“That’s generally how babies are made,” he said, with a slight grin on his face.

“But I’ve never… And I don’t know you,” she said.

“You don’t have to decide right this minute. How about if we get to know each other first?” he asked.

She swallowed hard and wrung her hands together. “Okay.” Her voice almost squeaked.

“Are you busy tomorrow night?”

Lucy shook her head, almost too hard.

“Where are you staying?”

“Angel’s Creek Hotel.” She was proud of herself that the words came out almost normal sounding.

“I’ll pick you up at six,” he said.

She nodded.

“It’s been a pleasure meeting you. I look forward to getting to know you more,” Micah said.

“You, too.”

“Do you need me to drive you back to the hotel?”

“No, the clinic will take me back,” she said.

Lucy sat under a beautifully blooming tree in the courtyard of the hotel. She wished she knew of a place where she could safely shift and go for a run so she could sort through the million thoughts exploding in her head.

Normally, when she felt like this, she would talk to Ashley, who would help her sort through her issues and figure things out. However, Ashley was no longer an option.

Lucy giggled at the thought. How funny would it be if I stayed best friends with the person who stole my fiancé?

Sighing heavily, she walked around the courtyard feeling like a caged bear.

“I can’t believe I’m actually thinking about giving my virginity away to a complete stranger. I wouldn’t even sleep with Leo, and I was in love with him. Or at least, I thought that I was in love with him.”

She took a couple of steps and tried to practice deep breathing exercises. “In through the nose to the count of four. Hold it to the count of four. Out through the mouth to the count of four. Hold it to the count of four.”

After several of these, her heart finally returned to normal.

“What are the pros?” she asked herself. She ticked off the list on her fingers. “He’s hot. He seems like a nice man and would likely be gentle. I could either work on my book or get another job while I’m pregnant. The baby would be well taken care of.”

Taking a deep breath, she asked herself, “What are the cons?” The only one she could think of was that she would give her virginity to a stranger.

Lucy called her mom and gave her an update on her life.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Sophia said. “We can help you financially or you can come home.”

“I’m not ready to come home. I want to try making my own way in life,” Lucy said.

“I’m so afraid of you getting hurt. You will become attached to the baby. Not to mention the fact that your first time should be with someone you love.”

“Love?” Lucy barked. “I don’t see that happening anytime soon, if ever. I tried that once.”

“I promise the right man is out there,” Sophia said.

Lucy changed the subject and asked how her brothers and sister were and what was going on in her parents’ lives. Sophia got the hint and didn’t push either subject.