Page 5 of Reclaimed

“I think so.”

“Is it safe to assume with this lifestyle change that you want to keep the baby?”

I blink away the remaining wetness on my lashes. “I do.” I lay a palm flat on my nonexistent bump.

She gazes at me with sincere brown eyes. “I wouldn’t be your best friend if I didn’t tell you that you do have options, and there’s zero judgment from me no matter what you choose. I’m here for you no matter what.”

“I know. Trust me, I considered all the options. Would you believe me if I said I’m a little bit excited?”

“Of course I would.”

I smile down at my stomach. “I always wanted to be a mom, but I wasn’t sure if it would happen for me. Then a condom broke or something.” I grimace and bring my mug to my lips.

Juniper wears a similar expression. “And the dad?”

“He’s not ready. That’s okay. I can do this without him.” I lick my lips to chase away the sour feeling in my stomach. I knew hooking up with a bartender at my work was a terrible idea, but I couldn’t have predicted he’d be the type to go straight to our boss when I told him I was pregnant. The minute before I clocked in for my next shift, the misogynistic ass fired me on the spot while thefathergot to keep his job.

Doing the walk of shame was bad enough, but getting the texts from my coworkers that he told everyone I tried to baby trap him really drove home the message that neither the baby nor I were wanted. I hightailed it back to Fairview Valley as soon as I could break my lease and reauditioned for my old job.

But I don’t tell Juniper any of that. The story is too fresh. My heart is too raw. I don’t need to actually burst into tears with residual embarrassment over my cup of shitty coffee.

“You can, and you aren’t alone.”

I look up into her sincere eyes.

“Does that mean I can give you a congratulations?”

I nod, the motion gaining momentum as she rounds the table to wrap me in her arms.

“I get to be an auntie?” she squeaks.

“You’re already an auntie,” I mumble around a knot in my throat. “From what I hear, Lee’s siblings keep popping out kids.”

“This is different.” She pulls back. “You’re like my sister. I’m going to spoil this baby rotten.”

“You spoil all the babies rotten.”

“This is true,” she hums.

“Thank you for being here for me. I was nervous to tell you.”

“Why on earth would you be nervous?” She scoops up her mug in one hand and resumes her seat.

“You don’t talk about having your own kids. I’ve wondered if that’s by choice or design.”

Juniper smiles gently. “Lee and I are happy with just the two of us. We have Lincoln, and teenage boys come with their own challenges.”

Lincoln is Juniper’s younger brother. She worked her ass off to get out from under their alcoholic father, and she refused to leave him behind.

“Maybe that’s for the best. I’m not sure if the world is ready for a mini Lee Powell.”

Juniper snorts then sighs. “Aw, but the thought of a mini grumpy Lee would be so cute.”

“Oh god, no. Drink some coffee. Cool your loins, woman. You’re contracting the baby fever. You need to think of mountains of dirty diapers, stat.”

“Yep, that does it.” She wrinkles her nose. “You’ll have lots of fun with that.”

“I’m tackling this one hurdle at a time. Dirty diapers are far down the list of things I currently need to worry about.”

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