“Spotting, is that going to be an issue?”
“It doesn’t seem like it will be, but as I said, we just want to keep you overnight to observe, just in case.”
“And the baby, he’s okay?”
“Yes, he’s quite fine. Nothing to worry about, Mom. Next time though, let someone else handle the luggage.” She smiles at me and then takes off out the door just as I hear her say, “Oh, almost ran into you there.”
“Sorry.” I hear Pacey’s voice say just as he walks into the room as well. He first glances at Winnie, and then he comes to my side. “Penny, are you okay? Is the baby okay?”
“Yes,” I answer. “Everyone is okay. The doctor said he’s a tough guy.”
“Guy?” Pacey asks, his eyes welling up. “You’re having a boy?”
I smile and nod. “We are.”
Carefully, Pacey leans down and gives me a hug. “That’s so fucking great, Pen.” He lifts up just enough to look me in the eyes. “Jesus, don’t scare me like that again.”
“I’ll try not to,” I say as he pulls away and lets out a deep breath.
He places both hands on his head and says, “Fuck, I need some ice cream.” He looks over at Winnie and holds out his hand. “Will you join me?”
I half expect her to say no, but I feel satisfied when she nods and takes his hand. I wouldn’t ever want to fall again while pregnant, but I’m sort of glad that it looks like the scare might have brought them back together.
When they’re out of the room, Eli leans in closer and presses a soft kiss to my lips. “Penny, I was so fucking scared.” He cups my cheek. “I can’t tell you how relieved I am that you’re okay, and that the baby is okay.”
I wet my lips as I stare into his beautiful eyes, but all I can think about as he stares back at me is what he said to the nurse.
That he’s not my boyfriend.
Just the baby’s father.
If that doesn’t speak volumes, I don’t know what does.
“Will you talk to me?” he says. “Please, Penny?”
Not wanting to start a scene here, I say, “Sorry, still a little stunned.”
He continues to cup my cheek. “Don’t apologize.” He scoots a little closer. “Is everything okay between us? I feel like the past twenty-four hours have been a whirlwind of insanity that I just don’t quite understand.”
I swallow deeply and nod, willing back the perpetual tears. “Yes, Eli. Everything is fine.”
“Okay, because . . . you just left, and I don’t know. I thought that we were having a good time, you know? Enjoying each other.”
A good time.
That’s what this is to him.
A freaking good time.
I should have seen that coming, especially after his reaction from the night before.
“We were. I just wanted to help Winnie out, you know?” I nod toward the door. “But seems like I helped out in a different way.”
“He was a disaster to deal with when he found out you and Winnie came out here.”
“You know, we’re grown women, and we can do what we want,” I say.
“I know, but I think he was worried about losing Winnie, and hell . . . I was worried about losing you too.”
