Page 117 of Líadan's Code

I hope one day I won’t have to remind Jordan he has every bit as much right to support Líadan in things as I do. Hell, he ran right after her earlier today when she got sick. Knowing she’s peeing on a stick that could alter our lives in the best of ways makes my stomach clench anxiously.

Tapping my knuckles on the hall bathroom door, I say, “Baby, we’re right outside. I just wanted to let you know.”

Lía doesn’t say anything, but I can hear her moving around, so I lean my back against the wall, allowing my body to sink to the floor. Jordan passes me by when he notices me on the floor, yet I can see him pulling off his shirt. Frowning, I call out to him, wondering what he’s doing, when I spot the jar of cream in his hand.

Fuck, his back.

“Hey, let me help with that,” I tell him as I watch him applying it himself. I’m irrationally angry at the thought that he’s been doing this alone the last few days.

“I forgot to do it after the shower, and now it’s starting to bother me,” he grumbles, walking back to me and slowly lowering himself to the ground, so I can apply a liberal amount to his back.

“This looks so much better,” I murmur, straining to hear Lía just inside the bathroom on the other side of the wall. I can still hear her moving around in there, but she’s not saying anything.

Keeping myself busy, I make sure Jordan’s back is well taken care of before I stand, tired of waiting. It only takes a few minutes for them to read the test results.

“Whatever it says, milseán, it’ll be okay,” I say through the door as Jordan stands, pulling on a loose T-shirt he grabbed on the way out of the bedroom. “We love you.”

My hand on the doorknob, I turn and push it open.

Líadan

This can’t be real.

My breaths are coming out quickly as I look down at the tests laid out on the counter. They both are saying something I didn’t think possible, and I’m not sure I trust it. Tears slide down my face as I try to catch up to this reality.

I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much before.

I’d rather feel everything than feel as numb as I’ve been the last half of my life.

“Whatever it says, milseán, it’ll be okay,” Brendan says, promising that they love me in the next breath.

Sniffling, I turn to face him as the door swings open.

“Whatever it says, is it what you want?” Jordan asks, gazing at me with Brendan. I appreciate the way he stated it. I feel so many emotions right now.

Raging anger at a doctor who so callously told me I was basically barren after I went to my follow up appointment, after my various surgeries, sits at the forefront of my mind. Next is hope and joy, because holy shit!

“Yes,” I whisper, closing my eyes for a moment to collect my thoughts. “I’m pregnant.”

“Fuck yes,” Brendan whoops, making me laugh as I open my eyes and he pumps his fist.

“Are you okay with it?” I ask Jordan, swallowing hard. “Like you said, you already raised kids?—”

“Yes,” he growls, stalking into the room to tug me into his arms. He’s so gentle, tilting my chin up to look up at him. “I am so okay with it. A gorgeous baby boy or girl that’s a part of you, fuck yes I want that.”

“There’s a possibility it’s yours,” Brendan murmurs, trying to do the math. Jordan has been with us for over a month, it’s possible.

“It’s ours,” I correct, shrugging. “I don’t care who the dad is biologically, we’re having a baby.”

My eyes widen as it hits me, and Jordan kisses my forehead with a chuckle. Brendan steals me away a moment later, kissing my lips hard.

“Hey, máithrín,” he whispers. “God, I’m so happy, baby.”

“Me too,” I wail, even as he chuckles. A group hug is exactly what I need, the weight of their bodies against mine anchoring me to the present. This is happening, it’s not a dream.

“Líadan!” Dr. Kurtz yells from the living room, startling me. I guess he’s tired of being ignored.

“Coming,” I call back, drawing away from the hug to blow my nose and wash my face. Quickly patting it dry, I hurry back to the living room with the little positive sticks in my hand.

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