“Is it a stomach flu?” she asks in a tiny voice.
“No.” He shakes his head. “Based on the information you provided, I’d say you’re about six weeks pregnant.”
Her hand flies to her mouth and she turns wide, frightened eyes to me.
“It’s okay,” I whisper, wrapping an arm around her. “Everything is going to be fine.”
“I understand you’re here on vacation,” he continues, “so I suggest seeing your doctor once you get home. Overall, you’re in perfect health and a little morning sickness is normal. You might try keeping some crackers on your nightstand—that sometimes keeps it at bay. Otherwise, congratulations.”
He’s gone before we can say anything else and Victoria just stares at me.
“How did this happen? I mean, I know what you said, but…”
“Are you upset?” I ask carefully.
She frowns. “Are you?”
“No. Not even a little. To me, this is our love coming full circle. We were always meant to have babies young. I don’t know why I think that, but I do.”
“So…you’re happy?”
“Please don’t be mad, but I am. So fucking happy.” I grab her hands with mine. “But you have to be happy too. If you’re not?—”
“No. Don’t say what I think you’re going to say. We both know that’s not an option. There’s no universe where I don’t have our baby.”
“Let’s get married,” I say quietly. “As soon as we get home. There’s no waiting period in Florida. In fact, let’s go ring shopping today.”
She looks a little unsure. “But…I don’t want us to do that just because I accidentally got knocked up. Again.”
“Call Jude. Right now. Ask him how many times I’ve mentioned buying a ring.” I hold out my phone. “For real—he talked me out of it, said not to rush you. But I’ve been chomping at the bit to propose.”
To my surprise, tears puddle in her eyes and spill over, splashing on her cheeks.
“Oh, baby, don’t cry. If you don’t want to get engaged or married, we can wait. You probably want a big wedding, right? And that’s fine. Next year, after you’ve?—”
“Stop.” She puts two fingers on my lips. “Please. Stop. Give me a minute to catch my breath.”
“I’m sorry.” I hug her to my side.
“Can we…” She swipes at her eyes. “Can we just meet up with the others and go sightseeing? Have a normal day and give me time to wrap my head around everything?”
“Anything you want. I’m sorry if I’m being pushy. I’m…excited. I love you and I want to marry you, like, yesterday.”
“Really?” For the first time, she smiles. “And I want to marry you too. But first, I need to breathe. Let it all sink in. We can go ring shopping if you want, but later. Right now, I want to enjoy New York and have a little time to think. Is that all right?”
“Yes. But we’re going to be late if we don’t get going.”
“I’m ready.” She stands up and grabs her purse. “Come on. Let’s go have a wonderful day and we can talk tonight.”
“Romantic dinner?”
“Absolutely. I love you, Jordan.”
“I love you too.”
Chapter 39
Victoria
