Page 77 of Nanny for the SEAL

“Thanks. I’ll give it my best shot.”

She puts a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Look, I’ve been around sick kids my entire life, and there is nothing that Abuela’s soup can’t cure. But, just in case you can’t manage it yet, I also brought Nut Thins and ginger tea.”

“You, my dear Sam, are a saint. I love you.”

We hang out for a little while, and I’m able to get down a bit of the soup before the nausea reels its ugly head again. I don’t wind up in the bathroom, but I’m uncomfortable for the majority of ourSupernaturalmarathon.

“Girl, this thing is going to kill you. How long have you been sick now?” Sam wrinkles her brow at me, and I sigh.

“A week or so. It’s been pretty constant, too. And both Xaden and Daisy are fine. I have no idea what’s going on. I’m starting to worry that I have Crohn’s or something.”

Sam sits up straighter on the couch, appraising me. “Any fever?”

I shake my head. “No.”

“Hmm, what else are you feeling?”

I can see the cogs work inside Sam’s head. She’s looking at me like she’s sure she’ll be the one to crack this and save the day.

“Achy. Tired all the time. Nauseated a lot. Bloated. Kind of moody. When I’m not feeling like I’m going to be sick, so freaking hungry.”

She cocks a bit of a smirk, her brows still pinched together. My eyes go wide in a silent “What?” and Sam takes my hand as she scoots closer to me on the couch.

“Umm, I cannot believe I’m the one saying this, but there might be something else you want to consider. And trust me, I know what it looks like. Oldest of four, remember?”

“Know whatwhatlooks like?” I shake my head, on edge for an answer from her.

“Have you considered that maybe you’re…pregnant?”

My mouth drops open as my stare flares that much wider. After a moment, I pull backward, my eyes going to the floor.

“What? No, I couldn’t be. I’m using protection.”

Sam was the second person I told about Xaden and me, and she had a field day with it, too. With this, I have to wonder if she’s just messing with me.

“I mean, always?”

I nod, my heart rate ticking up. “Yes. Hell, some of the time, we’re using condoms,andI’m taking the pill, so that’s two forms of protection.”

Sympathy bleeds through Sam’s expression as I gape at her, and then I’m up on my feet, pacing back and forth through my living room.

“No. No way. I can’t be pregnant.”

“Well,” she stands up, meeting me in the middle of my panicked walkabout, “then let’s get a test just to rule it out. You’ll be able to know for sure that you’re not.”

The logic is sound, and as much as I secretly want to just run away from this and pretend like it’s not happening, I know that’s pointless. Reality will find me wherever I go, and I have to be an adult.

Jesus, fuck. Okay.

“Alright. Let’s get one.” I look up from the rug positioned under my coffee table, both new additions. “Will you stay with me?”

Sam’s eyes flare wide, and she wraps me in a hug. “Of course, babe. I’m not going anywhere.”

After a moment, she steps back, holding my arms. “Hey, how about you let me run to the store. You don’t need to be stressed out in public, especially if it’s going to make you sick again.”

I melt into her hold, relief flooding me with its potent dopamine. “Oh my God, yes. That would be so amazing. You’re the best, Sam.”

“Yes, I am.” She smiles. “I’ll be back in a jiffy. Why don’t you go try to lie down?”

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