Page 65 of One Pucking Surprise
Lainey
Pregnant.
The word sounds surreal, like it belongs to someone else. But it’s mine now.
I’ve always wanted a family of my own, a dream I’ve clung to for as long as I can remember. I envisioned meeting Mr. Perfect, having the dream wedding, and then starting a family. That was the plan. The plan I’d held onto so tightly for years.
And yet, here I am. No Mr. Perfect. No wedding. Just a baby on the way.
I glance down at my hand resting lightly over my stomach. The thought of being a mom stirs a small flicker of joy, quickly overwhelmed by a tidal wave of uncertainty. Two days. It’s been two days since I found out, and I’ve been floating in a fog of disbelief ever since.
I’ve always wanted to be part of a big family. Spending time with Zach’s family at their reunion reminded me of that ache. They’reloud, loving, and completely unapologetic in how much they care for each other. It was everything I imagined a family should be. But that wasn’t real for me. I was just playing pretend.
Now, though, I’m not pretending anymore. I’m having a baby.
A soft ping from my computer snaps me out of my thoughts, but I barely glance at the notification. My mind isn’t on work or the dozens of emails waiting for me. I’ve been avoiding Chloe and Janelle too, letting their calls go to voicemail and sending a quick text to assure them I’m fine. Right now, I need space to figure out how to share this news without falling apart.
I close my laptop and grab my phone, scrolling to Anna’s name. She’ll know what to say. She always does.
The phone rings twice before Anna picks up, her familiar face filling the screen. “Hey stranger! I haven’t heard from you since we moved here. How are you?”
“I’m good,” I say, my voice unconvincing, even to my own ears. “Sorry I haven’t called. Life and work have been… hectic.”
Before Anna can respond, my nephew’s head pops into the frame, his wide grin lighting upthe screen. “Hi, Auntie Lainey! I miss you! I wish you could visit.”
My heart squeezes. “Hey, buddy! I miss you too. How’s the new house? Are you liking your school?”
Joshua nods enthusiastically. “Yeah! I made a new friend, and we’re building a treehouse in his backyard. You’d like it—it’s really cool!”
I laugh softly, the warmth of his excitement melting away some of the tension in my chest. “That sounds amazing. I can’t wait to see it. I’ll visit soon, I promise.”
My brother in law, Ron, leans into view, offering a quick wave. “Hey, Lainey! Long time no see.”
“Hey, Ron. How’s everything?” I ask, grateful for the distraction.
“Busy, as always,” he says with a chuckle. “You know Anna keeps us all in line.”
“Someone has to,” Anna retorts with a playful roll of her eyes. She shoos Ron and Joshua away, then turns her attention back to me, her expression softening. “Okay, spill. What’s going on?”
I hesitate, chewing on my bottom lip. “How did you know I had something to tell you?”
Anna arches an eyebrow. “Lainey, I know you. Now, out with it.”
Taking a deep breath, I let the words tumble out. “I’m pregnant.”
Anna’s eyes widen, and her hands fly to her mouth. “Oh my God! Lainey, are you serious?”
I nod, a shaky smile breaking through. “Yeah.”
“Oh, honey, congratulations!” she exclaims, her voice bubbling with excitement. “I’m so happy for you. I have so many questions, though. But first, how are you feeling?”
I let out a small laugh, grateful for her enthusiasm. “Strangely, as soon as I found out I was pregnant, the nausea went away.”
Anna chuckles. “Lucky! Some women have it through the whole first trimester, or worse, the entire pregnancy.”
She pauses, her gaze turning thoughtful. “So… when do we get to meet the daddy?”
My smile falters. “Um, yeah. About that.”
