Page 22 of Forbidden Love

“Even worse,” Deb smirked. “Anyway, you already found your perfect man. Well, perfect-ish. I mean, he’s no Chris Hemsworth, but he’s semi-sweet, loyal, and looks like he could crush a watermelon with his biceps—so, bonus points.”

“Be nice,” Emily said, shooting her a narrowed glare, though her lips curved into a half-smile.

“Iambeing nice. That was mebeing niceto Hunter. You should’ve heard what I was going to say,” Deb grinned, nudging her sister’s knee playfully. “But all jokes aside, Em… all that’s missing now is kids. Everything’s pointing to you being pregnant.”

Emily sighed, her body visibly sinking against the cold tile as she leaned her head back. “We’ve had so many false alarms, Deb. Every time, it’s nothing. I just… I don’t want to see that disappointed look on Hunter’s face again. He wants kids so badly. What if I can’t give him that?”

Deb’s teasing expression softened instantly. She reached over and took Emily’s hand, squeezing it tight.

“Hey,” she said, her voice low and serious now. “Listen to me. If—if—it turns out you’re not pregnant this time, it’s not the end of the road. You keep trying.”

Emily’s eyes shimmered, and Deb could see the fear swimming just beneath the surface.

“And,” Deb added, her grin returning in full force, “if youarepregnant, I demand full naming rights. I’ve already picked out the name Deblina if it’s a girl and Debonaire if it’s a boy.”

Emily barked a laugh, tears slipping down her cheeks anyway. “Hunter will never go for that.”

“We’ll see.” Deb gave her a teasing wink as she stood, then reached down to help Emily up. “Now, come on. Let’s go find out if I’m about to become Aunt Deb. Unless…”

Emily sniffed, still laughing softly, and tilted her head. “Unless what?”

“Unless you want to wait for Hunter,” Deb said gently, trying to hide the sudden lump in her throat. “You know… do the test with him. I mean, I’d totally understand if you wanted that moment to be between the two of you.”

Emily didn’t answer right away. She just shook her head and held Deb’s hand a little tighter, walking them both toward the office.

When they stepped inside, Emily knelt down and opened the bottom drawer of the desk, pulling out a small, pink box. Her hands trembled slightly as she held it up, tears gathering in her eyes again.

“The last two,” Emily said quietly, “I took alone. I just don’t want to disappoint Hunter again.”

Deb’s smile faded. She knelt beside her sister as Emily set the test on the desk. Curious, Deb pulled the drawer open more, finding three more boxes tucked toward the back.

Her stomach turned, and a deep, hollow ache formed in her chest. “Em…” she whispered. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Emily shrugged, eyes downcast. “It’s not a big deal.”

Deb let out a breath. “Itisa big deal. You sat in this office alone with all of this hope and fear… and I wasn’t there.” Her voice cracked. “That kills me, Em.”

“I didn’t think you’d want to be here,” Emily murmured. “I wasn’t sure if we were really… there yet.”

Deb blinked hard and swallowed down the tight ball in her throat. “That’s fair. I know I haven’t exactly been sister-of-the-year material. But damn it, Em, Iwantto be here. I want to show up. Even if it’s just sitting outside the bathroom door while you cry and pee on a stick.”

Emily laughed, wiping at her eyes. “You really know how to make a moment magical.”

Deb grinned, nudging her shoulder. “It’s a gift.”

For a long second, they just sat there. And then Deb added, softly, “You don’t ever have to do this alone again. Not if you don’t want to.”

Emily’s face crumpled a little, but she nodded. “Okay.”

“Okay.” Deb stood and held out her hand, a teasing smirk pulling at her lips. “Now, let’s go find out if there’s a tiny Hunter in the making. Damn, that’s a terrifying thought.”

Emily laughed through her nerves as she took Deb’s hand and got to her feet. “I want a little boy who looks just like Hunter,” she said quietly, almost dreamily, as they made their way back toward the bathroom.

Deb snorted, eyes wide. “God help us all.”

Emily chuckled, brushing at her damp cheeks. “He’d be sweet. Strong. Loyal.”

“And bossy,” Deb added with a dramatic eye roll. “Don’t forget bossy.”

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