Page 73 of Forced Knocked-Up Mate

“More than good, unless Lena comes back,” Leslie says. “You call me if you need anything, okay?”

“I will,” I promise, hurrying from the bar.

On my way home, I’m lucky enough to find a drugstore open. I rush inside, buy what I need, then drive the rest of the way home, feeling like I’ve just put a live bomb down on the seat next to me.

Don’t panic. Don’t think of anything until you’re finished.

Panicking anyway, I rush into the house and straight to the bathroom, where I rip the pregnancy test out of its package and read the instructions. I take the test and pace while I wait the required time for the result to show.

I don’t even know what I’m hoping for. Yes or no?

I take a deep breath to steel myself before I open my eyes and see the color.

It’s blue.

I’m pregnant.

Chapter 24 - Peter

It takes a couple of days for the storm to fully clear. The mountains become impassable, even to wolves, and the roads are even worse.

I spend most of my time with the New Hope pack, hanging out in the hall. I learn about the community projects and the best ways to be involved. Even though I feel awkward a lot of the time, I can’t forget that moment on the mountain when every single one of them answered my call.

I can’t let them down. They believe in me, and maybe I should believe in myself, too.

Though I keep myself busy, I’m thinking about Lucy every single second, worrying about her and desperately wishing I could make up for what I’ve done. I’m still scared she doesn’t want me, and that I’ll put myself out on a limb just for her to shoot me down. But I know I’ll never forgive myself if I don’t try.

Even when cell coverage is fully restored, I’m hesitant to message or call her. I don’t think this is the kind of conversation that should happen over the phone. I’m also worried she might hang up on me—or worse, ghost me.

And I wouldn’t blame her one bit.

On the third day, I wake at dawn to a perfectly clear blue sky. Even the highest points of the mountains are visible, rocky sentinels stretching into the sky as if they are worshipping the heavens. I stand at the back of the main hall, looking out over the recently thawed fields and feeling a sense of peace inside myself for the first time in my entire life.

“What’s up, Uncle Pete?” Caleb asks, coming out of the hall. He grabs my hand with his little fingers and grins up at me with a smile so pure and innocent, it makes my chest hurt.

“Storm’s cleared, buddy,” I say. “Time for action.”

“Oooh,” he says. “You’re going to tell Lucy you love her?”

“Jesus, kid,” I laugh. “First of all, how did you know that. And second of all, can you put a filter on that mouth?”

Caleb giggles. “I heard Mom and Dad talking. It’s amazing what adults will say when they think kids aren’t listening. Besides, I knew you were in love with her.”

“Oh, yeah?” I raise an eyebrow. “How did you know?”

“Because you were so cranky and awkward,” Caleb says sagely. “That’s how I can always tell.”

“Love makes people cranky?”

“Only when it’s real,” Caleb answers. “If it’s not, then there’s nothing to get upset about.”

I let out a low whistle. “Kid, you’re older than you look.”

Caleb winks. “Don’t tell Mom.”

“I won’t.”

Caleb goes back inside, and I walk out to the edge of the field, looking up at the high peaks arrayed against the horizon.

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