I look at my watch. I have about ten minutes before I have to leave. “I have time.” I walk around the island to stand beside him, and he bends his head to kiss me. “Good morning.”
“Morning, baby.” The softness of his voice makes his eyes go a light blue. “Did you sleep well?”
“So good. That bed is like sleeping on a cloud.” I pick up the English muffin, which has a fried egg in the middle, with a slice of cheese and two pieces of bacon. I take a bite of the sandwich and then look at him. “I’m going to tell the captain today”—he cocks his hip and leans against the counter—“and then I’ll tell Roman.”
“Just those two?”
I nod my head. “I’m going to wait another month before I tell everyone.” I know the minute people start to hear the news, my parents will find out and will come looking for me. It’s their MO. They steer clear for a while after they steal from me, probably thinking I’ll forget about it. I take another bite of the sandwich. “But at least the main people will know.”
“That sounds good.”
I finish the sandwich I didn’t know that I was hungry for. He walks me out of the house and down the steps, opening the door to my car for me. “You’ll text me later?” he asks.
“You know I’ll text you when I can. Just like I’ve done the last couple of days when you text me good morning number two.” He laughs, and I kiss his neck. “I have to go.”
“Be safe,” he says as I sit behind the steering wheel. “See you tonight.” He bends to kiss me once more before closing the door.
I make my way to the station, the streets deserted.
At work, I find Scooter making a coffee for himself.
“Hey,” I say quietly, looking around. The other shift sits on the couch watching television on low. They both lift their hands to say hello to me. “I was wondering if I could have a minute of your time?” Scooter smiles and nods. “Privately?” His eyes widen, curiosity in them, as he turns and heads to his office.
I step in, feeling so nervous. I hope I don’t throw up the breakfast sandwich I just ate.
“Everything okay?” he asks, walking around the desk.
“Yes,” I say, “and no.”
“Are you leaving us?” he asks softly, and I shake my head. “Then whatever it is, it’s going to be fine.”
“I hope so,” I say, wringing my fingers together. “I’m pregnant,” I say the two words I’ve only said one other time, and that was to Theo.
The shock registers on his face. “I didn’t know . . .” He trails off, and I smile at him.
“It’s fairly new.”
“Is it Theo?” I’m shocked he knows. “He comes to see you every day,” he points out, chuckling. “People figured out something was up with you two after the fourth time he just dropped by.”
“Yeah.”
“How far along are you?”
“Just over sixteen weeks. I wanted to wait until I was over the twelve-week mark. But then I just kept dragging my feet. Now it’s almost time that I can’t keep it a secret anymore.”
He shakes his head. “I wish you had told me. I would not have approved those extra shifts.”
“I was fine except for that one day,” I start nervously. “If it’s not too much to ask, can we keep this to ourselves until?—”
“I won’t say a word.” He smiles at me. “But I would share it with Roman.” He picks up his cup of coffee. “If you need help . . .”
“I will be sharing it with him today.”
“I’ll be keeping an eye on you to make sure you aren’t overdoing it,” he warns in a stern tone. “Just so you know.”
I chuckle. “Noted. I’m going to go and get ready for my shift.” I start to open the door.
“I’m happy for you, Collins,” he states, and the words hit me in the gut. “You are going to be a great mom.”
