Page 154 of Rule Breakers Fall Hardest

She nods, rubbing her lips back and forth. “I’m going to be a mom.”

“How long have you known?”

She tucks a piece of hair behind her ear with shaky fingers. “About two weeks. I… I didn’t tell you because, at first, I didn’t know what I wanted to do, and then after that, I was scared to say it out loud. The timing… it sucks.” She rubs a hand over her face. “I didn’t plan to become a mom until I was thirty.At least. I hardly feel mature enough to live on my own, let alone be someone’smom.”

“Who’s the dad? Please tell me you didn’t hook up with Tommy again.”

Bertie laughs, her cheeks pinkening. “It’s Luke.” She clears her throat, wiping her palms on her jeans. “Luke Covey.”

I suck in a sharp breath. Though I can’t say I’m surprised. The chemistry between them has been palpable every time they’re together.

“Does he know?”

With a shake of her head, she stands and heads for the kitchenette. Pulling a ginger ale from the fridge, she unscrews the top and takes a sip. “No, you’re the first to know. I feel like throwing up every time I think about telling him. Frankly, I feel like throwing up without even thinking about it.”

“You’ve been nauseous?”

“You have no idea. I’m living off this,” she holds up the ginger ale, “and saltines. I’ve been living a glamorous life over here.”

“I’m sorry if I pressured you into telling me before you wanted to. I’ve just been worried about you.”

“It’s okay.” She takes another long sip of the soda. “I think I was mostly embarrassed. I swear we used protection, and I’m religious about my birth control, but…” She trails off, shrugging. “This one got through.” She presses a hand to her flat stomach, turning a bit green. “Fuck.” She sets the can down on the counter, nearly knocking it over in her haste, and takes off for the bathroom.

I follow and pull her hair back as she retches. “Oh, Bertie.” I rub her neck.

Once she’s finished, she slowly stands and shuffles to the sink to wash her hands and brush her teeth.

“Do you want to watch a movie or something?”

She shakes her head. “I appreciate it, but I’m exhausted all the time. All I want to do is shower and crawl into bed. Okay?”

I nod, my chest aching for her. “Okay.”

I pull my best friend in for a hug. “Are you sure you don’t want me to stay?” I ask one last time.

“I’m positive, but… I have an appointment tomorrow for an ultrasound.” She wrings her fingers together, nervously biting her lip. “Do you think you could come with me? If you have class, it’s okay—I can go on my own. But?—”

“Text me the information. I’ll be there.”

She lowers her head and sniffles. “Thank you.”

I hate to leave her, especially when she looks like she’s on the verge of tears again, but I want to respect her wishes. And frankly, if I was in her spot, I’d want alone time to process.

“If you need anything before then, call me.”

She squeezes me in a hug. “I will.”

She leads me to the door, and with one more hug, I head out. I don’t have any more classes, so I head home. Daire should already be there with Sammy. We should’ve hired a nanny, but neither of us is ready to trust a stranger with him yet. At least school will be over soon.

I stop at the coffee shop on campus before heading home to my boys. The caffeine is a must if I’m going to finish up my essay for my public health nutrition class.

When I step through the front door, Daire’s in the family room with Sammy asleep on his chest.

He gives me a shy smile like he’s been caught doing something he shouldn’t. “He fell asleep, and I didn’t want to move him.”

My chest expands at the sight of them. “I don’t blame you. I wouldn’t either.”

Sammy is snoring lightly, his little mouth open. Beneath his little cheek, there’s a wet spot on Daire’s shirt from the baby’s drool.

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