Page 96 of As They Are
She was hunched over the toilet bowl and didn’t spare me a glance as I hovered in the doorway.
“Cain, don’t be a mother hen. I’mfine.Stay with Eric and Wren.”
“I’m not Cain.”
She let out a groan. “Shit.”
“You’re ... Are you ...” I didn’t even know how to ask.
Mollie sat back on her heels. “Yes, I’m pregnant. Not very far along, but enough to make me throw up randomly. If you see a spot in a field, stay away from it.”
I could only stare. I knew they were discussing kids. But she was pregnant? Already?
“Wren?” she asked. “Are you ... You have nothing to worry about, you know. You’re welcome here, and my due date is way after you go back to Nashville, but even if you stay longer, we still have Cain’s old room we could use.”
I heard her words, but couldn’t say anything. I was in such a state of shock that I didn’t know what to do.
Mollie played with the hem of her shirt. “Please say something,” she begged.
I pulled myself out of my thoughts. I wasn’t sure what I was feeling other than total and complete shock. “I am sohappyfor you.”
She perked up, her back straightening. “You are?”
“Of course!” I pulled her into a tight hug. “You’re gonna be an amazing mom.”
She was. And I knew it more than anything. Mollie was kind, funny, and selfless. Cain was dedicated and caring. There was no reason I shouldn’t be thrilled.
And I was.
But there was also a deep sadness, one I carried with me everywhere. Mollie hadn’t done this, and all she deserved to see was my happiness. But I couldn’t shake the grief that rocked me to my core.
My future niece or nephew was going to have the greatest mom in the world.
And I’d gotten one of the worst.
19
HENRY
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Kerry Winsor:The first episode ofRenovating with Lovewas so good! I kinda feel bad for Jude, though.
Comments:
Jade Clark:He can have the heiress he kissed then. Friendly reminder that Henry is in the group and can see everything you say.
Nicole Rudder:What streaming service is it on? I swear there’s like a million of them.
Mollie Wilson:It’s mainly on live TV right now.
Nicole Rudder:Who has cable anymore???
Henry Connor:Not me. You’ll have to keep me posted on how I’m doing on camera.
Kerry Winsor:You’re not even watching the show you’re in??? I’d never be able to look away from myself.
Hu Gh:Hey, has anyone noticed that the new girl looks kind of like the girl in the show?
