Page 117 of Not A Whisper

I jerk back into the couch cushion, stunned. Pregnant? First a swift engagement and now…motherhood? My knee-jerk reaction is to inform her about all the responsibilities that come with being a mother, about how expensive it will be, and how much her life will change. I catch myself, however.

Pianna’sexcited. She wants this. I can hear that in her voice. So what if they aren’t doing things by the books? If she doesn’t care, and neither does Miguel, then who am I to tell her otherwise? If she’s happy, then I’m happy.

“Pia! Pregnant?” I breathe and then laugh lightly. “Congratulations!”

“You’re not upset?”

I shake my head but then quickly add, “No, not at all. I’m going to be an aunt!”

“Hell yes you are!” She laughs. “God, it’s such a relief to get this off my chest. It’s been weighing on me for days now.”

“Days? How long have you known? How far along are you?” I wince, toning down the sharpness in my voice. Hadn’t I waited to tell her about my suspension? And don’t I have morenews I’ve been keeping from her? I need to stop throwing stones when I live in a glass house.

Pianna giggles nervously. “I’ve known since Sunday.”

“Well, I guess instead of a bridal shower, I’ll be planning a baby shower.”

“Oh, Bri, I’m so thrilled! You know how hard it was for my mom to get pregnant. I was sure it would be the same for me…” She sighs happily. “I’m due in about seven months or so from now. I have my first doctor’s appointment next week.”

“Wow…” I shake my head. “That’s incredible.”

“No, what’s incredible is that you’re not upset.”

I roll my eyes. “Concerned is different from upset. You know I only want the absolute best for you. Sometimes that makes me an overbearing bitch.”

Pianna’s laughter mingles with mine. I guess since we’re talking about secrets, now is as good of time as ever to tell her mine.

“Speaking of being upset and withholding information, there’s one more thing I need to tell you…”

“Hold on, let me guess,” Pianna cuts in quickly. “You’re married.”

My phone slips from my fingers. It clatters against my computer’s keyboard before sliding off onto the couch. I snatch it up quickly, bring the phone up to my ear.

“H-how did you know?”

Pianna sighs. The sound is overly dramatic but twisted with amusement.

“Bri, you went toVegaswith three very attractive young men. I would’ve been surprised if you didn’t get married.”

Well, the wedding didn’t happeninVegas, but Pianna doesn’t have to knowallthe details.

“Ah, yeah, well… I’m officially off the market.”

“I’m a little peeved I wasn’t invited, but we cancelebrate with a big party if you’re game for it!” Pianna offers. “Since it won’t be me in the white dress, it might as well be you! Which one did you tie the knot with?”

I smile, relief making me melt into the couch and leaving me feeling buoyant. “Grant.”

“So you’re Mrs. Gipson now?”

“Actually, it’s Wilson-Gipson.”

The door to my apartment opens as Pianna whoops with laughter. Jason steps into the apartment, dropping his backpack down by the door before shooting me a bright smile. I wave at him.

“Hey, I got to run but send me sonogram pictures when you get them, ok?” I ask her, closing my laptop.

Jason’s brows raise as he saunters over to join me on the couch.

“Absolutely! Actually, I only want you to know the sex of the baby,” she says. “It’ll be a surprise for me and Miguel, but that way you can plan the shower accordingly.”

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