“We tried knocking but you weren’t answering. We used the key you gave us to get in, but you weren’t waking up. We almost called an ambulance.” Eve rubbed my back.
“I was crying, and then I don’t remember. I think I passed out.” I blinked my stingy eyes a few times.
“How often have you been getting sick like that?” Faith asked.
I shrugged. “For a couple of weeks, I guess.”
Eve and her shared a look before Faith whipped a pregnancy test out of her purse and held it out to me. “Take it.”
My heart dropped. There was no way in hell I was pregnant.
“When was your last period?” Eve asked as I grabbed the cool plastic wrapper that held the test.
“I was on my period the week before Faith’s wedding.”
Faith nibbled her lip. “I was married a month ago. Aren’t you late?”
My eyes widened, and I slapped a hand over my mouth. “Give me a minute.” I stood up and walked to the bathroom. I ran a hand through my hair.
Declan and I had sex right before my period started. He used a condom, I was on birth control, and he didn’t even come. The only person I had been with in my fertile window was Luca, and we weren’t even remotely practicing safe sex. If I was pregnant, it was definitely his.
I controlled my breathing as I ripped open the wrapper, revealing the white plastic test with a small plastic window for the result. I pulled my pants down and sat on the toilet before I uncapped the stick. I placed the absorbent tip under me for five seconds as I peed.
I replaced the cap and set it on the counter as I wiped. I washed my hands in the sink and glanced over at the test.
Two dark pink lines in the result window.
Pregnant.
I could hear the blood rushing in my head as my heartbeat sped up, adrenaline levels rose, and my brain started to fire out terrible scenarios of what would happen when Luca found out. He’d come by three weeks ago for another chance, but I sent him away. What the fuck was I supposed to do?
My body wracked with more raw sobs and shook like a leaf in a windstorm. The thoughts kept coming, accelerating inside my head. I couldn’t slow them. My breaths came in gasps, and my head spun.
“Everything okay, Mags?” Eve asked as she and Faith peaked their heads in.
I shook my head as the room blurred, and I squatted on the floor. “I’m pregnant.” They rushed toward me and wrapped their arms around me. “How am I supposed to tell Luca?” The words come out in a wavering voice.
“You’re going to go to the doctor first and get yourself sorted out. I’ll call and make an appointment for you tomorrow.” Faith whipped her phone out and walked to the other room.
“Faith’s right. After the appointment, you can go tell Luca. Or I can tell him. Whatever you want.” Eve squeezed me tighter.
I nodded. “I’ll go to the appointment and then tell Luca. I need him, Eve.”
She stroked the back of my head. “He needs you too. Faith told me he’s been a mess without you. He’s trying to respect your decision, but it’s killing him waiting for you to give him an answer.”
Faith came back in and confirmed she made me an appointment for tomorrow with my OBGYN.
“No wonder it felt like I had the most terrible hangover all the time.” I barked out a dry laugh.
I loved Luca, but I knew he had commitment issues. He’d said he was ready to commit to me, but a baby too? I could only hope this news wouldn’t cause him to take off in the other direction.
The next day
I went alone for my appointment. Faith and Eve both offered to go with me, but I needed to do this by myself. The doctor had a great bedside manner and confirmed that I was a little over five weeks pregnant. The little human was thriving as it stole my nutrients. Honestly, I found it kind of cute.
The doctor prescribed nausea medicine and scheduled an ultrasound for a couple of weeks out. It was a pleasant experience, but it made this pregnancy that much more real. I was growing a life, and I would be a mother—whether I was ready or not.
As I stood outside Luca’s apartment, I prayed that he would be the father this baby needed. I’d made my decision when it came to us, and I loved him. Ignoring the stabbing in my chest, I gathered the courage and knocked on his door.
Not even a moment later, Luca stood in front of me. My breath caught in my throat. His black hair was cut short again but looked like it could use a good wash. His eyes were ringed red as he blinked at me like he couldn’t believe I was here. He wore sweats and a raggedy shirt. I could tell just from looking at him that he hadn’t been taking care of himself. That little known fact made my chest constrict. “Mags?”
I smiled, but my lip began trembling and fresh tears spilled down my cheeks. Shit, this is not how I wanted this to go. He pulled me into his chest with strong arms that felt like home. He didn’t have his usual smell since he needed a shower, but I didn’t care. My arms wrapped around his waist, and my hands gripped his shirt as I clung to him with each sob that wracked through my body. “Luca, I—” I hiccuped.
He tightened his hold around me. “I’m so fucking sorry, Mags,” he breathed. “I was an idiot. I’m in love with you. I don’t know what I was thinking. I didn’t think you’d come to see me, but fuck am I so glad you finally came.” His embrace was warm, and his arms were protective when wrapped around my frail body. The
