“Whoa, slow down,” Mel said firmly.“Right now, you and this baby are healthy.That's what we need to focus on.”
I nodded, trying to take her words onboard.
“And when it comes to Carter Cassidy, I can assure you, he won’t let you down.I’ve known that man for more than twenty years.He is the best of them, and helovesyou, Olivia.”
“He does not.”
Mel snorted.“Just because he hasn't said it, doesn't mean it's not true.”
Could it be?Does Carter really love me?Could he want this?
“Does this mean—am I high-risk?”
Mel took a moment to consider.“Given your history, yes, we'll consider this a high-risk pregnancy.But that doesn't mean anything's wrong.It just means we'll monitor you more closely.”
“Okay.”I took a deep breath and nodded.“I can handle that.”
“Of course you can,” Mel said, smiling.“You're one of the strongest people I know.”
I managed a faint smile in return.“I don't feel very strong right now.”
“Strength isn't about never feeling weak.It's about getting back up when life knocks you down.And you've done that time and time again.”
Her words stoked a tiny spark of courage inside me.“Thank you, Mel.For everything.”
She patted my shoulder.“Of course.Now, do you want to talk about how you're going to tell Carter?”
“Oh, God.”I threw my head back onto the pillow and stared at the ceiling.“What am I going to say to him?We've only been together for a few months.This is going to change everything.What if he doesn't want a baby?What if this is too much for him?”
“Olivia,” Mel said, “that man punched your ex-husband and got himself arrested because he was worried about you.I don't think a baby is going to scare him off.”
I made a sound somewhere between a sob and a laugh.“I still can't believe he did that.”
“Love makes people do crazy things,” Mel said with a wink.
I took a slow, measured breath and some of the panic ebbed away.Whatever happened next, I wouldn't have to face it alone.
“So,” I said, squaring my shoulders, “how exactly does one tell their boyfriend of a few months that they're pregnant?”
Mel chuckled.“Well, I doubt there's a Hallmark card for that specific occasion.But I'd start with 'We need to talk.'“
I gave her a dry look.“Those are the four most terrifying words in the English language.”
* * *
I satup in the hospital bed as Carter and Wick entered the room.Their worried expressions made my stomach lurch with guilt.
“Hey.”I forced a smile.“Thanks for bailing Rocky here outta jail.”
Wick clasped Carter's shoulder.“Dude's my hero for punching Ethan.I'm just mad I missed it.”
Carter's eyes anxiously searched mine as he took purposeful strides toward my bedside.“How are you feeling?”
“The doctor says I have anemia.That's why I passed out earlier.”
Wick stepped closer, frowning.“Anemia?Is it serious?”
“Not too bad,” I assured him.“Just need some iron supplements and rest.”
