Page 175 of Rules

I didn’t have anything against staying at Derek’s particularly. I just didn’t like the idea of being a burden to somebody, but since there was no way I was going back to Josephine’s—not like they’d let me anyway—I didn’t have much choice. What I was actually scared of was seeing Lia. I saw Andrew sending a text to somebody when we stopped to eat, and knowing him, it was either Derek or Jeanette. Either way, the news will reach Lia.

“You can always stay at my place,” Max says.

Sighing, I turn my head to look at him. Instead of taking shotgun, he decided to sit next to me in the back. He wasn’t particularly happy when I said I’d stay at Andrew’s, but he didn’t insist much either.

“I need time,” I remind him softly. “This is all happening so fast. When I woke up this morning, I was alone, thinking how I’d make do, and now we’re back in Greyford. Besides, you still need to tell you family about the baby.”

This was just one of the things that had me worried. I didn’t have anybody to tell—well, except our friends—but there was nobody to disappoint. The same wasn’t true for Max. And while he insisted he didn’t care what his parents thought—on the drive home he caught me up on everything that had happened while I was away—I knew it was his anger talking.

“I know.” His lips brush against the side of my forehead. “I just want you to know you have me. Whatever you need, I’m here. As for my parents, I think the sooner we tell them, the better.”

I brush my hand over my stomach, the black tank top glued to my body. “Not like we can hide it for long.”

“No hiding.” Max shakes his head. “I know we said slow, but I want everybody to know you’re mine.”

“Why don’t you just write your name over my forehead and be done with it?” I ask dully.

Max tilts his head to the side, pretending to think it over. “Nah, I think that would be too condescending. But maybe I could give you one of my hockey jerseys.”

“I’m not one of your puck bunnies!” I swat at his shoulder, pushing him away.

“I’d like to think not. No puck bunny gets my jersey,” Max laughs.

I lift my hand again, but he raises his arms, palms stretched in surrender. “Okay, okay. I get it, no jerseys.”

“I hate to break your bubble, but we’re here,” Andrew says, the car stopping to a halt.

My stomach drops as I turn around facing the two-story house in front of us. No backing down now.

“It’ll be okay.” Max’s hand squeezes mine before he gets out. Pushing down the fear, I grip the handle and open my door. I barely get out before I hear the front door burst open, followed by running footsteps.

My head snaps up just in time to see a flash of wild red hair, and then my best friend crashes into me, her arms wrapping around my neck.

“You’re never, ever, ever doing this to me again!” she cries into the crook of my neck.

For a second, I stand shell-shocked, but then I feel my body relax in her familiar embrace. Wrapping my arms around her, I return her hug, my eyes filling with tears.God, I hate hormones.“I’m s-so sorry, Lia. For all the awful things I said.”

“I don’t care.” She sniffles, pulling away. Her hands grip my head. “You don’t get to leave me. Promise me right this moment. You’re not leaving again without saying goodbye. Hell, you’re not leaving me at all, ever.”

Brushing my tears away, I nod my head. “I promise.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” Lia warns. She tries to keep a tough face, but it falls fast, a giggle bursting out of her lungs. “I missed you sooooo much!”

With that, she pulls me against herself once more. Looking over her shoulder, I see that our friends have gathered around us. Andrew’s hand is wrapped around Jeanette. Derek is standing behind Lia with Max close by.

I was so scared of coming back, but I should have known better. And although this town never felt like home to me, looking at the people surrounding me, I realize I found my home. My family. It’s not traditional, but it’s mine. And I couldn’t be happier to have it.

* * *

“I still can’t believe you’re pregnant!” Lia says, her eyes glued to my stomach. She’s been playing this staring game for a while, and although I hate being the center of attention, I can’t blame her for it.

“You better get used to it, because this one’s coming soon,” I laugh, my hand sliding over my stomach.

Jeanette shifts in her seat, drawing my attention. “Are you sure you’re okay with it?”

After things calmed down a little, we went inside, where they wouldn’t leave me alone until I told them everything.

“Don’t be silly!” Jeanette gives me a soft smile. “I can’t wait for you to have this baby. It’ll be the most spoiled little thing in the world.”

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