Page 53 of It's Always Us

“Call a nurse. I’d like someone else, please.”

He laughs. “Sorry, I think you’re stuck with me until Maggie and Liv get here.”

“Well, just so you know, you suck at this job.”

“Noted.”

“Lex is going to be pissed when she knows you didn’t let me text her. She’s waiting for a thumbs up so she knows I’m not dead.”

“All right, buddy.” I don’t care for his condescending tone, and I want to punch him. “She’ll be waiting a long time,” I hear his strict ass mumble.

I close my eyes, wanting to drift away. “You justwait and see.”

Chapter 16

LEX

The impact gun vibrates in my hand, tightening the lug nuts on a Ford Explorer. Two tires down, two to go. I roll and lift another to place it on the axle, realizing I won’t be able to do this much longer.

A wave of nerves rolls through my already volatile stomach with the need to know what I’m going to do when I reach that point.

I called and made my first doctor’s appointment. They informed me that at twelve weeks, my little wild colt is about the size of a plum. I ended the call with a short list of dos and don’ts that I’m certain will grow along with my changing body.

I’ve started prenatal vitamins and sadly waved goodbye to coffee while my tiny bump is getting harder to hide. Thank goodness for coveralls, but things like lifting these tires won’t be happening with a bulging belly.

Hopefully, it will push Grandpa to teach me more about the business side, which I’ve only been introduced to. It will be an opportunity to learn what I need to know in order to take over the shop one day.

Before that can happen, I have to tell Grandpa and my mom that not only am I married, but I’m having a baby. I’ve kept this most exciting and life-changing news a secret, wanting the miraculous joy for just myself until I can share it with Mark. But a significant amount of pressure is building inside me with all the things that are about to change.

Time is ticking. All of my pants are too tight, and most of my shirts aren’t loose enough to hide my little bump. At least the morning sickness has mostly subsided, and I’m feeling more like myself, but I have to talk to Mark.

He sent me a fist-pound emoji, which I assume was supposed to be a thumbs-up, so I know he made it through surgery. When he’s done sleeping off the drugs, I’m spilling the big news. I can’t stand it any longer. We can’t be some lingering thing out there waiting to happen someday. This baby is growing and won’t wait for us to get it together.

I tighten the lug nuts on the last tire, and start the alignment process. When I’m finished, I move the Explorer to the parking lot and return the keys to the board. The shop is quiet, except for the low country music, while everyone breaks for lunch.

I head to the kitchen to warm my leftovers, but I hear the distinct voices of Grandpa and Slade coming from his office.

My steps slow to a crawl as I hear Slade say something about ‘buying the shop.’ I stand in the short hallway, unable to move, listening as they talk about a payment plan and future growth opportunities.

My stomach drops to my steel-toed boots, and my lungs quit functioning. Before I can think about it, I’m standing in the doorway.

The faces of two of the men I trust most in the world snap in my direction.

“What?” It’s the only thing my brain can formulate.

“Alex,” Slade straightens, a big hand running over his face. “I was going to talk to you.” His deep voice hits my ears and bounces right off.

My eyes shift to Grandpa. He leans back in his chair, exhaling, his chin dropping to his chest.

“Are you selling the shop?” I can only suck in little bits of air, and my question comes out as a whisper. I want to drop to a crouching position in case I vomit, but I keep myself upright.

When he doesn’t immediately answer, my eyes flick back to Slade. “You’re buying him out?” Something is happening in my throat, and it might actually be swelling shut.

Slade’s hands shoot out in front of him. “We’re just talking.”

I switch back to Grandpa, needing a direct answer to a direct question. “Are you selling?” I choke out.

When his eyes finally meet mine, I think I have my answer.

---