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This love was an all-consuming thing. And he could hardly wait to see her again. He smiled as he sat up in bed and checked the time. It was going on seven. He’d had only two hours of sleep, but he felt high on life. High on love.
He gave his head a shake as he headed for the shower. He’d never been much of a romantic, but Avery seemed to bring outthat side of him. He turned on the shower and stretched, letting his back muscles slowly loosen. It had healed enough that he could hit the trail. He could do it today—get these two weeks of hiking under his belt and return to Avery. Or maybe he would stay another day and take her out to dinner tonight, someplace quiet where they could talk. He had so much he wanted to say. Yes, the trail could wait another day.
Wes could hardly keep the goofy grin from his face as he combed his damp hair in place. Despite the lack of sleep, he felt like a new man. Part of him wanted to dash up the stairs to Avery’s apartment, burst inside, and tell her how he felt.
But after last night, she had a lot to process and a full day’s work ahead. He could be patient. It would be worth the wait—he hoped.
Since he had time today, he’d finish that wall. He’d taped and mudded it yesterday, despite Avery’s concern about his back. Today he’d sand and paint, then the carriage house would be finished and waiting for Dr.Chan, should she choose to accept the position.
Wes would have to find another place to stay once he returned—and more importantly, he’d have to find a job. Was there a need in Riverbend for a building contractor or even a handyman? He’d have to figure it out.
His phone buzzed an incoming call, and he dashed to the bedroom and snatched it off the nightstand, hoping it was Avery. But the name on the screen wilted his spirits.
He drew in a deep breath and accepted the call. “Hey, Lillian.”
“Sorry to call so early.” Either she had a nasty cold or she’d been crying.
“That’s okay. What’s wrong? Are you sick?”
“Oh, Wes,” she cried. “I’ve messed everything up.”
Dread slithered up his spine. “Aw, it can’t be that bad. Did something happen with your new job?”
“It’s not that.” She paused a beat. Sniffled. “I don’t want to tell you. You’re going to think less of me.”
“Don’t be silly. Nothing you could say would change the way I feel about you.”
“That’s what you say now but—I’ve been sostupid.”
“You’re not stupid. Just tell me, whatever it is, and we’ll sort it out together, all right?”
“I’mpregnant.”
His thoughts ground to a halt. His jaw dropped. He stared, unseeing, at the bedroom wall.
“See? You do think less of me.”
“That’s not true. I’m just—processing. I’m confused. You never said anything about having a man in your life.”
“Remember that guy, Jordan, I mentioned a few months ago?”
He vaguely recalled her going to a festival or something with the guy. “You said he was just a friend.”
“He was... until he wasn’t.” Her words broke off as she dissolved into tears. “But we had an argument weeks ago, and I haven’t spoken to him since, and now I’mpregnant.” She sniffed, obviously trying to get herself under control. “I have to keep the baby, Wes. I could never... How am I going to hold down a job and be a mother too? I don’t earn enough to pay for childcare on top of everything else. Why did I get myself into this mess?”
He faltered for the right words. “Have you told Jordan yet?”
“No, and he won’t be happy about it. I don’t think he was wanting anything permanent. He didn’t even want to commit to me, much less a child.”
Wes scrubbed a hand over his face as he searched for the right words. But all he could think was that this call changed everything. He could never desert Lillian now. He could never leave her alone and pregnant. Landon would expect Wes to be there for her. He’d given his word.
A vise tightened around his heart at the thought of losing Avery. But he had to put his own feelings aside for now. “Okay, Lil, listen to me. It’s going to be all right. I’ll catch a flight tomorrow, and we’ll figure this out together.”
“No, you have to finish your hike. I want you to finish it. I’ll be fine. I’m just—I just took the test, and I have a lot of things to figure out. I needed to talk to someone, that’s all. Promise me you’ll finish the hike.”
“If that’s what you want.”
“It is.” She sniffled. “I have to get ready for work or I’m going to be late. I’m sorry to dump all this on you so early in the morning. When I bought the test, I never really believed—but I am. I’m going to have a baby.”
