Page 82 of Wicked Love

My voice is shaky as I say the words aloud, “There’s never been a doubt in my mind. I’m having this baby.”

My stomach twists and I pull over past the shops on Jupiter Lane and call my sister. She answers and sounds a lot better than the last time we talked.

“Hey, I was gonna call you today,” she says.

“You feeling better?” I ask and my voice cracks at the end.

“So much better. Poppy? Are you okay? What’s going on?”

“I’m pregnant,” I say, full-on crying now.

“Oh my God. Pregnant! From that night with Bowie?”

“Yes. And we had sex last night too, but I didn’t tell him until today. And I botched it up royally.”

“What did he say?” she asks breathlessly.

“He said he didn’t plan on ever having another baby.”

“Oof.”

“I know. And then he said he just needed to process it and left.” I can hardly get the words out now.

“A baby, Poppy! You’ve always wanted kids.”

“But I’d hoped that when I had a baby, the father would be excited about it too.”

I wipe at my face, frustrated that I’m taking it so hard. I knew Bowie wouldn’t be ecstatic about this—it’s the main reason I’ve put off telling him. His life is complicated and he’s guarded...I have no idea where I stand with him, even after having sex with him a second time. But a part of me had hoped for a flicker of something—even if it was just acceptance.

All I saw was shock.

“What if he doesn’t want this at all?” I ask. Just saying it out loud makes my heart hurt.

The thought of raising a baby with someone who doesn’t want to be there, who might resent me…and the baby…it sounds truly awful.

“From what you’ve told me, Bowie is an incredible father. He’ll come around. Give him time,” Marley says. “Poppy, I’m so excited. I can’t wait to meet my little niece or nephew.” Her voice cracks and she’s crying too. “You’re gonna be the best mom.”

“You think so?”

“I know so.”

“Okay, I have to get to work, but thank you. I’m a mess and you’ve helped.”

“I’m here…always, day or night. And I can be there in a heartbeat if you need me to be.”

“I’ll be okay. Let’s save it for when the baby comes. You’re coming for Easter too, right?”

“Yep, we’ll be there. You’re having a baby,” she yells.

“I want to be as excited as you are,” I say wistfully.

“You will be. You’re just in shock still. Have you told Mom and Dad yet?”

“No!” I groan. “I will…soon. I want to wait just a little longer.”

“Poppy, tell them. They’ll be shocked, but they’ll be happy for you.”

“I know. I just…I wish…yeah, anyway. I love you. I’ll talk to you later.”

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