Page 141 of Last Call

Riley smiled, an unfamiliar expression dancing in her eyes.

“Riley?”

“I had planned to tell you this after dinner.”

“Tell me what?”

Riley extended her hand, revealing a small white plastic stick.

Fallon blinked, her mind not immediately processing what she was seeing. Then recognition dawned, and her eyes widened. “Is that…” Her voice trailed off, afraid to finish the question.

Riley nodded, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “We’re pregnant, Fallon.”

Fallon’s gaze moved from the pregnancy test to Riley’s face, searching for confirmation that this wasn’t a dream. “We’re having a baby?” Fallon asked.

“We’re having a baby,” Riley confirmed.

Fallon pulled Riley back onto the bed and into her arms. “When did you find out?”

“I took the test Monday morning.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure,” Riley said. “You’ve been preoccupied the last few weeks.”

“Sorry.”

“No,” Riley said gently. “I just meant that you usually notice when I’m late. I had the blood test yesterday. I didn’t want to get your hopes up based on a plastic stick.”

“We’re really having a baby.”

Riley nodded. “So, you can’t shrink things. They’ll already be small.”

“I could shrink Owen’s stuff—save us some cash.”

Riley rolled her eyes.

Fallon leaned close and kissed Riley softly. “I love you so much, Riley.”

“I love you.”

Fallon pulled Riley close.

“Happy?” Riley asked.

“I’m not sure there’s a word for how I feel,” Fallon confessed. “Happy—yes. More than that. Just—more.”

Fallon lay on her back, Riley’s hand resting on her stomach. She let the rhythmic sound of Riley’s breathing calm her. Everything had just changed. Again.

“So,” Fallon whispered, staring at the ceiling with a grin that wouldn’t quit, “when do we tell people?”

Riley chuckled. “You’re already planning the press release?”

“I’m just saying… we’re flying to Florida in two days. What better time to tell my mom? And Sylvia. They’ll be so excited.”

Riley shifted slightly, propping herself on one elbow. “Itwouldbe a good time.”

Fallon turned to her, eyes wide. “Right?"

---