Page 9 of This I Promise

“I see we’ve had a little excitement today, huh, kids?” Dr. Cadigan smiles at us, then shakes Evan’s hand.

“Is she gonna be okay?” He brushes the hair off my forehead, and for the first time, I hear the concern in his voice.

“I’ve already spoken with the attending physician,” Dr. Cadigan assures us. “Looks like a case of Braxton Hicks. It’s not common, but it happens to some moms this early in the pregnancy and they’re nothing to worry about.”

I blow out a heavy sigh of relief. “So I’m fine? The baby’s fine?”

“Mommy and baby are good. We’ll keep you guys a little while longer for monitoring. Then you’re free to go.”

Evan’s shoulders finally relax. They were almost to his ears. And when I meet his eyes, I see this experience has rattled him too.

Dr. Cadigan turns to Evan with a stern expression. “While not serious, these false contractions are a sign that her body is getting ready for labor. And we donotwant that for several more weeks. So, I need you to make sure our patient is taking good care of herself. Getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of water, and nothing too strenuous.”

Evan nods in agreement. “Absolutely, doctor. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Okay, kids. I’ll see you next week for a follow-up in my office. Take care.” She pats my blanket-covered foot before leaving the exam room.

“I’m sorry, Evan. I called you away from work in the middle of the day.” Maybe I overreacted, but I’m grateful he came to my rescue.

“Don’t ever be sorry, Sunshine.” He leans down to kiss the top of my head. “I’ll always be here when you need me. In fact, I have an idea.”

I see the wheels spinning in his head and I’m curious as to what he’s about to suggest.

“You’re moving in with me.”

Is he crazy?“What? You can’t be serious.”

“I’m dead serious. I don’t want you to be alone.”

I tilt my head and smile at him. “I’m not alone. I have you. At your place, while I’m at mine.”

“What if something happens again? What if you pass out and no one’s there? What if you’re hurt and can’t get to your phone in time?”

I admit he paints an alarming picture. “You don’t want to live with a pregnant woman, Evan. I’ll just be in your way.”

“You’re never in my way, Abby.” He stares at me with pleading eyes, and part of me wants to cry.

Stupid baby hormones.

“Maybe I’ll just stay with my mom for a while. I could fix up my old room and?—”

He shakes his head. “No. I don’t like that either. She works two jobs, and you know she’s not around enough to keep an eye on you. I work from home most of the time now, so I can be there whenever you need me.”

I chew the corner of my bottom lip. I don’t want to impose, but I still have half of this pregnancy to get through. And he’s right. What if something like this happens again? Or worse?

“Are you sure?” I worry I’m taking advantage of my best friend or that he’s only doing this because he feels bad for me and he’ll regret it later.

“Yes, I’m sure,” he huffs. “You’re moving in, and that’s that.” He crosses his muscular arms over his chest with finality.

“Temporarily,” I amend, wanting to make sure he knows that I’m not planning to take over his entire life. At least not forever.

“Sure, temporarily,” he repeats, and the way he says it has me looking at him from the corner of my eye. “You’ll move in tonight.”

Pretty sure this has disaster written all over it.

6

EVAN

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