Page 314 of As The Shifter World Turns

“Funny meeting you here.” Archer was throwing what smelled like a bag with a dirty diaper into the dumpster. “I hope your deposit isn’t as gross as mine.”

I tossed my bag in. “Probably, but not by a ton. I stopped at Dairy Dave’s today and it didn’t make it into the freezer.”

“How did that happen?” he asked and so I told him.

It felt great having someone to explain everything to.

“Are you sure he’s not pregnant?” That was the last thing I expected to hear out of Archer’s mouth.

“Yeah. Pretty sure.”

“I don’t know. You mentioned he was tired and that he had sensory flairs with the cereal. That was something that drove me bonkers while in the early stages of pregnancy. Maybe you should have him take a test.”

As if it was as easy as that.

I’d been there through countless tests and each one was harder and harder.I couldn't do that to him, especially when I knew the results. “That doesn’t explain why I am the way I am,” I countered.

“You are mourning the loss of a baby you might never have. That’s entirely different.”

Why did he have to be so logical?

“I’ll think on it, but maybe don’t suggest it to him if you see him. He’s having a rough go and it might only make it worse.”

He agreed and I went back to Dairy Dave’s, arriving just as they closed. I grabbed the last three pints they had for the day and hurried home to my mate.

“I come bearing ice cream.” I held up the bag.

“I hope you got chocolate.” He was already in the drawer grabbing spoons.

I hadn’t even looked at the type when I grabbed them. “I got the last three.” I set the bag on the counter and pulled them out one at a time. “Peach, Vanilla Bean, and Maple Pecan.” I placed all three on the counter. “Which would you like?”

He slammed the drawer shut.

“None.” And he stomped off into the bedroom.

So much for ice cream making everything better.

145

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT?

Daire

“What are you doing?” Neil asked as he pushed Charlie’s stroller onto the porch. My human friend’s baby bump was still small but he looked adorable.

“Enjoying the morning before I have to start work.” I’d woken up feeling nauseous and once I decided I wasn’t going to puke, I needed fresh air. I checked the phone. “Do you normally walk Charlie this early?”

“Sometimes.” He yawned. “Depends what time he wakes up.”

I kneeled down and handed Charlie a toy he’d thrown on the deck. His favorite game. And then I picked up the stroller and carried it down the steps and onto the path. I made a face. Not at Charlie but because there was a terrible metallic taste on my tongue.

“It’s not that bad, is it?” Neil hadn’t missed my expression.

“Huh?”

“Did you forget to brush your teeth?”

“No. Why do you ask?”

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