Page 88 of Merciless
"No, it wasn't planned! He usually comesonme but lately it's been all, you know, end of the world and shit, and it feels nicer when...aw fuck, you get what I'm saying?"
"Sure I do." I rubbed her arm in sympathy. "But this is the consequence of doing that."
"I know! Ugh, I'm such an idiot. I should have gotten one of those birth control things from you."
"Yeah, a little too late for that. How's Lark feeling?"
Noelle worried her lip and scratched one of the bright tattoos on her forearm. "I haven't told him yet."
I bit back my smile. "You should probably do that."
"I know, I know. I've just been trying to process this all day. I probably will tonight, since I guess I can't drink anything and he's gonna be suspicious."
"Noelle." I hesitated on my next question but squeezed her arm in support. "Do you want this baby?"
She squeezed my hand as a blissful smile took over her face. It was the calmest she’d looked since dragging me into the hallway.
"I do, Mari. I want it because I made this baby withhim. I never really thought about it before because I assumed it would never happen. But it's...scary how much I want this baby." Her worried expression returned. "What if I fuck it up? I drank and smoked before today, what if something's already wrong? Oh fuck, what if Lark doesn't want it?"
"Calm down, honey. Take a breath." I placed my hands on her shoulders again, breathing deeply so she could copy me. "Come to the hospital tomorrow and I'll do an ultrasound. You're probably fine. Lots of people don't abstain from vices early in the pregnancy because they don't know. But we'll monitor you and make sure, okay?"
Noelle nodded, her throat still working in nervous swallows.
"As for Lark, honey, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. That manlovesyou. He will be overjoyed, you know that."
"You're right, you're right." Noelle laughed sheepishly. "I'm just freaking out."
"That's okay. It's a big change."
"Mari?" She clasped both of my hands in hers. "Will you deliver the baby for me? Like you did with Tessa?"
"Noelle," I gasped, tears springing to my eyes. "Of course I will, I'd be honored."
"I don't want anyone to do it but you." She squeezed around my fingers. "You were so amazing with her, and I don't trust anyone else as much."
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," I promised, squeezing back.
She released my hands and hugged me, her laughter and smiles now more joyful than nervous. "Guess I should tell my baby daddy what we made, huh?"
Larkan was hovering at the end of the hallway when we left the bedroom, concern darkening his face. "You okay, baby?" He held an arm out to Noelle.
"Yeah, babe." She slid under his arm, hugging around his waist with a beaming smile. "We were just having some girl talk."
They kissed and turned toward the kitchen, still wrapped up in each other. "What do you want to drink?" I heard Larkan ask, but they were too far away for me to hear Noelle's answer.
A heavy knock came at the front door and I rushed to open it, finding three tall men with wiley smiles on their faces.
"Sons!" I shrieked, jumping up to hug T-Bone who caught me against his chest.
"Little lady." He greeted me with a warm kiss on the cheek before setting me back down on the ground.
I hugged Grudge and Dyno, then halted the trio before they could get too far inside the house. "Where were you guys today?" I lowered my voice to a conspiratorial whisper.
T-Bone's charming smile disappeared, replaced by a frown and a shifting glance at his two partners. "I'm sorry we missed the ceremony. We made other commitments earlier today."
It was clear he wasn't going to say anything else, nor did the other two care to add details.
"Fine." I smacked a palm on T-Bone's chest, earning a smile from him again. "But I'm glad you guys are here."
