Page 1 of Unexpected Delivery

Chapter One

Arbor

Driving from Arizona to southern Maine while thirty-eight weeks pregnant has to be one of the dumbest things I’ve done yet, and I’ve made some poor decisions in my lifetime. That would be how I got tangled up with Adam. He seemed nice enough when we first started dating, but reality caught up pretty quickly.

A heavy sigh slips out as I lean over the vanity in the run-down cabin.

My eyes catch in the mirror, and I grimace when I spot the pink and purple remnants of the bruise on my cheek.

I swear that thing is taking its sweet time to heal. It’s been the better part of two weeks, and it’s still visible. I think pregnancy has slowed down my healing time or something. Experience tells me it’ll be gone within a few days, but for now, I hate looking at my own face.

It doesn’t matter.

I’m free.

Even if the place where I landed leaves a lot to be desired, it’s better than being treated how I was.

The water that pours from the sink as I wash my hands is almost painfully cold.

I’m from the West Coast.

Maine is something I was unprepared for, but my friend, Becky, gave me the keys to her grandparents’ cabin. I had nowhere else to go, so I ended up here. And even if it’s not ideal, it’s still a blessing. She told me I didn’t need to pay rent or worry about the power or utilities until I’m able to get back on my feet after the baby is born.

I shuffle into the living room, and something small and fuzzy scurries across the floor. An embarrassing squeal leaves my lips as I jolt.

Oh, God.

There are mice.

Huh.

I guess I do have roommates. I wonder if they’d be open to splitting the bills.

I spend several days recuperating from the grueling drive across the country while doing my best to clean up any lingering dust and cobwebs. Luckily, the place is fully furnished, and it was left in decent condition, even if no one has lived here in years.

Becky went above and beyond by having her friend, Meridith, come out to handle getting the water, gas, and electricity turned on. I’ve never lived somewhere where bursting water pipes could be a concern, but I got the whole cold-weather living safety course from Meridith and her wife when I first made it in. Even though it must have been a huge hassle for them to come all the way out to the cabin, they were friendly and kind and immediately set me at ease.

I wish they were neighbors who lived close by. At least then I would have a friendly face within walking distance. The cabin is way more remote than anywhere I’ve lived before, and it makes me a little nervous. I’m used to being able to make it to multiple neighbors’ houses within a three-minute walk.

The food I brought with me is beginning to dwindle, meaning I have no choice but to make a trip into town.

It’s not far, but driving on snow and ice is scary when I don’t have any prior experience. They salt the roads regularly, and they’re very good about plowing even down the street where the cabin is. The first morning I woke up to the sound, I had no idea what was happening, but it helps make me feel safer. At least I have confidence I’ll be able to get the baby to and from doctor appointments.

The first grocery store I find is nice, if a little small, but it gets the job done, and I manage to load the back seat with groceries and diapers without incident.

Nothing is easy with a nine-month pregnant belly, but I climb in, get myself situated, and start the car.

Or rather, I try to.

The sputters and weird distressed cranking sound I’m met with don’t seem like good signs.

My head rests against the steering wheel as I give it a chance to sit for a minute or two.

That might fix it, right?

It doesn’t.

Not the next time I try either.

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