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I wait there for a few seconds but walk away when I hear the sound of rushing water from the sink. Wondering if my suspicions are correct, I start pacing the floor. What if I’m wrong? What if it’s just an aftereffect of the flu she told me she caught a week ago? Or could she be reacting to the antivirals?
My fingers comb through my hair. She could be pregnant. She refused to drink wine last night. Gwen, oddly, had no symptoms when she was expecting Ashlyn. All she had were weird cravings, so I can’t really say that Giselle is pregnant just because she’s throwing up.
A memory of when we were making out last night crosses my mind, and I frown. Giselle had suddenly stopped and reached for her phone in her purse on the floor. With the excuse that she had to text her sister to inform her that she wouldn’t be coming home, she hurried to the bathroom. When she returned, she looked relieved and a glimpse at her phone before she put it away showed that she had been browsing something online.
I wonder if she had been trying to find out if it was okay to make love. I also remember how full and tender her breasts were, and she was extra responsive and sensitive when I touched them. How far along is she? Or am I just overthinking a healthy woman throwing up in the bathroom first thing in the morning?
For a moment, I pause in my stride to consider what it means if she’s indeed pregnant. I’ve never envisaged having another child after Ashlyn because I thought I would never allow any woman to capture my heart again. But as the possibility sinks in, joy fills me. There’s no greater news than discovering the woman you love is carrying your baby.
My attention jerks to the bathroom door when I see Giselle standing there, looking spent. She’s put on a white robe. Swiftly, I stride over to her, take her hand, and lead her to the bed. I sit beside her, still holding her hand.
“Can I get you anything? A glass of water?”
She shakes her head.
Testing her reaction, I say, “We need to get you to the hospital. The flu might not be completely gone, or you might be reacting to the drugs.”
She keeps silent, so I add, “Or . . .”
She eyes me with curiosity. “Or what?”
“Or you’re pregnant.”
She evades my intense stare by looking away.
“Are you?”
She nods and stares at me with an inexplicable expression. “Yes, I am.”
Even though I had a hunch, it still surprises me to hear it confirmed.
“I know you’re wondering how I could be when I’m supposedly on the pill.” She lets out a heavy breath. “Believe me, I don’t know how it happened. I didn’t miss taking them, so I don’t understand.”
“When did it happen, you think?”
“In Washington. I’m about eight weeks along.”
I nod and rub a hand across my stubble. Joy bubbles inside me, but I hold it in because of her downcast expression. Isn’t she happy? Dear God, is she thinking of ending it? Is that why she didn’t tell me all this time?
She regards me with an odd expression and says in a cool tone, “It’s yours, by the way.”
My breath catches in my throat. I gawk at her, horrified that she would think I would accuse her of sleeping with someone else. “I never thought otherwise.”
“And I didn’t get pregnant intentionally just to get you to commit to me. I would never do that. I don’t want you to think I’m trying to tie you down or—”
I shut her up by drawing her into my arms and kissing her. “Keep quiet, woman, before you say something that will hurt me deeply.” I brush back the wet strands of her hair from her forehead. “Giselle, I know you’re not the kind of woman to want to trap a man. The thought never crossed my mind. I love you.” I place my hand across her stomach. “And I’m thrilled about the baby.”
Her eyes enlarge with something akin to disbelief. “You are?”
“Yes.”
She huffs. “You could have fooled me with that deadpan expression you’re wearing.”
I grin. “I never thought I would have another child besides Ashlyn, but I can hardly contain my joy at the moment. I’m only holding back because you don’t seem to be happy about it.”
Her green eyes start glowing suddenly. “Are you kidding me? I’m overjoyed. I’ve always wanted a family.”
“Then why did you look so sad when you told me?”
