Page 82

Jules answers before the first ring finishes. “Maggie?”

That alone almost starts me crying again. “You were waitin’ for my call?”

“Honey, I've been waitin’ for hours.”

A watery laugh escapes me.

“What happened?” he asks gently.

I look toward the counter. The test remains exactly where I left it.

“It's positive.” The words crack apart on the way out.

Jules doesn't answer right away. He isn't shocked. He isn't upset. He's just giving me room to breathe.

Then he says, “Okay.”

Fresh tears spill down my cheeks. The simple acceptance undoes me completely. “I don't know what to do.”

“Yes, you do.”

I shake my head even though he can't see me. “No.”

“Mags, you've got me. That's enough to start with.”

I laugh through the tears. “I never meant for this to happen.”

“That's generally how babies work.”

A startled laugh bursts out of me before another sob follows behind it. “I love him.” The confession is out before I can stop it. “I love him so much, Jules.”

“I know, honey.”

The certainty in his voice makes me cry harder. “I don't know how he's gonna react.”

“Maggie.”

“I don't,” I argue.

“Alexei Agapov would commit felonies for you before breakfast.”

That makes me laugh again. “That's not helpin’.”

“It absolutely is,” he insists.

I wipe at my face. “What if this isn't fair?”

His voice softens. “What do you mean?”

I look toward the test again. “What if bringin’ a baby into all this isn't fair?”

The question hangs between us, tangled up with the danger, the uncertainty, and the fear that has become a constant part of my life.

Jules lets me say it all. He listens as every worry I've been holding pours out, never interrupting or trying to fix it. When I finally fall silent, he waits another minute before answering.

“Maggie. That man loves Ivy more than life itself.”

I draw in a shaky breath.