Page 87 of Stiletto's Savior

Octavia takes a sip of the eggnog in her hand. “What hasn’t happened? You know?”

I cross my arms over my chest, trying to ward off the chill creeping in. “Fine. I’m sure you understand I just wish he’d text me or something.”

“Think of it this way: maybe he’s planning a special surprise.”

“Great. A surprise breakup sounds lovely,” I retort, rolling my eyes playfully.

Octavia cracks up into a fit of laughter. “Stop it! You’re being ridiculous.”

“Am I?”

She shoots me a knowing look. “Yes!”

“Okay, okay,” I relent, forcing a grin.

But inside, I’m still spiraling.

“Let’s get these cookies out there before Gears eats them all.”

I spend the next hour shooting the shit with Octavia, trying to keep my mind busy, but it’s no use.

Out of nowhere someone calls my name in a panicked voice. “Stiletto!”

I jolt from my seat, turning to see where it’s coming from.

Tara’s rushing toward me with a wild look in her eyes. “Did you hear?”

I stand up and walk over to her. “About what? Did something happen with the guys?”

Panic floods through me.

Tara clutches something in her hand. “No, no. It has nothing to do with the boys.”

Her hands tremble, and I can see the excitement—and fear—in her eyes.

“What’s that?” I ask, wanting to know what she has in her hands.

Octavia chimes in, her voice rising. “Is that what I think it is?”

“Yeah,” tears shimmer in Tara’s eyes. “I’m pregnant.”

My jaw drops to the floor. “Are you serious?”

Tara’s hands continue to shake. “Ripper doesn’t know yet. He’s gonna flip the fuck out. We… we weren’t trying. It’s come up out of nowhere.”

Tara grins, her excitement taking my mind off the fact Miles isn’t back yet.

Just then, Ripper barges in, arms laden with boxes and bags from Tart’s bakery.

The scent of frosting and baked goods wafts through the air, sweet and comforting. “Got some goodies for the club over the next couple of days. Kelsey wouldn’t let me get out of there. I’m just—” he starts, but then stops short, his eyes zeroing in on her. “What’s goin’ on? You got a weird look in your eyes.”

Tara begins, but the tension crackles between them. “Ripper, I?—”

His brows knit together, anticipation etched on his face. “You what? Just spit it out, babe.”

Tara nervously licks her lips. “I’m pregnant. That’s why I’ve been feeling weird. Doctors confirmed it with the blood test I got a couple days ago. I took a stick test as well,” she shows him the test in her hand.

Ripper goes silent for a moment before breaking out into a huge smile. He chuckles and yanks Tara into his arms. “I can hardly believe this. You’re absolutely certain?”

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