Page 66 of One Pucking Surprise
Anna’s face falls. “Lainey?”
I hesitate before sighing. “It’s complicated.”
Her brow furrows in concern. “Is everything okay?”
“It’s fine. I’m fine,” I say quickly, though my voice wavers. “It’s just… we had a one-night stand. Well, it started that way. Then it got more complicated. But he hasn’t called me since we found out.”
Anna’s expression softens with sympathy. “Oh, Lainey,” she says gently. “You’re in love with him.”
“Maybe. I don’t know. But like I said, it doesn’t matter. He’s not Mr. Perfect.”
“You can’t plan love. It just happens.”
I let out a shaky laugh, brushing a tear from my cheek. “You sound like a Hallmark card.”
“Maybe,” she teases, “but it’s true. So, what are you going to do?”
“I’m going to have this baby,” I say firmly. “And if I have to do it alone, I will.”
Anna smiles, though her eyes are misty. “You’ve always been strong. I’m proud of you. And I’m here for you, no matter what.”
There’s a knock at my office door, and I glance toward it. “Someone’s here. Thanks for the talk, Anna. I needed it.”
“Anytime,” she says. “I love you.”
“Love you too,” I reply, ending the call and taking a steadying breath. “Come in,” I call, bracing myself.
Chloe and Janelle step into the room, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity. “Lainey, you’ve been ignoring our calls,” Chloe says, crossing her arms. “We were about to show up at your place.”
“Yeah,” Janelle chimes in, giving me a pointed look. “What’s going on?”
I take a deep breath, motioning for them to sit in the chairs across from my desk. My heart pounds as I gather my thoughts, knowing there’s no easy way to say this. “I have something to tell you guys.”
They both sit, leaning forward with expectant looks. Their concern only adds to the pressure swirling in my chest.
“I’m pregnant,” I finally blurt out, the words rushing out in a single breath.
Chloe’s eyes widen as she grips the arm of her chair. “You’re what?”
Janelle nods slowly. “Oh, that’s huge news.”
I nod, feeling my cheeks heat under their combined gazes. “Yeah. That’s why I didn’t pick up your calls.”
Chloe tilts her head, something clicking in her expression. “So that’s why Zach didn’t pick up Wyatt’s call, either.”
My stomach flips. “You called Zach?”
“No,” Chloe says quickly, “but I was worried about you. When you didn’t pick up, I asked Wyatt to call Zach.”
“Wait,” Janelle cuts in, her sharp gaze darting between us. “Zach’s the baby daddy?”
I nod again.
Janelle’s jaw drops. “Holy shit! I thought maybe you had a one-night stand with one of your dates.”
“Gross. They were not one-night stand material,” I say with a laugh. The absurdity of the idea breaks some of my tension.
“Beggars can’t be choosers,” Janelle teases, earning a glare from me.
