Page 33 of Rumor Has It

She turns, facing me. “What do you mean?”

“I can’t, Maisyn.” I grimace, staving off the hatred and self-loathing I have for myself right now. “I have a bigger problem.”

Maisyn joins me in the floor, taking my hand. “It’s gonna be okay, I promise.”

I use the back of my hand to wipe my face, secretly hoping I could banish all the hurt I’m about to cause. “It’ll never be okay again. I’m going to lose Boone. Forever.”

“He’ll forgive you. I know he will.” She sighs. “I’ve never seen a boy so in love.”

“I wish that were true.” My stomach revolts when I try to force my words. “Some things can’t be forgiven.”

Fear mars her face. “You’re beginning to worry me. Please tell me what’s going on.”

“Tomorrow”—I struggle for air—“I’m gonna break his heart, and he’s never going to forgive.”

“Don’t say that, sweetie.” Maisyn wraps me in her arms, rubbing my back. “He loves you. He might be hurt, but you’ll get through whatever it is.”

I begin to shake uncontrollably. “Not this time; he’ll hate me.”

“Okay, I need for you to tell me, Mackenzie. If it’s because you slept with Reed, he’ll be hurt, but I know he’ll forgive you.”

“Once I say it out loud, I can’t take it back. Nothing will ever be the same again.” There’s an all-out war between my heart and my conscience. I can keep my secret and live with it the rest of my life, or I can tell the truth and risk losing everything.

“Oh, no.” Maisyn’s body stiffens as realization sets in. “Please tell me anything but what I think you’re going to say.”

“If only I could,” I gasp. “I’m pregnant.” I collapse into her waiting arms, my world following me into the darkest depths of despair, and it has nothing to do with being pregnant.

“Shhhh, it’s gonna be okay.” Maisyn tightens her arms around me. “Boone will do what’s right, you know it.”

I break from her hold, panic written all over me. “Why would he?”

“Oh, shit! Please tell me you’re wrong?” She’s as grief-stricken as I am.

A tremor rips through my body, and I shudder with a sob. “There’s no way it can be.”

“It’s okay,” she consoles me. “It’s going to be fine.”

“If it’s all going to be alright, why do I feel so hopeless?”

She begins to sway, pulling me with her. “Are you absolutely sure it’s Reed’s?”

“They did an ultrasound and said it looks to be ten weeks.” I cry, crushed this will be the end to Boone. “That can only mean it’s … his.”

“You’re positive?” She pauses. “Boone’s been gone about eight.”

I twist away from her, getting to my feet. “No, Maisyn, don’t even start thinking that way. I can’t allow myself any hope.”

“Huh? Why not? It makes perfect sense.” She springs up. “How long was it between them?”

“Now I’m gonna drown in humiliation.” I cover my face, dying inside. “A week, maybe ten days.”

She raises her brows. “There’s no way of knowing right now, Mackenzie.”

“This is not Boone’s child, do you understand?” I narrow my eyes at her. “I can’t do that to him, to his future.”

“Hold up!” Stunned, she gapes at me. “You’re convinced this baby isn’t Boone’s because you don’t want to ruin his life?”

I turn away from her, not wanting her to see the truth from me. “Of course not! I mean…” I twist my mouth. “I just don’t see how it can be his, and neither will he.”