Page 70 of Secret Baby for the Triplets

I’m far enough along now that I can learn the sex, but I have to find a new OBGYN in Austin. And without insurance, I have to wait to get approved for medical assistance.

I’m doing my best, though. I’m still taking my prenatal vitamins and going for daily walks. I talk to the baby every morning and night, placing my hands on my growing belly when we’re alone.

A knock sounds, and then my mom opens the door.

“Hi.” I gesture for her to come in.

She sits down on my bed. “We need to talk.”

My stomach sinks. “Okay,” I respond, tentatively.

“How could you let something like this happen?” Mom asks as she grabs my hand. “You’re such a smart girl, Emmy.”

“You’re the one who always says every life is a miracle,” I reply dryly.

She scowls. “That doesn’t change the fact that you’re unwed and behaved stupidly,” she counters sharply. “I thought you would have learned from my mistakes.”

Her harsh reprimand burns me, and she seems to immediately hear herself. “I didn’t mean?—”

“I know what you meant, Mom,” I say stiffly. “You didn’t want me to be pregnant and unwed, too.”

“And abandoned by the father,” she adds. “Is that what happened?”

My God. History really does repeat itself, doesn’t it?

“Mom, I’m going to be all right,” I tell her. “I’m a Ward woman, remember?”

She sniffs, and I realize she’s been fighting back tears.

Shifting where I sit, I press my hands into the blanket between us. Mom watches me, her eyes wide and glossy with guilt.

“Mom, I’m really tired.” The lie is bitter on my tongue. “Think I’ll try to get some sleep.”

“It’s so early, and?—”

“You know how being knocked up takes it out of you,” I interrupt gently. I lean in and kiss her cheek, forcing a smile.

I mean it as a joke, but she doesn’t smile. Doesn’t even try.

“Oh, Emmy, I love you. You know I only want what’s best for you.”

“I know,” I whisper. “I love you, too. Good night.”

I scoot to the far edge of the bed and curl toward the wall, drawing in a shaky breath as she quietly slips out.

Maybe I should reevaluate things with Mae and Will. Would it be possible for us to move into a bigger apartment or a house together?

I slump onto the bed, shaking my head. Why should my friends have to jump through hoops to restructure their lives for me?

I’m stuck and scared.

Reaching for my charging phone, I consider texting the triplets again, but I can’t bring myself to do it.

Sure, I made a mistake by not telling them about the baby sooner, but I won’t beg them to be in my life.

Voices outside the door turn my head toward the threshold. I strain as my mom’s pitch comes closer.

“Emmy?” It’s a weird tone.

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