Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 99500 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99500 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
But because I’ve been surrounded by people all day, I haven’t had a second to myself.
I need a minute.
Just one.
“I’m running to the restroom,” I tell Gemma, holding my clutch to me. “Keep an eye on my little brother. I don’t put it past Spencer to try and feed him cake.”
The whole family is here, even Wyatt, Hugo’s grandfather. Well, everyone except for Jude for obvious reasons.
Gemma laughs and then makes her way over to where Spencer is now intently listening to Dempsey as he gestures wildly, eyes wide and grin even wider amidst his vibrant storytelling. Because of Nathan’s influence in this town, and my statement against Drew, the police saw Dempsey’s killing as a matter of defending an innocent. Sloane was instrumental in making sure the case was open and shut, heralding Dempsey as a hero rather than a villain.
It pays to be a Park.
I make my way through the throngs of excited people and into the restroom. There’s a line and I’m about to wet myself by the time I make it into a stall that reeks of old lady perfume. Finally, I rip the box out of my clutch and open it.
It’s probably negative.
I only forgot my birth control a few times last month.
But I had sex. A lot. Sometimes with both of them when Rex was asleep, but more often than not, with each of them individually. We steal the moments when they come and it just works. We’re happy.
Awkwardly, I lift my dress and attempt to pee on the test. Once finished, I clean off the pee and set it on the edge of the toilet paper holder. I finish up and then stand, waiting on the results. There are people out there, probably about to piss themselves as they wait for an open stall, but they’re not getting this one. Not yet.
Time seems to tick slowly by despite the rapid hammering of my heart.
A baby—another one—would be a complication we don’t need. Hugo has been incredibly busy with work, and me and Spencer started school in late August, with Spencer taking night classes at PMU to be home with Rex during the day while me and Hugo are out.
Another baby means more juggling.
More sleepless nights.
And more love.
Tears well as I read the results of the stick. Pregnant. I knew it. Deep down, I just knew. Now it’s been confirmed.
As much as I want to run into that crowded room to tell them both, I know now’s not the time. I’ll tell both Hugo and Spencer soon. One day when all three of us are cuddled together after lovemaking that requires each part of our unique tripod.
That’s when I’ll tell them.
They’re daddies.
Both of them will be the daddies. Again.
Speaking of daddies. I’m not sure what to do about mine. For some reason, he’s been reaching out and trying to make amends. All his texts go unanswered. His last one said:
Dad: You’ll be happy to know I quit working for Ben. No matter how pissed I was, he wasn’t faultless. I unfairly blamed you for everything.
It wasn’t the apology I’d wanted, but it was something. A start in the right direction at repairing our relationship. I also learned via his texts Ben was working things out with his wife.
Maybe one day me and Dad can reconcile our differences. He’s going to be a grandfather after all.
I deposit the pregnancy test into the trash receptacle and then exit the stall. All these things can wait. Right now, I need to get out there and support Hugo on his big day.
Sunday dinners at Nathan and Jamie’s house are going to require a new table soon to fit everyone. This family is growing rapidly.
I can’t take my eyes off Willa. She’s glowing. Her apple cheeks are brighter than usual and her big eyes are round, gleaming with happiness. Callum’s arm is draped possessively over the back of her chair and he’s watching her with rapt attention.
“We have some news to share,” Willa says softly, not at all letting her voice carry.
Callum’s features flash with anger and then he barks out in his teacher voice that still comes in handy, “Listen up, dammit!”
The table grows quiet, everyone’s eyes on them.
Willa holds up a sonogram picture. “We’re having a baby and just learned it’s a girl.”
Gemma squeals with excitement and everyone starts chattering all at once. Even Jude, stiff and slightly terrifying with his white mask on has angled his head, seemingly pleased based on the way his eyes shine beyond the two holes. I still haven’t told my guys we’re having a baby. I’m certainly not going to do it today and rain on Willa’s parade.
This is her moment to shine.
And, boy, does she shine.
She gets up to show everyone the picture. Even Nathan is smiling, pride rippling from him. Jamie hugs Callum. They’ve had an incredibly rocky past, but I think they’re finally finding peace.