Page 85 of Let Me Love You

“I have some family drama I have to deal with, and they live in California. I can’t exactly take care of Summer from there.”

I nod. “Of course. If you come back soon, and would like to, I’d love for you to continue being Summer’s nanny.”

Annie smiles. “Absolutely.”

***

My stomach is tied into knots as I sit inside my bedroom. Summer is playing outside with a stone-faced Isabella while I finish getting ready. If anyone can get her to crack a smile, I’d put my money on Summer. I invited my family and friends along with Victor’s dad and sister for a barbeque, but Lana declined the invite, claiming she had work to do.

A loud feminine voice drifts through my open window, pulling me from my thoughts. “If we can’t get a story today, we can kiss this gig goodbye.”

“I don’t feel comfortable making up stories,” another woman replies.

We’re having a simple family get-together, and these reporters have nothing better to do than crash my party.

“Do you think he knocked her up?”

I gasp and stand to shut the window. Hearing those damn reporters will only heighten my anxiety more. Why do people always assume when a wedding is rushed that it’s because of a pregnancy? Sometimes, maybe, but—

Wait. Now that I’m thinking of it, when was the last time I had my period? I press a hand to my pounding chest before pulling out my phone to check the calendar even though I already know what day it is.

My head spins. All the signs of pregnancy were there. I’ve been more tired than usual, nauseated every morning … I just thought it was because I picked up more volunteer shifts, and I usually skipped breakfast.

How is this possible? Well, I know how the mechanics work, but we always used a—

Shiiit. I don’t think we used a condom last time. We were so swept up in the moment, and I’m not on birth control. I didn’t need to be when entering the contract, so I never thought about it.

How will I tell Victor?

We haven’t discussed having kids together, but he needs to know. Our relationship was only supposed to be a temporary thing. No matter how much he claims otherwise. But I also can’t deny he’s a natural with Summer.

He’s also a natural at hiding things.

I bite my lip, shoving that thought from my mind. There’s no time for me to dwell on that stuff if I’m pregnant. Even if he wants kids, this is big. Huge. I know firsthand how a child can change a relationship—sometimes for the worse—which is utterly wrong. Summer is the best thing to ever happen to me, and I couldn’t think of what my world would be like if she never entered it.

Leaning forward with my elbows on my knees, I rub my face. I’ve been a fool this whole time, thinking it could be just sex. Victor wiggled his way into my heart, and I still don’t want to admit it.

He has been so patient, kind, and loving to both Summer and me. I can’t help but wonder if this baby will change him as it did Paul.

Stop thinking like that. Paul had already changed according to Victor’s files.

I inhale, trying to slow my brain. Maybe I’m overreacting. My period could be late due to stress. Until I have a positive pregnancy test in my hand, I need to relax. I turn the phone screen back on and tap on Harmony’s name.

Can you come to my bedroom?

For once, Harmony doesn’t jump to respond. Nausea rolls through me as the minutes tick by.

A knock sounds at the door. “Please, tell me you aren’t naked because I’m coming in.”

I laugh despite the tears forming in my eyes as the door swings open. “Why even bother?”

Harmony shrugs. “Mom always taught us to knock, but I don’t have the patience.”

She must see my watery eyes because she dashes to my side and sits beside me. “What’s wrong?”

I sniffle and rest my head on her shoulder. “It’s nothing I can’t handle.” I glance around to make sure no one is right outside my door. “Can you do me a favor without alerting anyone?”

She nods once, her hair tickling my nose with the movement. “This has to be serious if I can’t tell anyone. I’ll do whatever you need.”