And, an hour later, that’s how I find myself at Serengeti’s local jewelry store, picking out a ring that’s more expensive than my car. David explains all the cuts and metal types and everything I didn’t care to know about engagement rings. Meanwhile, my phone buzzes nonstop. When I finally escape, there’re several messages from Abby.
Abby: I fell.
Abby: It’s probably fine.
Abby: My back really hurts, though.
Abby: What if the baby’s not fine? Oh God.
I toss the ring box in the backseat of my car and haul ass to Moonlit Gables.
Abby winces as I help her into the passenger seat. Thankfully, the doctor said Abby and the baby were fine, and likely just pulled a muscle in her back. It scared the shit out of both of us, though.
When we make it back to the townhouse, Riko pops his head out of his door.
“She’s okay,” I tell him as I exit my car. “Baby is too.”
“Thank fuck,” he says and saunters over to us as I assist Abby out of the car.
He follows us inside and stops to cuddle the cats. I guide Abby to the couch, find her favorite blanket, and then grab her a Sprite.
“So,” Riko says, voice unusually shaky. “I talked to Derek and we want to put an offer on the table.”
“You can’t have our cats,” I deadpan.
He snorts. “Yourcats? I thought they were Abby’s.”
“What’s hers is mine.”
She rolls her eyes. “Caveman.”
Riko smirks. “Anyway, we know how you want to put little Buck?—”
“We’re not naming him Buck,” I blurt out at the same time Abby says, “See, it’s catching on!”
Riko cackles with laughter. “Buck is totally catching on.”
Abby preens as she sips her soda. She’s glowing now that the scare is out of the way. I prefer seeing her like this than sick with worry.
“We want to adopt Buck. You’re putting him up for adoption anyway, so why not adopt him out to someone you know?”
I whip my head over to see if Riko’s serious. His expression is gentle and hopeful. A sudden burst of relief gushes through me.
Until I see Abby’s face.
The glow has vanished and she’s paler than ever before.
“Uh, sorry,” Riko blurts out. “I didn’t mean to just throw that on you. Think about it and let us know. We have plenty of time.”
He leaves us both in stunned silence. Then, Abby makes a whining sound. She squeezes her eyes shut and rubs her belly. I panic, wondering if the baby really is hurt.
“Hey, honey,” I croon as I kneel on the floor beside her. “What’s wrong? What hurts? Want me to rub your back?”
She shakes her head and tears fling from her jaw. Gently, I take her wet cheek in my hand and stroke her flesh with my thumb.
“Look at me, Abs.”
Her red eyes open and her brows pinch together as if she’s in pain. “I can’t let him go. I know this isn’t what you want and I’m sorry, but I can’t do it. I love him already.”
