Toasty (Cozy #2) - Alexa Riley Page 0,5

least that’s what I told her when she was trying on dress after dress.

“She’s almost here.” I barely get the words out and there’s a knock at the door.

I rush over toward it, trying to keep my composure the best I can. I pull open the door and grab the bag from one of the housekeepers and give her a quick thanks before shutting the door. I turn to see my sister giving me a funny look and I hold the bag out, wanting her attention off me and back on to her own pregnancy. She rushes over to me and grabs the bag, then dumps it out onto the bed.

“How many did you get?” she giggles. “I only need one.”

I stare down at the test as I stand next to her. This is not how I thought my life was going to turn out when I decided to quit my job. Honestly, I didn't know how it would go, but this was not one of the ways I would have guessed. I reach down and pick one up and I have to fight to keep my hands from shaking.

“I’m going to take one too,” I tell her.

I’m pretty sure I’m pregnant after getting sick again this morning. That’s three mornings in a row, along with other small signs. I’ve been ignoring them and trying to stay focused on Pippa’s wedding, but when she brought up that she might be pregnant and wanted a test, I found that I needed to know myself.

“You little sneak. Who have you been giving it up to?” She playfully smacks my arm with her pregnancy test. “Wait.” I watch her try and think of who it might be because I’m sure she’s shocked. I never date, and how would I have had the time working as much as I do? If I wasn't working, I was with my sister. It’s how life has always been for me. I fell into a maternal role with her, but as we’ve grown older it’s shifted back to being sisters. She doesn’t need me to take care of her anymore and I find I can lean on her from time to time.

“Stop trying to guess.” I give her a playful smack on the arm, this time with my pregnancy test. “I should’ve kept my mouth shut. Besides, you've kept enough from me.” I point to the test, reminding her how in one day I learned she hadn't just moved out of our place, but she was getting married and madly in love.

“I wasn’t really keeping Timber a secret,” she defends.

She kind of was, but I’m going to let it slide because it’s partially my fault. I hadn't realized what was going on since Cox had me so busy at work and away in our New York offices that I missed it.

“Let’s just take the test,” I push, not wanting to get into this right now. It’s her wedding day.

“You’re right. Let's take the test,” she agrees. She locks her arm with mine and goes into the bathroom. “I’m here for you.”

“I know.” I push her toward the toilet area. “You go first.” I flip the box to glance over the instructions to make sure I know what I’m doing. When Pippa is done, I go next, and then we both stand at the sink together.

“You going to tell me who?” she asks as soon as mine shows pregnant almost instantly.

The air in my lungs freezes. I’m going to have to see him. I’m going to have to tell him. There’s no avoiding him anymore. At least I think I’m avoiding him. If he isn't looking for me is it really avoiding? I wouldn't know either way. I didn’t give him or myself the chance to know and I didn't want to. Which way would it hurt more? Him coming back or him not coming back?

“Not today,” I mumble. I’m freaking scared as hell but happy, too. It’s all so overwhelming. My eyes start to water when Pippa’s test shows up as positive, too.

“We’re pregnant,” she says, turning to face me. She grabs my hands as my eyes meet hers. “You’ll make a wonderful mom. I know that because you’ve been one for me.” I pull her into a hug and close my eyes. I was having a mild freak out inside but she knew just what to say.

“We’re having babies together.” I squeeze her tighter, knowing no matter what she’ll be here for me. Pippa and I can