“I want to explain some things to you.”
“Not until you eat.” He opened the package and handed me a cracker, one eyebrow arched like he was prepping for an argument. “Don’t test me.”
“Yes, sir.” I chewed the cracker and chased it down with the soda.
“Delicious.”
“I know you’re not kidding either.” He chuckled and ran a hand down my leg, squeezing it under the sheet. “Only you would claim this as your top-five favorite snacks.”
“It’s my truth.” I ate another and sighed at being able to swallow without the urge to throw up. “All those days I was dizzy or throwing up? It was the pregnancy.”
He nodded. “I looked up all the common symptoms while I got the food. We can battle them and make sure you’re comfortable.”
“You’re being so patient about this, Connor.” My eyes prickled as I swallowed a bite. I couldn’t eat anymore until I said my piece. “I found out a few days ago and chose not to tell you. I’m sorry. I-I feel terrible keeping that from you. When that felt weak, I realized the truth. I was so worried that you’d change behavior, change everything for the baby when I needed you to make changes for me. I wanted you to pick me. I needed to feel that from you, and I have. I have in so many ways.” A tear fell, and he frowned, swiping it away.
“I’m so sorry I kept it from you. I shouldn’t have.” I hiccuped. “I had a plan to tell you tomorrow. I bought a little onesie, and I was gonna surprise you.”
He smiled, and his gaze melted. “I’m not upset with you. Not at all.”
“But why?” I sniffed as another wave of tears fell. “I made this choice to hide it from you, and I feel so selfish.”
“You’re not selfish.” He leaned forward and gently pressed his lips against mine, the softness of the kiss almost breaking me. “We’re working on us, and it had to be a shock to find out. I wish I had been with you, but I’m here now. I’m not going anywhere.”
A ball of emotion formed in my throat, and I closed my eyes as more tears fell. He pulled me into a hug and rubbed my head in soft circles.
“Sleep, baby. I need you to rest. We can talk tomorrow. I’ll be here when you wake up, okay?” he said, either ten minutes or two hours later. I wasn’t sure.
I was exhausted, and the comfort of Connor’s presence had lulled me into sleep fast. With a smile on my face and the first sense of real calm, I slept.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
CONNOR
The relief of seeing Laney okay dulled the shock of learning she was pregnant—something she chose not to tell me. An older version of me, even from a few weeks ago, would’ve been angry. How could she keep a secret that important from me? I wouldn’t have understood why she didn’t tell me immediately.
But I saw her now. I saw what hurt her, what worried her, and how we could be better as a couple. I knew we’d have to talk it out, but the relief about her health outweighed every other feeling.
Her doctor still needed to clear her before we headed home, but she already seemed better this morning. Color had returned to her face, and the first thing she did was smile at me.
“Hi.”
“Hi,” I repeated, leaning forward and intertwining our fingers. Her ring finger lay bare, and I ran my thumb over it. Someday, she’d wear my ring again.
“You look like you feel better.”
“I do.” She yawned and did the little wiggle stretch she always did. I loved that combination.
“You look tired.”
“I feel perfect.” I meant it too. “The nurse came in a little bit ago and told me we’ll get to leave soon. I figured, if you’re up for it, we could stop at the café for soup and tea first?”
“Oh, the cute shop near Main Street?”
I nodded. “We can enjoy something warm and talk.”
Her eyes clouded over as she swallowed. “We have a lot to discuss.”
“Sure, but none of it changes a thing about us.” I squeezed her fingers, waiting for her to meet my gaze. When she did, I spoke slower.
