Page 86 of Let Me Love You

Taking a deep breath, I say, “I need a pregnancy test. I have to know the result before I go outside.”

Harmony pulls away from me, and I glance up at her. Her face is tight, and her eyes are wide, but she says nothing. She gets up and heads out the door as if hellhounds are on her heels.

A baby. Summer will have a sibling. It won’t be just her and me against the world anymore. I sigh. If I’m being honest with myself, having Victor on our side has made things better. Made both Summer and my life brighter with his easy smiles.

A soft knock startles me. Victor pokes his head in the open doorway. “Are you coming outside?”

I straighten, praying he doesn’t notice anything off about me. “Yes. Can I have a little more time?”

Victor quirks a brow as he nears me. “Of course, but you already look perfect.”

I roll my eyes as he sits beside me and wraps his arm around me. “I appreciate the compliment.” I search for an excuse, but I’m not the greatest at lying. “I’m waiting for Harmony. Is Summer okay?”

He nods before pressing a kiss to my cheek, and guilt gnaws at me. But I can’t tell him until I’m certain.

“She’s still playing with Isabella.” He cups my cheeks and gives me a slow, soft peck on the lips. As I’m about to deepen it, he pulls back and says, “I’ll be downstairs with our guests until you’re ready.”

I’m such a shitty person for not telling Victor about my suspicion. But, why bring it up if I’m not sure yet?

My thoughts roll back and forth between whether or not I should’ve told him for about another twenty minutes until Harmony is bursting into my bedroom with three bags full of … stuff. She closes the door behind her before coming to me.

She kneels in front of me with the bags still on her arms. “No matter the result, Auntie is here.”

I try to peek at what she bought. “Why do you have three bags?”

“I bought like ten different brands of pregnancy tests, candy, and lots of junk food.”

“Don’t you think ten is a little excessive?”

She shakes her head. “I’ve heard these things can fail.” She rummages through a bag, picking out a few boxes. “Also, if they say negative today, you can save one for the morning when it’s the best time to test.”

I chuckle. “I’ve been through this before.”

Harmony shrugs. “Yes, but back then I wasn’t a part of the test buying. I didn’t know you were pregnant until you were three months.”

Placing a hand on my sister’s, I stop her frantic movements. Even though she’s as nervous as I am, just having her here is like a calming balm. “Thank you for being here for me.”

Tears fill her eyes. “I’ll always be here for you. Remember that I can be your first call, and I’ll drop anything.” She straightens. “Now, go to the bathroom, take at least two tests, and just pee everywhere.”

I nod and grab the boxes in her hand. As I close the bathroom door behind me, my body trembles. I inhale a deep breath before opening both boxes. I’ll have to be talented to complete both tests in one bathroom visit, but like Harmony said, I’ll have to pee everywhere.

Placing both tests on the sink, I set a timer. I pace around the small bathroom, biting on my thumb nail. Why does three minutes feel like an eternity? I can’t help but wonder how Summer will react. When Mom told me I was going to be a big sister, at first, I resisted. I didn’t like the thought of sharing her. But the moment we brought Harmony home, she was so tiny and fragile I decided right then and there to protect her.

My phone chimes, and when I check it, it shows the timer went off. Thank goodness no text from Victor.

I pick up the tests, and my mouth turns dry. My heart hammers against my ribcage until I’m certain the bones will break. Positive. Both of them.

Stumbling out of the bathroom, I make it to my bedroom with the tests clutched in my hand.

Harmony is pacing around my room, and when I enter, she looks over at me. “So?”

It almost feels wrong to tell someone else before Victor, but if I refuse to tell her, she’ll know. “Summer is going to be a big sister.”

Harmony squeals and pulls me in for a hug. “I’m so happy for you.”

In her mind, we’re probably in love and happy to be having a child together. That’s my fault. I never told her how broken I am. Or how I’ve been pushing him away every chance I get.

When I don’t move, Harmony asks, “Now what?”