Page 18 of Inked Devotion

“I thought I was the one that was supposed to protect you.” I risked a glance at her and frowned when I saw her hands on her lip, tearing away at her napkin.

“I have no idea how it’s going to work, but either way, I do want to thank you.”

I shook my head, wondering why she was so nervous. “I should thank you.”

“I’m not taking this road trip just for my family,” she whispered after a moment.

Anxiety wrapped around me, but I ignored it. “What do you mean?”

“I need to tell somebody, and I haven’t told anyone. Since you told me your secret, maybe it’s time I tell you mine.”

I risked a glance at her, my hands gripping the steering wheel tight. “Are you okay?”

“I am. I’m such a hypocrite,” she whispered, and I nearly pulled off the side of the road so I could look at her.

“What’s wrong, Brenna?”

“I’m going to have a baby.”

This time, I had to slow down, grateful that I didn’t run us off the road. “What?”

“We really shouldn’t have these conversations when the other person is driving.”

“No shit. What the fuck, Brenna? I didn’t even know you were dating anyone?”

“I’m not,” she blurted, and I cringed.

“I’m going about this the wrong way. Congratulations?” I asked.

“Not yet. I’ve been getting fertility treatments because I want a baby. I don’t want a relationship. Therefore I’m going about it my way. I am going to have a child. I’m going to be a mom. There’s not going to be a father involved, so I’m going to look for donations. Which is why it was very ironic when you were telling me yesterday that you were going to be someone who donates.”

I blinked, my mouth going dry. “Holy hell.” My thoughts went in a hundred different directions, and I felt like I couldn’t keep up, so I said the first thing that came to mind. “You’re going to be a great mom, Brenna.”

I looked over at her then, and tears were rolling down her face.

“Shit, what did I say wrong?”

“Nothing. That was just a wonderful thing to say.”

My cheeks heated. “Well, you are. I see the way you are when some of my cousins bring their kids. Or even around any of the kids at various work functions. You’re good with them. If this is something that you want, I’m going to support your decision. You’re my friend. I hate the fact that you’re going to be doing this alone because becoming a parent is a lot of work, but if this is something that you want, then fuck yeah, I’m here for you.”

“Wow,” she muttered, and we took the next exit, getting on another highway according to the directions from the GPS.

We were silent for long enough the awkwardness began to set in again, so I kept speaking. “So, the treatments, did they hurt?”

“They aren’t fun, but I’ll be okay. I’m ready for implantation or whatever the hell we’re going to call it.”

“I don’t want to think about that, if that’s okay with you,” I replied quickly, and she laughed.

“You know, same here.” She paused. “I still need to pick a donor.”

She tapped a file on her lap.

“They’re there?”

“The sperm isn’t there, but their profiles are.”

“I didn’t think their sperm was there, and between yesterday and today, this is a lot of sperm talk.”

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