Page 88 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

Betty's eyebrows shoot up, but she doesn't comment. As she walks away, Mel leans in, her voice low.

"Okay, spill. What's going on with you?"

I fidget with my napkin. "Nothing. I told you, I'm just tired."

Mel's not buying it. "Uh-huh. And the weird cravings? The constant exhaustion? Kenzie, have you considered that maybe you're?—"

"Don't," I cut her off, my heart suddenly racing. "Don't even say it."

But it's too late. The possibility's out there now, hanging in the air between us.

Pregnant.

I do a quick mental calculation, and my stomach drops. When was my last period? With everything going on, I haven't been keeping track...

"Oh God," I whisper, the realization hitting me like a ton of bricks.

Mel reaches across the table, squeezing my hand. "Hey, it's okay. We don't know anything for sure yet."

I nod, trying to calm my racing thoughts. "You're right. It could be anything. Stress, or... or..."

But I can't think of any other explanation that fits. The fatigue, the mood swings, the cravings...

Betty arrives with our food, and the smell of my burger hits me like a wave. Suddenly, my mouth waters and my stomach churns.

"I'll be right back," I mutter, bolting for the bathroom.

I make it just in time, emptying the contents of my stomach into the toilet. As I rinse my mouth at the sink, I catch my reflection in the mirror.

"You can't fill anyone from an empty cup," I tell my reflection words Meme used to quote, and the thought of her fills my eyes with unshed tears. "She was right, but I'm just running on fumes."

I go from thinking about Meme to all-out crying and I don't know why.

But deep down, I know. And I have no idea how to feel about it.

When I return to the table, Mel's watching me with concern. "You okay?"

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. My burger sits there, looking far less appetizing now.

"I think I need to stop by the store," I say quietly.

Mel nods, understanding. "Want me to come with you?"

I shake my head. "No, I... I need to do this on my own."

We finish our meal in silence. The possibility that I'm carrying Everett's child hangs heavy between us. As we leave the diner, Mel pulls me into a tight hug.

"Whatever happens, I'm here for you," she says fiercely. "You know that, right?"

I nod, blinking back tears. "Thanks, Mel."

The walk to Garrison's General Store feels like it takes forever and no time at all. My heart's pounding as I push open the door, the familiar jingle of the bell suddenly grating on my nerves.

I make my way to the back of the store, trying to look casual as I scan the shelves. There. Pregnancy tests. I grab one quickly, shoving it into my basket along with some random items to make it less obvious.

As I turn to head to the checkout, I collide with a solid chest. "Oof!"

"Hey, Kenzie. What a surprise to bump into you here."

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