Page 10 of Tusk's Fury

“It sounds like they’re getting back together. Three eyewitnesses can’t all be wrong, right? And I saw the ‘happy family’ thing with my own eyes.”

Clara sighs. “I’m really sorry this is happening to you, Brittany. You don’t deserve to be blindsided like this.”

“The old, selfish me would have hoped and prayed he wasn’t leaving. Maybe, even begged him to stay. The new and improved me just wants him to be happy. If that means getting back with his wife to keep his family together, then so be it.”

When Clara just stares at me, I roll my eyes. “Yeah, I can’t believe I just said that either. I guess I really did change for him.”

Clara springs to her feet and pulls me into a tight hug. “Not many people could have turned their life around the way you did. Whether or not you and Tusk end up together, I want you to know that you’re an amazing person.”

I shake my head. “No, I’m not. I blew into town with a chip on my shoulder and hurt a lot of people—including you, when you first got with Tex. But karma’s a bitch. I guess it’s time for me to reap what I sow.”

Clara shakes her head. “I don’t believe that for a second. Karma isn’t real. Look at me—I led a charmed life and never hurt anyone. Then my sister decided to have an affair with my husband, and my husband apparently jumped at the chance. So, tell me—why did karma blow my life apart?”

I sigh. “I know what you mean. Sometimes shitty people get off scot-free, and innocent people get ground down for no reason.”

“Exactly.”

I shrug. “I guess, deep down, I feel like I deserve to lose everything good in my life as payment for my past sins. Since there’s no one else to blame, I want to blame karma.”

“Sometimes, relationships just don’t work out, and it’s nobody’s fault,” Clara says softly. “Please don’t think you deserve to be hurt. You don’t. Trust me on this.”

I reach out and give Clara a short hug. Then, I lie to her one last time. “I think I climbed out on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Being blindsided like this has been mentally exhausting. I might grab a short nap and then head out east to visit my family.”

She smiles warmly. “Drive safe. Text me to let me know how you’re doing. And give me a heads-up when you get back to town—we’ll do lunch. Don’t worry about driving me back to the clubhouse. I texted the prospects to bring my car. This club has spoiled me.”

“You deserve to be spoiled. And thank you, Clara. I mean that. You’ve been a really good friend. I’m glad you came into my life.”

We say our goodbyes, and instead of napping, I sit on my sofa, curled up with a pillow, turning everything over in my mind.

I thought I had it all with Tusk—that he truly loved me.

I don’t know if I believe the part about him calling the club girls whores, but I can see him trying to keep his family together. If his wife asked for another chance, he might have felt morally obligated to take her up on it—for his kids’ sake.

Really, who could blame him?

Of course, he might have just missed his old life. Maybe he still has feelings for his wife. I’m probably kidding myself that he’s doing this only for the kids. Ugh. It feels horrible to be cast aside, even for a good reason.

I get up from the sofa, walk into the bathroom, and stare down at the pregnancy tests.

They’re all still positive. The question is, how far along am I?

I’ve been feeling nauseous for over a week, maybe longer? I was off my food before that, but I just put it down to excitement about my new job, and then Tusk getting patched in. I know from talking to the old ladies that morning sickness usually starts between four and six weeks—and gets bad around ten or twelve.

That means I might be between two and a half to three months along.

God, I need to see a doctor.

I grab some toilet paper, clean the exterior of all the test kits, dry them, and seal each one in a separate zipper bag.

If someone asked me why I’m doing this, I wouldn’t have an answer. For some reason, keeping this tangible proof of my pregnancy feels important.

But I already know—I’m keeping the baby.

There’s no doubt in my mind.

I could never bring myself to end a pregnancy, much less one that belongs to the man I love.

I believe Tusk cared about me.

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