Page 41 of Claiming My Grumpy Ex

Tears welled up in my eyes, a mixture of emotions flooding through me. Was this joy? Fear? Both? “I... I don't even know what to say.”

The doctor placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “It's a lot to take in, I know. But you're healthy, and we'll make sure you and the baby have everything you need.” She handed me a box of tissues, her voice steady and calming. “I'll give you some prenatal vitamins to start with, and we'll schedule an ultrasound in the coming weeks.”

I nodded slowly, trying to process everything that was happening. “Thank you,” I murmured gratefully.

This news would change everything—for me, for Jake, for our family. As the doctor detailed follow-up appointments andsteps to prepare for the months ahead, my initial worries began to melt away. In their place grew a sense of wonder, excitement, and an unshakable determination to protect and nurture this tiny life growing inside me.

Cory. Oh, God. How would I tell him? What would he say?

I left the office clutching a small bag of vitamins and an order for blood work, my thoughts spinning yet oddly clear. This wasn’t just an unexpected surprise—it felt like a sign. Cory’s return, the way our lives were weaving together again, the gift from his grandfather—it all pointed to something bigger, something meant to be.

As I drove toward the salon, my phone sat untouched on the passenger seat. I considered calling Cory, but I hesitated. This news deserved more than a phone call. It was too monumental, too life-altering to deliver casually.

I focused on the day ahead, setting aside thoughts about sharing my life-changing news. The salon was bustling with its usual morning energy, filled with the comforting scents of coffee and muffins. Misty chatted with a client while Sarah waited for her first appointment. The familiar atmosphere helped calm my nerves, but I couldn't forget what I was holding back.

I grabbed a muffin from the counter, realizing I was hungrier than usual, and took a deep breath. I needed to tell my friends, not just for the support I knew they’d offer, but to hear the words out loud myself. Maybe that would help me believe this wasn’t a dream.

As I pushed open the breakroom door, Sarah smiled and looked up from her cup of tea. “You’re here earlier than I expected. How’d it go?”

I sat down across from her, breaking off a piece of my muffin. The words caught in my throat momentarily before I forced them out. “I’m pregnant.”

Her eyes widened as she set her mug down with a soft thud. “Pregnant? Ellie, are you serious?”

I nodded, feeling the first wave of relief at saying it out loud. “Yes. I wasn’t expecting it, obviously, but… I’m so happy, Sarah. It feels like everything is finally coming together.”

She reached over and grabbed my hand, squeezing it tightly. “Oh my God, Ellie. This is incredible. How are you feeling? Does Cory know?”

“No, not yet,” I admitted, brushing crumbs off my lap. “He’s in Beaver Creek with his parents today. I haven’t had the chance to tell him, and honestly, I want to do it in person.”

Sarah nodded thoughtfully. “How do you think he’ll take it?”

I laughed softly, shaking my head. “Knowing Cory? He’ll be thrilled. At least, I hope so. But it’s all happening so fast, and I haven’t even wrapped my head around how this will change everything.”

“Well, you’re not alone,” she said firmly. “Whatever you need, we’ll help you.”

Nikki popped her head into the breakroom, her curiosity piqued. “What’s all the whispering about? I just walked in the door. You two look like you’re plotting something.”

I exchanged a glance with Sarah, who grinned. “Ellie’s got big news.”

Nikki’s eyes sparkled. “Do tell!”

I took another deep breath, smiling as I said it again. “I’m pregnant.”

Nikki squealed, practically bouncing in place. “Oh, Ellie! That’s amazing! I always knew things would work out for you.”

“What did I just hear?” Misty laughed as she snuck inside the breakroom.

Their enthusiasm was contagious, and soon, the four of us were huddled together, talking about everything from baby names to nursery colors. For a few minutes, I allowed myselfto soak in their excitement, pushing aside the uncertainty that lingered in the back of my mind.

Before I knew it, my first client of the day had arrived. As I stood up to leave the breakroom, Sarah touched my arm. “Do you need me to pick Jake up from school today? I know you’ve got a lot on your plate.”

I hesitated, then nodded gratefully. “That would be great. Thank you, Sarah. Please tell him I’ll be back before bedtime.”

“Of course. Go take care of your clients—and yourself,” she winked.

After my last client left, I tidied up my booth and considered how to break the news. As I drove out of town, the fading fall colors illuminated the afternoon. Usually, this drive would soothe me, but today, as my hands gripped the wheel, I struggled to focus my thoughts.

What will Cory say when I tell him? How will his parents react?

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