Page 157 of Chasing Sparks

I take a few deep breaths, blinking away the dizziness. “I planned to go today, but now I have to attend a birthday party.”

That statement earns me another withering look. Lucky for me, I can blame hormones for my petulant behavior. It sounds better than blaming a broken heart.

“We’ll stop by Ash’s for an hour and then head to urgent care to have you looked at, okay?”

I understand my friend’s concern, and I’ll admit to having worries of my own. After all, mine is a geriatric pregnancy.

Boy, oh boy, but hearing that really chapped my ass. I damn near called the doctor out into the parking lot to hash it out and show her just how 'geriatric' I am—before she mentioned how much she despises the term, too.

So, yes, there’s a higher risk because apparently, thirty-nine is as old as dirt. But my doctor assured me everything looked fine.

Still, a part of me is scared.

But like everything else in my life, I put my head down and keep going. If I focus on it too long, I’ll just end up more terrified that something is wrong with the baby.

I pat her hand and offer a small smile. “The doctor said this can happen, Mina. Everything was fine at my last visit. But I think I can handle an hour with Ash and Lucille. Besides, it gives me an easy escape route when he loses his mind after learning I’m pregnant.”

Mina wraps an arm around my shoulder, her expression softening. “You can do this, Oriana Thorne. And you will. Today.”

Chapter 23

Birthday Surprises

Ori

Ican do this. I’m a strong, independent woman who has survived far worse than spending an hour with my ex-boyfriend and his baby mama.

An ex I desperately love.

A man whose baby grows in my belly.

A baby he doesn’t know about … yet.

Screw strong and independent. I’m fucking terrified.

Mina and I walk into the farmhouse, offering smiles to the people hanging out in the converted garage space. I’ll give it to the Hammond brothers—their house is always ready for a good time.

A pool table takes center stage in the room, while Zane works the small bar in the corner, mixing drinks like a pro.

“Did you know Zane was a bartender?”

Mina shrugs, glancing around the room. “I’m not surprised, with the way the man parties. You’d think they’d tire of endless drunken nights.”

It’s the oddest thing. Mina is only twenty-five, a good eight years younger than anyone else here, but in terms of lifestyle, she’s an old soul. All she wants is to find the perfect man and settle down.

And she has her sights set on one man in particular—Braden Hammond.

I can’t blame her in the slightest. Braden is gorgeous, like his brother, and a genuinely decent human being.

Unfortunately, Braden thinks Mina is too young, and he’d never use her for a one-night stand or as a casual plaything.

That’s not his style—especially since he knows I’d use his body in a science experiment if he ever tried.

Mina’s face lights up the moment she spots Braden, but the excitement fades just as quickly when her eyes land on the woman clinging to his arm.

“You’re way prettier,” I say, giving her a gentle nudge. And I mean it—Braden’s flavor of the moment might be attractive, but Mina is stunning. Not that I’d ever admit I’m biased because I love the woman.

“You’re a bad liar.”

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