Page 197 of Bride By Initiation

I yawn again, wondering why I'm so tired lately, then open the envelope and stare at my new Social Security card.

Zara Luciana O'Malley.

I smile, put the card on the table, then toss all the junk in the trash can. I set the bills in the basket and then glance at the time.

"Shoot," I mutter and pick up my phone.

Me: Are you almost home? They'll be here in under two hours.

Sean: Don't worry, my pulse. I wouldn't leave you to deal with them on your own.

Me: Good hubby.

Sean: The food will be ready for pickup in thirty minutes, then I'll be there.

Me: Extra good, hubby.

Sean: Happy wife, happy life.

Me: Don't ever forget it.

Sean: I won't. Trust me.

Me:

I go into the bedroom, take off my work suit, and pull on an oversized sweater. I step into my jeans, but I can barely get them zipped.

My body is going rogue.

I better start counting some calories.

I yank off the jeans and slide a pair of black leggings on. They feel tighter but not as bad as the denim.

My stomach growls, and I scold, "Stop that!" then I step into the bathroom and pull up my sweater, staring at my stomach.

How did I gain weight and not notice?

It's just my belly,I tell myself in relief, then freeze.

My boobs look huge.

My gut flips as I try to recall the last time I got my period.

Panic hits me. I order a pregnancy test online, select the expedited delivery option, and it arrives within ten minutes. I take it to the bathroom, open the foil, and pull out the stick.

My heart races.

No time like the present.

I sit on the toilet, pee on the stick, and set it on the counter. For the entire two minutes, I stare at it with anxiety flaring and then exploding when a plus sign appears.

I pick it up and gape at it.

Holy shit.

I'm pregnant.

What is Sean going to think?

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