Wedding Date (Dating #6) - Monica Murphy Page 0,84

are. And I can’t believe they came to my place to rouse me out of here.

“Thank you for coming over,” I say in between sniffles while they all walk me to my bathroom.

“Honey, we love you,” Caroline says, her voice and gaze soft as she studies me. “We want to help. You just have to open up and let us.”

I throw myself at Caroline and hug her tight. Candice and Stella wrap themselves around us too, and we’re just one big group hug until Stella pulls away and gets back to business.

She tears into the pregnancy test box she brought with her, hurriedly reading the instructions. “It’s time to get real, Kelsey. Here you go. Just take the lid off and pee on the tip. You’ll find out in a few minutes whether your life is going to change or not.”

I take the pregnancy test from her, my heart bottoming out as I slip into the bathroom and close the door. I’ve been dealing with that feeling the entire weekend.

It’s go time.

When we show up at the restaurant, we’re only five minutes late. Turns out Amelia and Sarah are already there, waiting for us. Along with Ali, who appears relieved when she spots me.

“Oh my God.” She jumps up from her chair and comes to me, hugging me. “I was so worried about you.”

I withdraw from her embrace, smiling faintly. “I’m okay. I can’t believe what you did.”

She frowns. “Are you mad I went to Stella?”

“No.” I shake my head. “I’m grateful. I’m a very—private person. They didn’t even know where I lived.” It was Alex who told Caroline my address. She made her confession on the drive over to the restaurant.

“Oh Kelsey.” Ali hugs me again, her mouth right at my ear as she murmurs, “Theo is devastated. We need to figure this out.”

Once we settle around the table, I introduce Ali to everyone, and then Stella takes over, explaining the situation and what happened between Theo and me.

At least someone takes charge. I don’t think I could’ve gotten through that story without bursting into tears and truly believing my life is over.

But my life isn’t over. It turns out…

“Oh, and we just found out Kelsey’s pregnant,” Stella adds, making my announcement just like I wanted her to.

You would’ve thought she said I died and came back to life. The shock on their faces is almost humorous, save for Stella, Caroline and Candice. Though they all whip their heads in my direction, every single one of them wide eyed. Especially Ali.

“You’re—pregnant?” A wrinkle forms between Ali’s eyebrows as she gapes at me.

Unease fills me, making me worry. What if she thinks this is terrible? What if she can’t imagine me as a part of their family? She could run off and tell Theo before I even get a chance to, and then let’s be real.

Shit will really hit the fan.

“Oh my gosh!” She comes around the table, grabs my hands and pulls me in for another bone-crushing hug. “I can’t believe it! I’m going to be an aunt.”

I start crying all over again, clinging to her. “Don’t tell Theo yet, okay? He doesn’t even know.”

Ali pulls away to look at me. “Of course I won’t. Though he probably deserves to know first.”

“Stella found the pregnancy test I bought and it all sort of spiraled out of control from there,” I explain. “I need your help.” I glance around the table at all of my friends, who are wearing giant smiles on their faces. They’re happy for me. This should be the most terrifying moment of my life. My boyfriend broke up with me and I’m pregnant with his baby.

But my friends are lifting me up. Reminding me that I’m not alone. While I want nothing more than to work it out with Theo, and I’m pretty confident we can get beyond this misunderstanding, I know that in the end, if Theo and I don’t end up together? I’ll be okay.

Because I have my friends by my side.

“Okay, everyone,” Stella says once we’re settled in our seats and the server’s come by taking our mimosa orders—I only get orange juice, bummer. “We need to help Kelsey out. She’s hit a few snags with Theo and she needs our advice.”

“Whatever you need, we’ll help,” Amelia says, her gaze sliding over to me. “Congrats, by the way.”

“Thank you,” I murmur, overwhelmed with gratitude.

“Oh, I can give you plenty of advice,” Ali says with all the knowledge of a little sister. “Trust me.