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His tablet chimed, and he swept his finger across the screen. “Blood results are back, and your hCG level is elevated. Congratulations, Grace. It’s early, around day twenty-four, but you’re definitely pregnant, and your guy is not sterile.”
Oh, my God.
My hand flew to my belly. I drew my palm over my uterus, tears welling in my eyes. “I’m pregnant?”
He nodded, and I couldn’t hear anything afterward. I walked out of the clinic in a daze and didn’t notice when I ended up in a park. I crossed the playground and walked to the shore of a pond, where the frogs were performing a croaking symphony from the tops of lily pads. Their throaty bellows echoed across the pond. I stepped to the shoreline and crouched, checking the tepid water with my hands. A toad jumped in the water.
I stepped higher on the hill and sat down, then lay back on the grass. Marshmallow clouds drifted across the bright blue sky. Hunter’s eyes held the same shade, and I hoped our baby would as well. Would Hunter be happy to be a father? It was still early, and I wasn’t sure how to share the news. I’d waited my entire life to hear the words Dr. Riley spoke. But what if I told Hunter, raised his hopes, and then lost the pregnancy? The first trimester was delicate.
A range of emotions buzzed through my body, and hormones messed with my head. I’d just found out I wasn’t blood-related to my family, and I was pregnant with Hunter’s child.
He’s not sterile.
I relaxed my shoulders, enjoying the soft breeze blowing my hair across my face. I swept the strands aside and watched the shimmering leaves above my head. When it calmed, the sound of footsteps in the distance drew my head sideways.
“Hey, Grace. Are you all right?” Scar plopped down on the grass beside me.
“You’re following me again.” I rose to sit.
“What can I say? This job can be hazardous sometimes. They’re prepping Chad’s transfer.”
“Is that good?”
“Means he won’t make bail, so yes. It’s very good. Are you all right?”
“Yes. So, if I’m all safe, why are you checking up on me?”
“Because I love you like a twin, and I care. Jules is asking about Hunter’s hand, and it’s been a while since you’ve seen the boys. Come to a barbecue.”
I smiled. “I’m sorry. I’ll fix that. You name the date and time, and we’ll be there.”
“You and Hunter?”
“Yeah.” I smiled. “Me and Hunter.”
“Finally.” He let go of an exasperated breath, and I laughed.
“And thank you for caring so much. Even though I’m a Hartley.”
“Nah, you’ll always be a Wagner to me. Are you heading home?”
“I was going to see Frankie, but yes, I need to go home. I have to go see Hunter.”
“I’ll walk you to your car.”
“Thank you. Will you be at the re-opening tomorrow?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
On my way home, I bought two bottles of water and drank them both before arriving. I ran inside and to the bathroom upstairs to pee on the three spare pregnancy sticks underneath the sink cupboard. I set the tests aside and washed my hands. The smell of burning wood drew my attention out the window. The fire pit had been lit near the pond. Hunter was sitting on a chair with his legs stretched out front.
I quickly changed into an outfit from Aunt Mary’s collection, the skimpy white ensemble. Five minutes later, I lowered my gaze to the counter, not surprised by the positive pregnancy tests. I looked out the window. Orange flames danced over Hunter’s face. It was time to tell him we were expecting.
* * *
Butterflies flapped in my belly,and sweat dripped down my back. Silver, pearl white, and gleaming black balloons floated through the salon. Lights twinkled, music hummed, and the smell of lavender aromatherapy filled the air. I stood at the front door greeting and welcoming guests. Hunter went to use the restroom, and Emma adjusted my dress in the back.
“You look stunning, Grace.” She checked my cleavage and dabbed a cotton pad over my glistening forehead. “You’re glowing.”
