Page 91 of Before I Loved You

“But it—”

“Maybe it is,” he rushes out. “But you don’t know for sure. And I’m not going to let you go out on that court and ruin your career by murdering Greyson.”

I hold my head in my hands, focusing on my breathing as I let out a shaky sigh.

“I just need you to spend the next couple of hours out there, getting your head in the game and showing everyone who the fuck Paul Weston is,” he demands. “And then, you can go find your girl and find out what the hell is going on.”

The buzzer in the arena sounds, making us both look at the door. It’s time.

I stand, rolling my neck. “This is going to be the longest fucking game of my life.”

“That’s the spirit!” Glen cheers as he jumps up, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

“But if I find out it’s true, you cannot stop me from killing him.” I narrow my eyes on Glen, who only shrugs.

“If it’s true, I’ll help you.” He hands me a small towel to wipe the blood off my hand. “Getting away with first-degree murder is what friends are for.”

twenty-one

SARAH

Slumping against the back of my door, I kick off my flats and enter the kitchen. Opening the fridge, finding bare shelves and rancid leftovers, I close it and stand in front of the cabinet, praying to see something edible inside.

Please. Please. Please.

Swinging open the door, I find one box of instant macaroni and cheese and do a little happy dance.

As I pour the noodles into the pot of boiling water, I hear my phone vibrate on the kitchen island; an unknown number flashes across the screen.

“Hello?” I answer hesitantly.

“Hi, Miss Fleur. This is James down in the lobby.”

“Oh.” Relief fills me from the sweet man’s voice. “Hi, James. How are you?”

“Can’t complain. Gotta lay off the sugar per my wife’s request, but all things considered, I’m good.” I chuckle, stirring the noodles in the water. “We received some heavy deliveries for you, and I was wondering if this would be a good time to bring them up?”

“Yes!” I completely forgot the baby’s furniture was scheduled for delivery today. “That would be great. Thank you!”

An hour later, my living room is overrun with boxes.

Was I under the impression the furniture would be delivered fully assembled?

Yes, I absolutely was.

No matter. I can put it together myself. I’m sure it won’t be too difficult to do.

Gazing around at what my emergency credit card bought me, I feel good about how it was spent.

And I’m so ready to tell Paul.

I just really hope that after I explain everything to him, he understands why it took me so long to tell him.

I shake my head, catching a glimpse of myself in the window. Instinctively, I raise my T-shirt and observe myself, noting the beginning of an official baby bump. It’s small and barely noticeable. Most would probably think I looked like I ate a burrito or two for lunch. I’m sure when Paul saw my body on Thanksgiving, he assumed I was just bloated from all of the food. But I wasn’t. I’m just pregnant and so happy as I see the light at the end of the long tunnel.

Everything feels like it’s finally coming together.

My eyes water as a smile blooms across my face, and my hand slides protectively over my stomach.

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