Page 136 of The Twisted Beats

Callum tells Bren about his beliefs and that there’s no way I’m getting an abortion. Bren tries to argue that Callum is far from innocent, but Ms. Mayze interrupts and tells Bren it’s not up for discussion.

I don’t even know what to think of it all. I’m in shock. It’s my body, but it doesn’t feel like it. As they talk about everything from where I’ll live if my parents kick me out and what to tell the studio, I just stare at them while trying to figure out how to breathe.

Ms. Mayze serves them beer and wine. I get water. We all have grilled chicken and salad on our plates. The guys devour it, but I just push it around.

Ms. Mayze takes a sip of her wine. “Livianna, you’ll need to see a doctor soon. I’m sure your mom has one if you don’t have one already. If not, I’m happy to give you the name of mine.”

“I’d rather use yours for now.”

She nods. “I’ll make you an appointment for later in the week.”

“Can we not tell my parents yet? I don’t want to say anything to them until I have to.” My insides knot.

Bren swallows a mouthful of beer. “That’s a good idea. We’re supposed to tour in March to promote the new album. It’ll be better for Cash to hold off until then.”

“What the fuck, Guns?” Callum pushes his plate away. “Lily will need me, so I’m gonna try to put that off until the baby is born.”

“The label and your uncle won’t allow that, and you know it. Besides, she’ll need your help more once it’s here.” Bren shoves more food in his mouth.

The mention of Callum’s uncle has me trembling. I run my hand over my aching stomach. That’s the only feeling I’vehad the entire night. Abdominal pain from his forceful kicks to my gut.

“Bren, I’m getting tired.” I stand and gather the dishes. “Can you take me home after I clean up?”

“Sure.” He takes his last bite and hands me his plate.

“I’ll take you, Lily.” Callum stands and helps me. “I’d like to stay the night with you if that’s okay.”

Ms. Mayze sits back. “It’s fine with me. You’re going to be parents to my grandbaby, so I may as well get used to you two sharing a bed.”

Callum runs his palm over my ass as he passes me in the kitchen. “How do you feel about me staying over?”

“I’d really like that.” I place the dishes down and hug him. “Callum, I’m so scared. I feel like I’m frozen as my life spins around me.”

“It’s overwhelming, Lily, but we have my ma’s support.” He caresses my back. “Guns is still getting used to the idea, but I know he’ll come around.”

“It’s not them who I’m worried about. It’s my parents.”

“Once they meet our little guy, they’ll fall in love the second they see him.”

“Him?” I peer into Callum’s eyes. “How do you know it’s a boy?”

“Call it intuition.” A huge smile spreads across his face. “I’d put money on it. I’ve got myself a son growing in your belly. My pops put him there for us.”

“Oh, did he now?”

“Yep. He’s watching over me and I think that’s what he’d want.”

I sink into the sentiment. “I believe you and agree.”

Callum leans down and kisses me. He seems as happy about this as a man in his thirties would be. Then again, everyone around us expects us to act like adults every day, so I don’t know why I’m surprised.

A visual of my parents slams into my head. I pull awayand swallow hard. They are going to be livid with us both and I’m not looking forward to it.

I hang up with my dad after calling them to tell them I made it home okay and thank them for understanding about the snowstorm. I feel terrible for keeping something so big from them.

Callum and I climb into my bed. We’re both exhausted, so we snuggle instead of having sex. Honestly, I’m still freaking out inside and can’t wrap my head around it all.

Callum keeps rubbing my stomach and kissing me. I think he’s genuinely excited about me being pregnant now that the shock has worn off.