Page 2 of Baby for My Best Friend's Brother

Maybe I should take up yoga. Granted, I’ve never done it before. So I have no idea what I’m doing. But I’ve heard it’srelaxing. Surely, someone around here teaches yoga. If not, I can always find something on YouTube.

“Last, you’ll need to avoid alcohol the week before your procedure,” she says. “You mentioned you’re at a wedding. Go ahead and have some champagne and cocktails. I say, enjoy it while you can.”

“Okay, great.” I take a deep breath. “Thank you so much. I’m pretty nervous about all of this. Excited, but… nervous.”

“That’s completely understandable. You’re taking a huge step. But just think, once you’re holding your baby in your arms, it will all be worth it.”

I close my eyes tightly and picture myself holding a baby in my arms. The anxiety that has been pumping through my veins eases. Contentment warms my heart and flows through me.

“My baby will be worth it,” I say softly.

“That’s right.” The receptionist offers me a few more words of encouragement and encourages me to call if I have any questions.

“Thank you,” I say, feeling a million times better. “And please, thank Dr. Bennet.”

The call ends, and I take one more breath before opening my eyes.

“Winter!” My eyes widen even more as my best friend pulls me into a bear hug.

Oh, crap. I wonder if she heard any of the conversation. I have no idea what I’ll tell her.

“Sophie!” She squeals, squeezing me even tighter. “You’re here! You’re here! I’m so happy you’re here.”

“So am I.” My momentary heart palpitations steady and I wrap my arms around her, my eyes starting to burn. I haven’t had many people I can count on in my life, but Winter is one of them. She’s been my best friend, a sister, and even a mom figure when I needed a little kick in the rear.

And now she’s getting married. “I’m so honored to celebrate this with you.”

“Are you kidding?” She pulls back to beam at me, her eyes every bit as teary as mine. “Now that you’re here, it feels like it’s finally happening.”

“Oh… I love you!” I pull her back in for another hug.

“I love you too.”

After a few more “I love yous” and “I love you mores”—and a couple of tears we pretended we weren’t shedding—Winter helps me pick my luggage off the conveyor belt. It’s no small task. One suitcase is almost completely packed with supplies for the bachelorette party, and another contains other odds and ends to help with the wedding decor.

Winter keeps up a steady stream of chatter as we walk to her Jeep, telling me about the relationship book she’s about to publish and the early buzz it’s getting.

We’re talking about everything besides my phone call, so I’m pretty sure I’m in the clear.

As soon as we’ve loaded up the luggage and settled in the Jeep, she casts me a sly sidelong look. “I couldn’t help but hear the last part of your phone conversation…”

So much for being in the clear.

“Oh, God.” I clench my eyes shut.

“You don’t have to tell me anything if you don’t want to,” she rushes out. “But it sounded pretty serious. And, well, you mentioned… things. Things like doctors and babies. Are you… pregnant?”

That at least is a simple enough question to answer. “No, I’m not pregnant.”

But then, I take a deep breath, and add, “Yet. I’m not pregnant yet.”

“Yet?” Winter immediately pulls the Jeep to the side of the road and stops. She turns in her seat to face me. “I think you’d better start at the beginning.”

“Okay. Here it goes.” I fill my lungs again. “You’re no stranger to the fact that my love life hasn’t exactly been the greatest lately.”

Instead of answering, she reaches for my hand.

“It’s not just lately,” I continue. “For years and years, I’ve gone out on dates and never really felt a connection to someone.” I hesitate before making my next confession, and my cheeks flush bright red. “I haven’t even had sex since college.”

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