Page 2 of Finding the Pieces

“With some effort, sure.”

“Damn, that was quick.” I can’t keep the smile off my face as I refocus my attention on the suddenly very important scrap paper still in my hand, attempting to hide my blush.

“Can I ask you for a favor, Ellie?”

“A favor…”

“Two, actually. First, can I take you out for coffee sometime? Second, I sort of need to borrow a printing passcode.”

I ignore his first question. “Oh, are you new to campus? You just enter your student ID,” I say, gesturing to the pin pad on the printer.

I’m pretty tall, but he’s taller. Confident stance, strong build, but still emanating an approachable, easygoing energy.

He rubs the back of his neck, looking to his feet, showing the first sign of insecurity. “Ruth normally lets me print under her code,” he says, gesturing to the brown paper bag in his hand. I hadn’t noticed it before. The local cupcake shop—beloved by everyone on campus—logo printed on the side.

I raise my eyebrow in suspicion. “Why are you bribing the seventy-five-year-old librarian with cupcakes when you could enter your student ID to use the campus printers?”

“Come on, now, Ellie. Ruth is seventy-oneyears young, turning seventy-two in November. And technically, Iwasa student. Graduated last year. I’m in my first year of teaching high school history, and Ruth lets me swing by to print materials for my class every so often.”

“A teacher,” I say, giving him an appraising once-over, loving what I see, but I’m not telling him that. “Regardless of if you’re telling the truth, I might have to report Ruth for this.” I wouldnever. Ruth is a saint. “Pretty egregious violation of librarian policy if you ask me. And you…” I shove an accusatory finger in his chest and he lifts his hands in surrender, his smile growing wider. “Taking advantage of sweet Ruth. How could you?”

“Taking advantage?” he asks in mock outrage. “Did you miss the cupcake bribe? It is a mutually beneficial arrangement. But since you’re here and Ruth is inconveniently missing, what if this cupcake becameEllie’scupcake? Would that get me printing rights?” he asks, wiggling the bag between us.

“I assume you’re always this persistent?” I try to hide my smile, but his is contagious and I’m helpless to fight it.

“Agree to get coffee with me and you’ll see how much worse it gets.”

“Just coffee…” I agree, hoping like hell it turns into more than just coffee.

His smile and subtle wink tell me he has anything but innocent intentions, but then again, neither do I. “Sure, Ellie. We’ll start there.”

Chapter one

Ellie

Almost two years ago

My hands won’t stop shaking.

This doesn’t feel real, but the four tests lying on the bathroom countertop all prove that it is.

I’m pregnant.

I hover shaking fingers over my lips with one hand while the other snakes around my belly, fingers stretching along my lower abdomen, feeling around for signs of life. Impossible this early, I know, but that doesn’t stop me from searching anyway.

A few walls of muscle and tissue separate my palm from the little being that’ll someday be a whole person. A smile explodes across my face and a breathless laugh escapes between my fingers.

Tears roll silently down my cheeks and my mind empties. You’d think I’d have this grand poetic thought about how I’m going to be a mother and what that means. How I’m already bonding and connecting with this little, soon-to-be baby, but no. My mind iscompletely empty, shock and disbelief stealing my ability to think a single coherent thought.

“Hi, baby,” I whisper softly, my eyes closing as I picture the little ball of cells making a home so near my heart. “I’m your momma. Momma’s here.”

Knock, knock.

“Hey, babe, we’re going to be late. You almost ready?” Dominic—Dom—my husband, calls from the other side of our bathroom door.

My eyes snap to the mirror, taking in my rattled appearance. I barely recognize myself, the shock and excitement practically glittering in my eyes.

I take a deep breath, failing to calm my racing heart before opening the door to find Dom leaning against the wall in front of me.

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