called you.” And then I voiced my deepest fear. “What if he wants to break up?”
“I’m positive that will never happen. Beckett isn’t that kind of guy.”
It was difficult to explain to Mom that I was his first serious relationship. That seemed insane. But for the first time in my life, I didn’t feel comfortable sharing my fears with my mother, possibly because I was afraid she might shut them down without really listening to what I had to say.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to come to your place? I could easily turn around right here?—”
“No, Mom, go to work.”
“Ginger,” she said as if she’d just remembered something really important. “You need ginger candy. That helped me tremendously with you.”
“With nausea? You were sick a lot too?” I asked.
“Yes. Thewholetime. Even the day I delivered you.”
“That sounds horrible.” I couldn’t imagine being nauseous for nine months.
“Doesn’t have to be the same for you, though.”
I laughed, glancing back at my shelves of books. I had a feeling I was going to spend a lot of time lying on the couch if today was anything to go by. I was already exhausted, and I’d only had a short call with Josh.
“Right. I’m pulling into the parking lot now, so I’ll have to hang up,” Mom said. “Are you sure?—”
“Yes, Mom. Go kick ass, okay?”
She chuckled. “Yes, ma’am. Just take it easy today. And talk to Beckett.”
“Will do,” I promised her.
After hanging up, I lay down on the couch and closed my eyes. I hadn’t even realized I was afraid that Beckett might blow me off until I said that out loud to Mom. That was such an insane thought. Where did it come from?
Well, from the fact that we’d been going out for no time at all. I mean, I was with my ex for ten years, and he’d never been ready for a baby with me. Why would Beckett be?
Every time I mentioned kids, he said he was already overwhelmed by his new life as a dad.
I put my hand on my belly and took a deep breath.
“Don’t worry, baby girl.” I knew it in my bones that I had a little girl in there. “Your dad and I love you very much, and we’re going to figure it out one way or another.”
CHAPTER 28
BECKETT
Charlotte wasfussy for the rest of the day, so I decided to work from home. With Agatha sick, I was grateful Mom dropped by. It wasn’t really possible to concentrateandbe there for Charlotte.
It was late in the afternoon by the time I finished work. I texted Piper to check how she was feeling, but she assured me she was fine. It felt like a brush-off, though, and that didn’t sit well with me.
“Do you want coffee?” I asked Mom as I headed to the kitchen. She was singing to Charlotte, pacing the living room with her.
“No, thanks. Too late for coffee.”
I fixed one for myself—and made a mess all over the counter.Damn it. Haste makes waste.After quickly cleaning it with wet wipes, I threw them into the trash, and something caught my eye.
Bending, I took out a thin piece of plastic and froze.Blue stripes.This was a fucking pregnancy test. I was sure of it. It showed two lines.
“Hon, what’s wrong?” Mom asked. “You’re acting peculiar,like you’ve seen a ghost. Or is it a mouse? Please don’t tell me you have a mouse in the house!”
I stood with my back to her, but I couldn’t turn around. Not yet. “No, Mom, not a mouse.” Instead, I took my phone out and immediately googled two lines on a pregnancy test. It meant positive. I took a deep breath.
