Page 204 of Josephine and Clay

Clay sits up straighter instantly. “Josie?”

My eyes burn unexpectedly. “I was going to tell you before you left.”

His expression tightens. “Tell me what?”

I press one hand instinctively against my stomach.

I see the exact second confusion flickers across his face.

Then concern.

Then realization trying and failing to form.

“Wait,” he says slowly.

My throat closes. “I'm pregnant.”

Silence.

The kind that changes everything before either person even moves.

Clay stares at me without blinking. I can actually see the moment his brain stops functioning properly.

“You’re…” His voice cuts out completely.

I nod once because speaking suddenly feels impossible. Clay looks down at my stomach again.

“When?” he asks hoarsely.

“A while ago.”

“You found out a while ago?”

“I know this is a lot.”

“A lot,” he repeats faintly.

“I didn’t know how to tell you.”

His eyes snap back to mine. “That’s why you were acting weird.”

I let out a shaky breath. “Probably because carrying your children tends to affect a person emotionally.”

The word lands.

Children.

I watch confusion crease his forehead again.

Then every trace of movement leaves him.

I close my eyes briefly. “Twins.”

Nothing in the world could’ve prepared me for the expression that crosses Clay’s face.

Shock first. Pure stunned disbelief. Then absolute terror.

“Twins,” he repeats blankly.