Page 90 of Bound By Crimson

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“I need you,” she said aloud. “Both of you. I wish you were here.”

She stayed like that for a long time. Letting the fear rise. Letting it peak. Then… letting it settle.

When her breathing slowed, she wiped her cheeks and stared out across the water.

A baby.

It wasn’t the right time. It wasn’t part of the plan. But the truth shimmered beneath the fear:

She had always wanted to be a mom.

And now?

Now she would be.

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Her phone buzzed at her side.

Rowan:Hey, are you okay? Haven’t heard from you this week.

Lyric’s hands shook as she typed back:I could really use a friend right now. Can you meet me?

Rowan:Of course. Where?

Lyric responded:Central Park. South entrance. There’s a pond tucked back near the trail.

Rowan:I’ll be there. Might take me a bit. Hang tight.

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Rowan arrived nearly thirty minutes later, breathless and looking concerned. She spotted Lyric instantly and rushed over, boots crunching against the gravel path.

“Oh my god,” Rowan said, pulling her into a hug. “I’ve been meaning to come by the boutique. I’ve seen the reviews—it’s insane. I’m so proud of you. I knew you’d blow everyone away.”

Lyric swallowed hard.

“I planned to come by weeks ago, but work’s been crazy. I only have about an hour, but—” Rowan’s eyes narrowed as she pulled back. “What’s wrong?”

Lyric’s throat closed. “I... I’m pregnant.”

Rowan’s mouth fell open.

Then—without hesitation—she wrapped her arms around Lyric again. “Oh, honey.”

“I just opened my store,” Lyric whispered, tears spilling over. “It’s taken off faster than I ever imagined. I can barely keep up. I don’t think I can handle both.”

Rowan pulled back just enough to meet her eyes. “You can. It’s your store. You built it from nothing. You can bring the baby with you. Adjust your hours. Find a way.”

Lyric shook her head. “I wasn’t ready.”

“No one ever really is,” Rowan said gently. “But if anyone can figure this out, it’s you. You’ve always wanted a baby. And you are one of the strongest people I know.”

Lyric took a shuddering breath. Just having Rowan there made everything feel a little less impossible.

Eventually, Rowan checked her watch. “I have to get back soon. But you’ve got this. And you’re not alone, okay?”

Lyric nodded. “Okay.”

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