Page 101 of Moonlit Kisses

And plans are made without a second thought. Max’s sisters knew I needed support, and they were more than happy to provide it, as usual. I love this incredible family, their warmth, their love, and their support for one another.

* * *

When I arrive atR&R Nail Salon, Sarah and Emma are waiting out front for me. I almost canceled at the last minute, because I feel so damn tired. The girls take one look at me as I drag my ass toward them and frown. “You look worse today. Maybe you should see a doctor,” Sarah suggests.

My shoulders slump. “Thanks. I feel terrible.”

Emma slides her arm through mine, and we stroll inside the salon for our appointment. “I only came because I knew I’d only have to sit. I don’t think I can manage anything more than that.”

Sarah opens the door, and we step inside, finding Phillipa waiting for us with a smile. “Hi, ladies. Come through. We’re ready for you.”

We follow her to our designated chairs, and she offers us our usual Mimosa. “Do you mind if I only have juice today? I don’t think I can stomach any alcohol.” Em and Sarah glance at each other.

Phillipa nods. “Of course.” She turns on her heel to get our drinks and I settle into the comfortable chair.

Emma reaches across, laying her hand on my arm, her eyebrows drawn tight. “Tell me how else you’re feeling, Molly.”

I blow out a long breath. “I’m so freaking tired. Like I’m dragging myself through the day. Smells make me feel nauseous and my boobs are so goddamn tender, Max only has to brush against me, and I feel like crying. Talk about crying. I’m teary all the damn time.” I gesture toward my stomach. “And see this. I’ve never been bloated like this. It’s so freaking uncomfortable.” I swallow back the tears that are welling in my eyes. I don’t want to come across like a total nut job. “Today’s the anniversary of the accident, and on top of that, I think I’m getting my period.” The tears I was trying so hard to keep at bay drop over my bottom lashes.

“Oh, Molly.” Sarah wraps her arms around me, stroking down my hair. “You poor thing.”

“Uh … Mols.” Sarah pulls away and we look across at Emma, who’s watching us with a smile. “I don’t think you’ll be getting your period anytime soon.”

“Why not?”

She glances at Sarah, raising her eyebrows. “I think you might be pregnant.”

My heart races with her words. Could that be why I’ve been feeling this way? “Really? What makes you think that?”

“Everything you just said. I think we need to stop at the drugstore after we’ve finished here and get you a pregnancy test.”

My lips stretch into a smile for the first time today and my wide eyes slide from Sarah to Emma and back again. “Shit. I didn’t even think of that. The doctor said it could take a while to fall pregnant after stopping the shot. I didn’t expect it to happen this fast because I haven’t had a period yet.” My mind’s racing a million miles a minute as thoughts rush in and out of my head. “Oh my God. What if I’m pregnant? Max will be over the moon.”

The three of us squeal a little in excitement. I’m not sure I can sit here for the time we need for our pampering session; I want to race across to the drugstore immediately. It would certainly turn what’s been an emotionally draining day into a happy one if I found out I was pregnant. And help balance out such a terrible memory with a great one.

With fresh polish on our toes, the three of us exit the salon and make our way across the street to the drugstore. Emma takes us straight to the aisle with the pregnancy tests. I shake my head at the logic of their placement. Fancy having them right next to the condoms.

“There’s so many to choose from.” The selection is overwhelming. The array of boxes with various calls to action. I look at Emma and Sarah. “Any you guys recommend?”

Emma deftly collects one from the shelf. “Here. This one is effective and straightforward. Pee on the stick and a minute later, voilà, you’ll have an answer.” She collects a couple more boxes from the shelf, handing them to me. “Here, it’s a good idea to have extra, just in case.”

We head to the counter so I can pay for my purchases, and I say my goodbyes to Max’s sisters. “Thank you for listening to me and for this.” I hold up my paper bag filled with pregnancy tests.

“You’re welcome.” Emma leans forward, hugging me tight.

“Make sure you let us know.” Sarah also hugs me goodbye.

“I promise you ladies will be the first to know.” I chuckle. “Well, after Max, of course.”

CHAPTER52

–max–

I havea stunning arrangement of pink roses, wine, and her favorite ice cream ready for when my girl gets home. Cristo made Molly’s favorite dish, Pasticcio, and dropped it over for our dinner tonight. I check my phone; I’ve still got time. The girls’ pedicures and coffee and cake always take a while.

I head through to our bedroom to shower and change before Molly gets home, then I’ll put the dinner in the oven to reheat as per Cristo’s instructions—he was very particular, which means I need to be careful not to mess it up. I hear the front door open and close as I’m pulling out a change of clothes, so I head toward the front of the house to investigate. Molly shouldn’t be home yet.

“Hey, you’re home early. Are you feeling okay?” She’s been feeling like shit for a couple of weeks now, only admitting it to me on Sunday, but I’ve been watching her, and it’s been going on for a while. I lean forward to kiss her.

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