He scowls. “No.”
I wait to see if he’ll elaborate. Quiet moments tick by and he doesn’t.
“Fine.” I shrug one shoulder. “It’s not going to be an easy transition since there are so many of you. Are you willing to put in extra time?”
They assure me they are.
The door opens, and everyone turns as Harley enters with Devon close behind her. She surveys the group, hands on hips.
“What’s going on here?”
23
Ashlin
Seth being called off for a work emergency should feel like a gut punch after how distant he became toward the end of our relationship, but I’m surprisingly okay with it. In fact, I’m glad he’s confident in my ability to handle myself and feels safe to leave. I stay on the bed for a while, basking in a happy glow, but once my skin starts to cool, I get dressed and start a three-way video call with my friends. Jessica answers first, but I make her wait until Paige joins before saying anything.
“Guys.” Their faces fill my screen, and I can’t help smiling. I love these women so much. “I’m pregnant.”
Jessica blinks. Paige’s jaw drops. Then they both speak at once.
“Are you sure?” Jessica asks.
“Holy crap!” Paige exclaims.
They both roll their eyes.
I laugh. “Yes, Jess, I’m sure. And I know, right?” I drop onto the beanbag in the living room and rest my head on one arm, keeping the phone in front of me. “It’s crazy, but I’m so happy.”
“Congratulations!” they chorus.
Jessica’s brows knit together. “I thought the IVF didn’t work.”
“The test was negative, but maybe it was too soon to tell. False negatives can happen.” I blush. “Or it could be that Seth and I have been, uh, reconnecting. Either way, I guess it was meant to be.”
Paige waggles her eyebrows. “Reconnecting.” She giggles. “I need to remember that one. Babe, we’re so happy for you.”
Jessica’s expression turns serious. “Are you sure it’s a good idea to be telling people at this stage?” She pauses, as though considering her next words carefully. “It’s just so early, and—”
“It’s okay,” I break in, not wanting her to finish a sentence that would be painful for all of us. “Other than Seth, you’re the only ones I’ve told, and we’ll probably keep it that way for a while. I just wanted you to know since you’re both so important to me.”
“Aww.” Paige’s expression softens, and her eyes sparkle with moisture. “You’re important to us too, boo. How are we celebrating?”
My cheeks burn, and from the way Jessica squints at me, I’m sure they can see. “Well, I was going to start with another round of mind-blowing sex, but Seth got called away.”
Paige pouts. “It better have been something important.”
“Yes, it was urgent, and I’m okay,” I say. “Better than okay. I’d love it if you guys could come over. No pressure if it’s too difficult for either of you, but we could drink virgin cocktails and make an inspiration board for the nursery.”
“I’m there,” Paige declares. “Don’t worry about us. If something is beyond what we can handle, we’ll let you know. Won’t we, Jess?”
“Of course.” Jessica presses her lips together, but when she speaks again, I can hear the tears she’s holding back and want to hug her so badly. “We’re both happy for you, Ash. Our own pasts don’t change that.”
“Love you, Jess.” I blow her a kiss since I can’t wrap her in my arms. “I’ll see you soon?”
“You bet.”
Paige winks. “Couldn’t keep us away if you wanted to.”
