Page 29 of Plus-Size Pregnant Mate

She smirks. "I will."

I knew she would. While Ashley didn't trust me like she used to, we were at least finding some even ground to stand on. We weren't screaming at each other and could have a civil conversation.

Maybe we could be something again after all of this is settled.

"So," I said, looking over my shoulder. "You want me to start cleaning out the extra room for you?"

Her eyes sparkled as she nodded her head. "Yeah, but can I just use it for storage? With all the windows in here, I get amazing natural light."

I nodded my head, wanting to give her everything she wanted. I wanted to make her happy.

Chapter 15 - Ashley

I swallowed again as I stared at the ceiling. I felt the urge to vomit, and I kept telling myself it was just all in my head. I was just nervous about seeing my folks and my mind was fooling me into thinking I was going to be sick.

My mouth watered, and I squeezed my eyes shut.

You're not sick. You're not sick! This is all in your head. You're just nervous.

My eyes popped open, and I swung out of bed, pulling a hand up to my mouth as I rushed out of the bedroom and into the hallway. I pushed open the bathroom door and ran towards the toilet, making it just in time as my stomach purged what was in it.

I clutched the toilet tightly, feeling tears burn my eyes as I threw up again.

I rested my forehead against the toilet seat when I could hear footsteps coming down the hallway. Owen stopped at the door, his voice soft as he spoke, "Are you okay? Do you need anything?"

I shook my head, licking my lips. "No. I'm fine."

"Are you sick?"

I shook my head again. "No."

I felt a hand press against the back of my neck and closed my eyes, allowing the coldness to soothe my skin. My stomach clenched, but I had nothing left to throw up.

"I'm just nervous," I said, grabbing some toilet paper to wipe my mouth. "I'll be fine. Just give me a minute to collect myself."

"Maybe you shouldn't go. I don't think being nervous should make you vomit."

I glanced at Owen, throwing him a dirty look as I pulled myself up. I flushed the toilet as I turned to him.

"I have to go."

"You don't have to go," he argued. "You could just have me go. Or ask anyone else to take your place. You don't have to be the one to grab your stuff."

I liked the thought of running away from my problems, but I knew I would need to face my folks at some point, and I should do it while I was feeling brave. If I waited, I would forget that they tried selling me to the highest bidder. It was the anger that would keep me sane.

"I'll be fine," I said, reaching for my toothbrush. I paused as I glanced at myself in the mirror. I broke blood vessels in my face from throwing up.

"Ashley, you don't have to. If you…"

"Owen." I stopped him as I turned back to him. "I might have a weak stomach, but I do not have a weak mind. You should know that."

I watched him snap his mouth shut. I knew how to handle my folks. I'd been doing it since I was little. Sure, they were going to be pissed, but they were my parents. My father sounded genuinely concerned when I called.

He sighed, leaning against the wall. "I know you can handle them. I just worry. I don't want anything to happen to you."

I swallowed. I knew if he continued to say those things, I would fall back in love with him. It was hard not to.

"I need to get ready, so would you mind?" I asked, pointing towards the door.

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