Page 33 of Deadline for Love

“No… Yes... Maybe?… I don’t know.”

I patted her shoulders and tried to make her calm down.

“Justin’s mad at me now because I didn’t go to his family’s house. He’s mad because he thinks I don't pay attention to him.”

“Could it be because I’m with you that he thinks like that?”

“No! No way.”

I doubted her statement but didn’t say anything about it.

“Amara, no matter what. I will always be by your side. You are and will always be the best person on earth, and you only deserve the best.”

My words were supposed to give her more strength, but she started crying even harder and mumbled something I couldn’t understand.

“He knows you’ve been feeling bad these days, and he has to be considerate of that.’’

Amara nodded and wiped her face with her sleeve.

“How can he leave me alone! Why can’t he swallow his pride and stay with me? How can he leave me here when I’m pregnant?”

My jaw hit the floor. The information she announced, howling, had come as a shock even to me. I instantly pushed her away from me and looked at her with widened eyes. “What did you just say?”

“Can’t he just stop being proud—”

“No! The one after!” I interrupted her as my heart began racing, and my whole body shook joyfully. “Amara, you’re pregnant?”

She nodded, crying and covering her face with both hands.

“Oh, my God! Congratulations!” I squealed. “That’s great news!”

Amara’s petite body began to tremble, I carefully pulled her hands away, but she looked to the side, embarrassed.

“That also explains why you’re so emotional! When did you find out?”

I couldn’t stop smiling as tears of joy streamed down my face.

“Last week, but I haven’t told anyone yet. I had an appointment with the gynecologist, and she said I was four weeks along... It’s been so stressful, and you’ve been busy. Even Justin has been stressed at work, so I couldn’t break the news.”

“But organizing time for a double date?” I droned.

“Bella, the double date was partly because I wanted to see Nathan and you together and partly because I didn’t want to be alone with Justin. I just don’t know how to tell him that,” she confessed. “I used you as an excuse.”

“Wow… Amara. Are you that scared to tell him?”

She nodded. “What if he doesn’t want it? What if I’m not a good mom?”

“I’m sorry, Amara. I should’ve realized that you were behaving…differently. I should have taken more time for you.” I pulled her back into my arms and begged her forgiveness. “You’re going to be a great mom, and I’m sure Justin will bepleased to hear the news. When he comes back tomorrow, try to talk to him. It’ll be fine.”

With ball-round eyes, she looked into mine. “Are you sure? I don’t really know... It’s not a good time right now…”

“You’re about to get married! Of course, he’ll be happy; you two plan to be a family! Which you already are.”

She looked at the floor self-consciously, but I forced her to look at me. “Trust me. Besides, I’m here for you too. And for that baby in your belly,” I said with a loving smile. “Either if it’s a boy or a girl, I’ll spoil them like crazy. And I can assure you that there will always be one day a week reserved just for me. Then I’ll do something with the little one.”

“I’m so glad I have you,” she whispered hoarsely.

My grin widened. “I’m glad you’re in my life too, Amara. Let’s go to bed.”

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