better.
“Ready?” he asked.
“No.”
He chuckled. “Stay here. I’ll get it.”
She sat on the edge of the bed, shivering as he strode confidently into the bathroom as if he were checking the weather. She watched his back, holding her breath.
When he finally turned around, coming toward her, he was grinning. What did that mean? He held out the stick when he reached her. “We’re having a baby.”
She stared at it for longer than necessary. Two lines. Everyone knew what two lines meant. Even people who hadn’t had sex until three weeks ago. She shuddered. My God. She was pregnant.
She was shaking as Bracken set the test on the bedside table and pulled her into his arms. He held her tight, rocking her back and forth. “I love you,” he whispered. “We’ve got this. I promise.”
She felt numb.
After a few minutes, she tipped her head back. “I was picturing a lot more sex in my life before I got huge and fat and then had to take care of another human. I only got three weeks,” she complained.
He chuckled. “Is that all you’re worried about? How much sex you’ve had?” He kissed her. “Baby, I promise we’re still going to have sex. Lots of it. You won’t feel this shitty forever. It will pass. And after the baby is born, we’ll still have sex.”
She shivered yet again. Baby. Good God. She groaned. “I haven’t even told my parents I’m dating someone.”
He kissed her nose. “Might want to call them soon.”
“My God. My friends are going to freak out. I don’t think I’m ready to face this, Bracken.”
“So, don’t. We can keep it to ourselves for a while. That’s not unusual. Let’s wait until twelve weeks.”
She nodded, wondering how long she might feel this numb.
“Sit.” Bracken helped her drop down onto the bed, and then he busied himself gathering her things and repacking her bag, the one she’d never really unpacked when she came here two days ago. “Do you want more clothes from your dresser or closet?” he asked as he tucked her toiletries into the bag.
“No. I have enough stuff at your house. I’ll get more later.” She glanced down and then stood. “I need to get dressed though. And…” She turned and rushed across the room, making it to the toilet just in the nick of time.
This time she was not alone. Bracken was with her in less than a second, holding her hair back, his hand on her shoulder.
After several dry heaves, he released her to wet a washcloth and wipe her face. His expression was filled with concern, his brow furrowed. “Better?”
She nodded as he helped her up. “If I don’t start keeping food down, I’ll disappear.”
“We’ll stop at the store. I’ll run inside and get some things that will be easy on your stomach.”
Like the absolutely perfect man that he was, Bracken helped her dress and held her elbow as they descended the stairs.
Shayla was in the kitchen. She looked concerned. “Still sick?”
“Yeah. I’m taking her home with me. That way I can keep an eye on her.”
“Good.” Shayla smiled. “Call if you need anything.”
“I’m sure I’ll be better in a few days.” Or nine months…
Bracken made quick work of getting her into his car. She didn’t even bother worrying about her car getting left here. She could get it another day. She didn’t need it right now. She wasn’t going anywhere.
He stopped at the grocery store on the way home, and by the time they arrived, she felt slightly more human.
After settling her on the couch, he fixed her a lemon-lime soda and handed her a sheath of crackers. “Try this.” He sat next to her and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. He was smiling, though it looked like he was trying hard not to.
She chuckled. “You’re not the least bit broken up over this news are you.”
“No. Sorry. No.” He cringed. “I’m trying to be contrite, but it’s not working.” He gave up the fight and smiled outright. “I’ve never been happier in my life. It’s tainted a bit because I’m worried about you, but I’m also confident in the grand scheme of things this is going to work out and I’m fucking excited.”
His excitement was contagious. “Yeah? You think so?”
“I know so.” He tugged her against his chest.
She leaned into him, letting him take the weight of her, both physical and emotional. She needed him. She also loved him. And if she could finish processing this development, she knew she would be