Page 3 of This I Promise

“He’s a lawyer, and he’s always in court or in meetings. He’s just dedicated to his clients. He comes over to my apartmentmost evenings after work,” I explain. “In fact, I’ll see him tonight for dinner at my place.” A wistful smile stretches across my face at the thought of spending the evening wrapped up in my boyfriend’s strong arms.

“You’ve really fallen for him, haven’t you?”

I let out a wistful sigh. “Yeah, I love him.”

“And what does Evan think of that?”

I set down the diamond and white gold bracelet I’ve been cleaning to consider the question. “Why do you ask?”

Cici grins like the Cheshire cat. “Evan doesn’t like him, does he?”

I can’t figure out why she finds this so amusing, as if she’s watching a reality TV show in real time. “He doesn’t…notlike him.” I shrug. “They just need to get to know each other better. That’s all.”

“And if they don’t?”

That thought never occurred to me, and it makes my stomach churn. I don’t respond and we both get back to work.

As the day goes on, my thoughts of Evan and Davis make me a worried mess. So much so that I don’t eat much of my lunch because of the nausea—something that’s been happening quite a bit lately. I hope I’m not getting sick.

I’m walking out of the breakroom and stop to check the latest scheduling calendar. That’s when realization crashes over me like a five-gallon bucket of ice water.

My period is three weeks late.

2

ABBY

Ipace my small living room, wringing my hands as I wait for Davis to arrive. It’s almost seven, and he should be here any minute, but the waiting has me filled with anxiety. He canceled on dinner last night since something came up at work and he had to stay late. I hope he doesn’t cancel again, because the two pink lines I’m staring at are something he needs to see for himself.

In the past six hours, I’ve gone through a myriad of emotions. Shock, excitement, worry…

Normally, I’d call Evan to calm me down, but what would I even say to him right now?Look who’s knocked up!

Yeah, that’s going to be a hard pass. And besides, I think I should talk to Davis first.Stupid latex allergy.

I wasn’t too concerned when he told me we couldn’t use condoms because I’ve been on the pill for years, but a five-minute internet search educated me on how antibiotics can make your birth control less effective. Who knew? Guess an allergy and an ear infection are the perfect combination to create a baby.

Perhaps I should be more terrified right now, being an unwed twenty-five-year-old who’s only been dating her boyfriend for two months. I’m thrilled at the idea of having a sweet little baby to love. I think this child is a sign that we’re meant to be together, and I can’t wait to tell him.

There’s a mile-wide smile on my face when I hear a loud knock. I rush over, almost pulling the door off its hinges, before taking in the sight of my handsome man. He’s tall with perfectly-coifed blond hair and charming blue eyes. A light scruff covers his sharp jawline and the smirk on his sexy lips makes my thighs clench.

Davis steps inside and kicks the door closed behind him, his hands going to my hips as he walks me backward into the apartment without breaking our kiss. A shiver runs down my spine when he cups my ass and gives it a hard squeeze, but when I remember the exciting news, I pull away to retrieve the pregnancy test from the coffee table.

“I have something to show you,” I gush, rocking back and forth on the balls and heels of my feet.

He gives me a suave smile, showing his sparkling white teeth. “Whatcha got behind your back, baby? Is that a surprise for me?”

I hold out the test in front of my face. “The best surprise,” I declare and watch as his entire body goes taut.

Davis wears an emotionless expression as he stares at the blue and white plastic stick.

“I’m not sure how far along I am, but I think it must have happened last month. Did you know that certain medications can make birth control less effective?” I chuckle nervously. “It’s unexpected, I know. But?—”

“Unexpected!” he roars, making my eyes go wide as I flinch. “It’s a fucking catastrophe.”

My knees tremble as I take a step back, blinking away my tears. He’s glaring at me with his jaw tight and his hands clenched into fists. I’ve never seen him this way before.

“What are you saying? I know we didn’t plan this, but it’ll be fine,” I assure him with a shaky voice. “We’ll figure things out. We love each other, so?—”

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