Page 36 of Merry with a Single Dad

When she arrived back at her house, she laughed as she handed me three different brands from the first one she bought. “Just to be sure,” she’d said.

There was no denying anything after all four tests came back with the undeniable “Pregnant” results.

I took them with me to Chris’s that night with every intention of breaking the news to him. Unfortunately, my grand plan would have to wait since he’d had a crappy day at work, and I was afraid my news would only add to his stress.

And every day since then, it just seemed to come and go without the perfect moment to tell him. I was lost, and now that I’d blown every chance, I didn’t see any other way than to wait until after the holidays.

I was in a massive haze as I walked into Cassie’s shop.

“Hey!” Cassie said, eyeing me cautiously.

“Emily!Cheri!” Celine called with a huge lip-lacquered grin.

“Celine!” I said, glad I didn’t slip and say anything about my little secret. I bent over to say hello to Gigi. “How are you, pretty mama?”

“She’s doing just great,” Celine said. “We skipped her bath again. I know it’s been weeks since her last one, but I don’t want her to be uncomfortable. Thank you for your recommendation to skip them until after she delivers.”

Cassie and I nodded.

“Of course, I couldn’t resist getting Gigi some fancy new bows, though. Every new mama deserves something pretty before delivering, right.”

“Of course,” I said as Cassie looked at me with a conspiratory smile.

“And how are you doing?” I asked, ignoring my best friend and finally hugging Celine.

“Fantastic! I’m so excited for Gigi and to be a grand-ma-ma.”

“I’m excited too. She’s doing okay?”

“She’s been acting funny,” Celine said. “I think she misses you guys.”

“We miss her too,” I said, feeling my stomach tighten as I thought about Gigi and me being in precisely the same predicament.

Sensing my thoughts, Gigi uttered a bark and pawed at my knee. “That’s a good girl,” I said, rubbing through her soft curls, careful not to disturb her new bows.

“Well, we are off to get Gigi a whelping box and some new towels, and I saw the most precious blanket,” Celine said. “Elodie’s back at my place. She’s happy to be out of her boots, but her feet still hurt, so she’s been relegated to do some online shopping for us. I still have to approve everything. I want everything to be perfect for her and the puppies.”

“We’d love to have you both over for dinner when she’s feeling up to it. And, of course, Gigi should come too,” I said.

“I’d love that,” Celine said.

We chatted for a few more minutes before Celine bid usau revoir.

“So?” Cassie asked.

I shook my head. “I lost my nerve. His parents are going to be here in a couple of days. I can’t?—”

“Why not?”

“I don’t want to ruin their visit. Or Christmas.”

“Ruin? That’s a little melodramatic, don’t you think?”

“I told you what he said about more kids!” I screamed, feeling guilty for yelling at her as a wave of hormonal emotions overwhelmed me.

“Hey! Hey,” she said, wrapping her arms around me. “It’s going to be okay, Em.”

“How do you know?”

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