Page 129 of Feels Like Love
“Wren?” I called. “Wren?”
River ran out from a side room, wide-eyed. “Mom looks like she’s going to barf.”
“What?” The room spun, and I placed my hand to the wall to support myself.
He led me over to the room where she was lying on a couch, awake but flushed. I couldn’t even take in her wedding dress, I was so focused on her face. Harper’s dad, Doc Allen, was attending to her. He talked to Wren in hushed tones, and I waited until he was done to join her. I knelt at her side, taking her hand in mine.
“What happened? Are you okay?”
“Bennett!” she gasped. “You’re not supposed to see me before the wedding.”
“Wren,” I growled, trying to calm my temper. “At the moment, I’m more worried aboutyouthan the wedding.”
“I just got a little overheated. I’m fine.” She sat up slowly. She didn’t look fine. She looked pale. Like she was going to be sick.
“Here,” Harper said, handing her some crackers and water. Wren drank the water slowly but didn’t touch the crackers. What the hell was going on?
“Can you give us a minute?” I said to the room. I didn’t think Wren was having second thoughts about us, but if she was, I wanted to know.
River hesitated until Wren hugged him and said, “I’m okay, Riv. Promise. Can you go with Harper for a minute?”
He nodded and then joined everyone else in the hallway. The door finally closed, and we were alone.
“What’s going on?” I rubbed my thumb across her hand. “Are you having second thoughts about us?”
“What?” Her eyes widened. “No. I’m sorry if you were worried.”
“Then what?” I asked. “Please just tell me because I’m freaking the fuck out here.”
“I’m pregnant,” she blurted.
I searched her eyes, her watery smile, scanning her body, her stomach, searching for clues. “What?”
She nodded. “You’re going to be a dad.”
I dropped down onto the floor, the room spinning. “I’m going to be a dad?” I repeated. But the longer I sat there, the more it sank in. The happier I was. The bigger my smile. “I’m going to be a dad!”
I leaped up and kissed her. “Best fucking news ever.”
She laughed, though I didn’t like how pale she was. “Though maybe not the best timing.”
“Are you okay? Do you need anything?” I wanted to brush her hair away from her face, but I didn’t want to screw up her hair or makeup. I knew how much she’d been looking forward to this day, and I wanted it to be perfect for her.
“I need you to get out of here.” She glared at me, but it came with a smile.
“Are you sure you’re okay? Do you want me to walk you down the aisle?”
“No.” She laughed and stood. “That’s River and my dad’s job. Now, go.” She shooed me toward the door. “And don’t tell anybody.”
“Okay. Okay. So bossy.” I paused at the threshold, taking her in. “Fuck, you’re beautiful. I can’t wait to marry you.”
Her smile was warm, some of her color returning. “Ditto.”
“All good?” Juliana asked, glancing between us.
I couldn’t take my eyes off Wren. When I saw her, I saw my past, my present, and my future. I saw a home filled with laughter and love. A lifetime of baking and kissing. Of raising children and chasing dogs. Of stolen kisses and whispered I love yous.
Fuck her makeup. Fuck the wedding. I stepped toward her and cupped her cheeks gently, as if I were holding a bird.
