Page 102 of Mended Hearts

But as the echo of monitors rang in my skull, I realized I didn’t care if that made me pitiful.

“Shit—I have yoga with the girls. What time is it?”

“Just after nine.”

“Okay. I’m late.” Literally and figuratively.

“Don’t go—tell them you’re sick.”

“It’s fine. I need to clear my head. I’ll come back after, and we’ll talk. I don’t want them to be worried.”

“Leighton,I’mworried.”

“I’ll take a test after class, and call my doctor either way.”

“I’ll drive?—”

“You’ve got the kids waiting.” My voice miraculously stayed level while I shattered inside. “I’m okay. Promise.”

He didn’t buy it, shadowed eyes following me while I gathered clothes, but he let me go. Tears hit the moment I slid into California traffic.

Two hours, one unfocused yoga class, and three pregnancy tests later, I sat on a different bathroom floor, staring at three sets of unmistakable double pink lines.

A knock at the door had me jumping out of my skin.

Kaia. “Leigh? You okay?”

16

Pineapple Does Belong On Pizza

LEIGHTON

The Little Women Chat:

Kaia

Emergency sister call in 10.

Alice

You okay?

Kaia

Everyone is in one piece. Just need ears. All hands on deck.

I’m looking at you @Jeanne.

Hadlee

Can we make it 20? I’m right in the middle of something.

Kaia

Fine. Don’t be late.

Hadlee

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