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The first stupid test didn’t have a solid plus sign, so I took another one. When the second one gave a firm positive, I knew it was real.
I was pregnant.
It was either Duke or Liam’s. Jeff and I hadn’t slept together for months.
With all the stress of everything going on, I didn’t want to tell anyone, so I hid the tests in my bag and went home.
The pounding on the front door and Jax’s barking had me shoving the tests back in my bag and shaking off the feeling that something bad was going to happen. I didn’t know if the guys wanted kids, if they wanted to start this soon, or if they wanted a family period. There was a lot to talk about, but not now. Not when they were on their way to arrest Jeff and Blake’s baby shower was about to begin.
Today was about Blake. Not me.
This party would be a good distraction.Jessie had made herself at home in the kitchen, putting together food, and Grace was serving up drinks. I opened the door, revealing Blake and the rest of the girls.
“Oh my gosh, you guys. This is amazing,” Blake squealed when she stepped inside. Jessie and I had gone with the pumpkin theme like we discussed and had little pumpkins scattered everywhere. The banner across the wall readA little pumpkin is on the way.
We ate, drank, and opened presents. Blake’s mother-in-law, Gavin’s mom, and aunt-in-law came for the shower, and Blake looked so happy to have them here. Seeing other family members accept the different lifestyle gave me hope my mom would be as understanding.
When we settled down and had cake, I couldn’t hold it in any longer. I’d tried to stop myself, but the worry was too strong to ignore the constant pregnancy thoughts circling my brain. I was going to burst if someone didn’t know soon. “When you told the guys you were pregnant, were you afraid they’d be upset?” I caught Blake’s gaze.
“Well, no. We’d been trying for a few months when it happened.” Blake’s forehead creased. “Why?”
I set my hand on my abdomen. “Because I’m scared to tell Duke and Liam.”
I was tackled by Grace first. The scent of the lotion she always wore filled my nose. She crushed me with her hug only to relinquish me to another person. Everyone spouted their congratulations, but I felt like something was missing.
“I’m so sorry for turning the attention to me,” I told Blake. “Today is your day. I was just so sick to my stomach, I couldn’t hold it in anymore.” I raised tear-filled eyes to my friend.
“Oh, Abbey, please don’t say that. You have nothing to be sorry about.” She squeezed me as tight as she could with her baby belly between us.
“Why would you be worried?” Jessie settled next to me on the couch.
“Because I don’t know how they’ll react. I mean, we haven’t talked about our future, and I’m scared they’ll be angry. It wasn’t planned.” I blinked rapidly at the ceiling to try to stop the tears.
“Honey, they will be thrilled. Liam and Duke are both family men. Even though Duke might not show it, I know him.” Jessie rubbed my back.
“Sweetheart, I’ve watched Duke grow up. I promise you he is going to be over the moon,” Gavin’s mother chimed in. The pit in my stomach lessened, knowing the two people who knew Duke the longest said everything would be okay.
“And I’ve known Liam for forever,” Blake added. “He’s always wanted a big family. He’s going to be so excited when you tell him.”
I had a feeling Liam was going to be the easy one, but it still made me nervous to tell them.
“How long have you known?” Tori asked.
“Since yesterday. I took the tests when I was at Blake’s.” I turned to her. “By the way, I’m sorry. I stole a few tests from you.”
Blake laughed. “I wish you’d told me. I’d have been there to hold your hand while you waited for the tests to tell you yes or no.”
“I know. I was afraid to say the words out loud.”
“I’m so happy for you. This is all Grace and I’ve ever wanted for you. You have two men who adore you, and now you’re going to start a family. I’m so proud of you for grabbing hold of the life you deserve.” Blake wiped her eyes.
“Okay, we have way too many hormonal women in this room right now.” Alex laughed, not bothering to hide her tears.
A pounding on the door startled us all. “Were we expecting someone? Maybe one of the other guys on the ranch decided to crash our party.” Jessie laughed as she opened the door. Before she got to it, it flung open and bounced off the wall. In barged a man I knew all too well. He shoved Jessie aside and headed straight into the living room. Panic skittered down my spine as I faced the man I never wanted to see again.
Jeff.
I leapt to my feet. My mind raced with all the unanswered questions, along with the fear that he might hurt someone. He was supposed to be at the hotel.
