Page 88 of Heatwaves

“That’s it. Now, we just have to wait.”

Waiting…that doesn’t sound like fun at all.

Then something occurs to me.

“Mom…”

“Yes, honey?” She gives me a soft smile, squeezing my hand as she presses a wet cloth to my index finger.

“Why do you have pregnancy tests under your sink?”

Mom’s eyes go wide, her cheeks flushing before she ducks her head.

“Mom!”

A smile blooms across her lips. “With Miguel joining our relationship this year, we decided it was time to try for another baby. We weren’t sure if we were going to be able to after the complications following your birth, but I underwent a procedure that the doctors thoughtmight allow me to get pregnant, and it worked. You’re going to be a big sister!”

“You’re pregnant?” Tears fill my eyes as I stare at her. “You’re having a baby?”

“I am.” She nods. “You’re not mad, are you?”

I’m shaking my head before she can even finish. “Why would I be mad?”

Mom shrugs. “I mean, you’ve been an only child for over thirty years. It would be completely understandable if you were upset about me getting pregnant. Not to mention the fact that you might also be pregnant.”

“I couldn’t be happier for you, Mom.” I wrap my arms around her and hug her close. We might have spent much of my life not getting along, but I can see how much she’s changed—how hard she’s trying. Miguel has truly been good for both my parents, and now they’re having a baby!

Just like I might be.

“We’re definitely celebrating this later, but first, can you look at the test for me? I don’t think I can do it.”

“Of course I can.” Mom squeezes me one last time before stepping back.

I close my eyes, waiting for my mom to tell me if my life is about to change again.

“Lila? Are you in there?” Wyatt’s worried voice filters through to us.

There’s a pounding on the door to my parents’ door, and I don’t think it’s just Wyatt. I glance at Mom, who has tears in her eyes as she grins at me.

“You should probably get out there and tell them they’re going to be daddies.”

I’m pregnant.

“I’m pregnant?”

Mom laughs. “We’re both pregnant.”

“Holy shit.”

“LILA!” Carter is practically yelling, and I can hear the door shake on its hinges.

I hug Mom one more time. “I better go stop them from knocking your door in.”

I hurry over, throwing the door open to find all five of my mates standing there. As soon as they see me, they all start talking at once.

“Are you okay?”

“What’s wrong?”

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