Page 73 of Heartbeats & Highways

“I know it’s true,” Jazz said forlornly. “That’s why I’ve been in love with him since high school. Something about him just calls to me. I can’t help it.”

Brielle chimed in, “I felt like such an idiot when I realized you guys had feelings for each other. Guess I can’t put detective skills on my resume.”

“I hid it from you for years,” Jazz said. “Though in the last few months, I don’t know . . . I just couldn’t hide it anymore. I decided to rip the Band-Aid off. Either he wants to be with me, or I’m moving on. Enough unrequited pining.”

“It’s requited,” Brielle said. “But I still don’t know why he won’t date you.”

“Because it won’t just be dating,” I said. I looked at Jazz. “Right? This is a mate-for-life situation, isn’t it?”

Her shoulders slumped and she nodded. “I’ve imprinted on the grumpy bastard. But I really don’t want to talk about it anymore. Let’s talk about you. When did you find out that you were pregnant?”

“I took a home pregnancy test a few days ago. Actually, the day that you guys brought us lunch, Homer’s client said something about how every time she throws up, her first worry is that she’s pregnant. It got me thinking . . . and yeah, here we are.”

“Homer’s client?” Jazz repeated. “The hussy who threw herself at him?”

“That would be the one. Don’t worry, he didn’t throw himself back.” I patted her hand. “Savage took me to the wellness clinic this morning for my appointment.”

“You met Doc, didn’t you?” Brielle asked.

I raised my brows. “You know Doc?”

“We know Doc.” Jazz smiled. “The Tarnished Angels back the clinic.”

“I didn’t know that about the club,” I murmured. “I knew they did the halfway house for women, but didn’t know that about the clinic. But Savage told me about Doc.”

Jazz looked at Brielle and then back to me.

“Don’t do that,” I muttered.

“Do what?” Jazz demanded.

“Have a conversation without me. What aren’t you telling me?” I asked.

“You tell her,” Brielle said.

Jazz sighed. “You know that whole mate-for-life thing? Well, the Tarnished Angels are like that.”

“What do you mean?” I inquired.

Brielle replied, “The guys in the club know instantly if they want to be with someone forever.”

“Old Ladies, you mean, right?” I asked.

“Yeah, Old Ladies.” Jazz nodded.

I nibbled my lip. I needed to talk about it with someone; I just hoped they could keep a secret.

“Savage asked me to be his Old Lady,” I said slowly. “He—ah—hasn’t talked about it with the club yet because he wants me to meet Willa and Duke first.”

“My head is spinning with all of your news,” Jazz said.

“Tell me about it,” I said with a laugh.

“You’ll love Willa,” Jazz said.

“She’s one of our best friends,” Brielle added.

“So how are you feeling about all this?” Jazz asked.

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