Page 133 of Red King

“Oh.” Her face falls. “Didn’t take him long to move on.”

“We were casual. It was just sex.”

“Maybe for him.” She gives me a sad look. “I’m so sorry. You are the very last person who deserves to be hurt again.”

“It’s fine.” I wipe my eyes. “I’ll live.”

“You’ll still have to tell him at some point.” She makes a face.

“I know, but in hindsight, it was a bit soon to have called. I need to come to terms with this. Up until not so long ago, I didn’t think it would ever happen for me, and now…” I shrug, pulling in a deep breath.

“You’re pregnant.” She widens her eyes, grinning.

“Yes, I’m pregnant,” I test the words. It still doesn’t feel real. “I’ll go for a blood test and then book a sonogram for next week if they can squeeze me in. Once I see a heartbeat, I’ll tell Arctic.”

“That’s a good plan. Congratu—”

“Don’t say it.” I shake my head. “Don’t say it, Becs, please. And no one can know, not even Dave, please.”

“Why?” She takes my hand.

“I don’t have the best uterus. Just because I’m pregnant doesn’t mean it’s going to last.” I put a hand on my belly. “I’m terrified,” I whisper. “What if I lose—?”

“Stop that! Stop it right now. Youarepregnant. You’re probably already a good seven weeks along.”

“Not far at all. The first trimest—”

“Stop. You’re healthy and strong. You also have a ton of nausea, which is great. My doctor said it’s a sign of high pregnancy hormones. It’s a good thing. You need to try to relax.”

“You’re right.”

“If it helps any, I’m also terrified. It’s normal.” She stands.

“Where are you going?”

“To make us some ginger tea and to get us a cookie or two. I don’t know about you but I’m starting to feel queasy.”

I nod. “Yep, I’m a little queasy. Thank you for being such a great friend.” I start tearing up again.

“Stop that, or I’ll start crying, too. Poor Dave will shit himself if he comes home to two crying women.”

I laugh through the tears. I’m a mess. A total mess.

I’m pregnant. I put a hand on my belly and say a prayer.

37

Paisley

Three days later

Fortune and Cookie look at me with forlorn eyes. No, not at their owners, but at me.

“I’ll be back later, guys.” I scratch each of their ears.

“Come, dogs!” Dave shouts. He has a treat for each of them in his hands, so they run after him, their nails clicking on the wooden floor as they try to find purchase.

“You’re going to need new floors,” I tell Becs. “Or get those dogs shoes for in the house.” I giggle. “There’ll be no getting a baby to sleep with those two around.”

---