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CHAPTER 25
ERIN
“So I already looked up restaurants, and I was thinking we could try this new Ethiopian place.” Riley is a blur around my guest room as she unpacks her suitcase. “And then we can go to this bar that specializes in prohibition-era cocktails.”
She stops briefly to check her hair in the mirror. “This weekend will be so amazing that by the end of it, you’ll have forgotten all about what’s-his-name.”
I smile, but I can’t agree with her. I don’t think I’ll be forgetting about Josh any time soon.
“The restaurant sounds good…” I trail off. I still haven’t told her about the pregnancy, and I’m not sure I’m ready to yet.
The last few days, I’ve been sitting on the news. I’ve done a few productive things, like booking an appointment with a midwife and researching childcare. Other than that, though, I’ve let this huge life change quietly simmer.
Once I tell someone who knows me personally, it will be official. I’ll be having a baby. While single. Without the man that I briefly imagined having a future with.
“Hey.” Riley joins me in sitting on the bed. “You okay?”
I fiddle with my necklace. “Just hungry. You ready to grab dinner?”
“Sure. What are you wearing?” She bounces to standing and opens her garment bag. “Do you like this? It would look amazing with your skin tone.”
She pulls out a shimmery green dress. She’s right; it would look great on me.
But it’s the kind of dress a woman wears when she’s going out to party and find a man, and I’m not in that season of life anymore.
“It’s pretty.” I smile. “You should wear it.”
Riley raises an eyebrow. “What’s going on, Erin? You’re acting weird.”
“No, I’m not.” I stand up.
“Is this about Josh? Because I know how hot he is, but—”
“No. I mean, yes, it’s about Josh. Kind of.”
Her brow furrows. “Have you talked to him?”
“No.” I bite the inside of my cheek. I had hoped he would get in touch by now and that would be the impetus I needed to tell him I’m pregnant, but it’s only been crickets.
I take a deep breath and decide to just tell her. “I have something to tell you.”
Riley’s eyes widen with anticipation. “What’s up?”
“I’m pregnant,” I blurt out.
Riley’s mouth drops open. “Wow. I mean, that’s amazing. Congratulations!” She pulls me into a hug. “You’re going to be a great mom.”
Tears prick at my eyes. It’s the first time anyone has said that to me. “Thanks. I’m scared, though.”
Riley pulls back and looks at me seriously. “Of course you are. But you’re not alone. You have me, and your parents. And we’ll figure everything out together.”
They’re sweet words, but the truth of the matter is that she lives in another state, and my parents live hours away. My friends in San Antonio aren’t close enough that I can lean on them in this sort of way, which means when it comes down to it, I am kind of alone.
The thought makes my stomach drop.
Maybe I should move back to Fort Williams. My parents would be thrilled to help out with a baby.
And what about Josh? What if I tell him about the pregnancy and he wants nothing to do with it? Are my child and I supposed to live in the same town as the man who rejected them?
