say the words. But that was before I found out that she was carrying my child, that she would need me to be there for her every step of the way. Those words are the only weapon I have to convince her that I won’t leave her alone. Even if she doesn’t love me in return, I have no intention of leaving her.
And maybe she’s realizing that, right at this moment.
“We can make plans in the morning,” I say with a small smile. “For now…bed? I’m exhausted.”
I’m trying to make light of it because I’m not ready to hear a response that I don’t think she’s ready to give me right now. I heave myself to my feet, my legs feeling a little wobbly, and stretch my arms with a loud yawn. I really am tired, but I’m playing it up a little to avoid answering any questions.
“Jason…”
I look down. Opal is staring up at me, and I can see her mind whirling behind her eyes. I smile gently and offer her a hand.
“In the morning,” I promise. “Okay?”
Opal looks conflicted for a moment. And then she sighs and gives me a crooked smile in return. “In the morning.”
I feel like I’m maybe just putting off the inevitable, but that’s okay. In the morning, we can finally air everything between us and then, and only then, can we move forward. Whatever it is that keeps pulling us so violently together, it’s about time we talk about it.
Even if only for the sake of our unborn child.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Opal
I wake before Jason and stare calmly up at the ceiling.
I’m not really sure what to feel right at this moment. When I went to bed, automatically shifting toward the warmth of Jason’s body, my mind was spinning. Despite this, I fell asleep easily, exhausted from the revelations of the day and too tired to do anything other than drift off.
Now, upon waking, I feel strangely calm, as though everything is going to be okay. The baby, my feelings for Jason, his confession… Everything that was so overwhelming yesterday has been put in its own box for me to absorb and come to terms with at my leisure.
Of course, that’s when my body decides to disturb my newfound peace. My stomach lurches and I accidentally kick Jason in the leg as I scramble out of bed. I don’t even have time to apologize as I rush for the bathroom.
When I come out, weak and shaking and despising morning sickness with every fiber of my being, I hear Jason moving around the kitchen and kettle boiling. Grateful, I move that way and see a steaming cup of tea sitting on the table for me.
“I hope that’s okay,” Jason says when I enter, nodding at the cup. “I thought tea would be easier on the stomach.”
“You’re right,” I say gratefully. “Thank you.”
I take a sip, the liquid sliding down my throat and soothing it. I can feel Jason’s gaze on me, searching my expression, but I don’t look up just yet. When I do, he’s turned back to the toast he’s buttering.
We’re quiet as he works in the kitchen and I sit at the table, but the silence is oddly companionable. It isn’t until Jason brings a plate of toast for us to share with a mug of coffee for himself in his other hand that the quiet is broken.
“How are you feeling?” he asks.
I think about this for a moment.
“Okay,” I say finally. “I feel peaceful.”
Jason’s lips twitch slightly. “That’s good.”
He’s fidgeting with the handle of his mug. I wonder if he’s anxious about his confession last night. He must be worried about what I’ll say. But I’m still not sure how to respond. I know I can’t respond in the way he probably wants me to, but I also think he knows this.
“So…appointments?” I ask.
Jason perks up, relief flooding his face.
“I can make the appointment with the doctor first,” he says. “Doctor Lovett will be able to give us more advice.”
Us. I smile, feeling oddly encouraged by that one word. If his confession of his feelings last night hadn’t convinced me that he wasn’t going anywhere, just that one word right now would have done it.
“Sounds good,” I agree.
“She might even be able to see us today, if you want?” Jason asks.
“That sounds good,” I agree. Then, I blink, a thought striking me. “Isn’t today Friday?”
“Yes,” Jason says absently, scrolling through his contacts to find the doctor’s number.
I glance at the clock. We slept