Page 52 of While We Waited

I grasp his wrist. “It’s okay. It’s a happy tear.”

“I don’t like it when you cry.”

“I promise I’m not sad, Mr. Grumpy.”

He studies my face for a moment before nodding and kissing my forehead. “If anyone makes you sad, let me know and we’ll leave.”

It’s a good thing I’m sitting because my knees would have given out if I were standing. Hudson seriously needs to stop being sweet. I’m already falling for him.

But he doesn’t feel the same. He’s protecting me because I’m carrying his baby.

Which is sweet but not what I need.

My heart squeezes. It knows heartbreak is coming for me.

Chapter 18

Grief – doesn’t work on a time schedule

Nova

Iinhale a deep breath and blow it out before enteringFive Fathoms Brewery.Today is my least favorite day of the year. But I’m not going to let it get me down. Mom would be mad at me if I did. And I hate to let her down.

I open the door to the restaurant and Sophia, Chloe, Paisley, and Maya rush to me. They engulf me in a group hug and my resolve to remain strong dissolves. I allow the tears to fall.

Once I feel I’ve got myself together, I push away and wipe my eyes.

Maya hands me a tissue. “You didn’t have to come in today.”

I use the tissue to dry my face. “I know.”

My girlfriends are the best. They’re always supportive. Whether it’s the anniversary of my mother’s death or another trip to the hospital because of my hypochondria. It doesn’t matter. They’re there for me.

“Did you tell Hudson?” Sophia asks.

“Why would I tell him it’s the anniversary of my mother’s death? I’m merely a human incubator to him.”

Paisley pushes her glasses up her nose. “You’re not using the term incubator correctly.”

“You know what I mean.”

Chloe raises her hand. “I don’t know what you mean.”

Maya scowls. “She means Nova’s afraid to take a chance on her relationship with Hudson.”

“Hudson and I don’t have a relationship. He doesn’t want me. He wants this baby.” I place my hands over my stomach as if I can protect baby Sprog from my words. I wish Sprog could have two parents who love each other, but it’s not to be.

“He stares at you as if you hang the moon each night,” Maya claims.

I roll my eyes. “You’ve been reading too many romance novels again.”

She sighs. “I do love a grumpy hero.”

“Especially if the grumpy hero happens to resemble Hudson. Hubba hubba.” Chloe waggles her eyebrows.

I wag my finger at her. “Don’t let Lucas hear you drooling over another man.”

She grins. “Lucas doesn’t mind.”

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