Page 102 of Catch You

When was the last time I ate?

I shake my head, because everything is hazy. I don’t even know what day it is.

Looking around my room for signs, my eyes land on the white plastic stick on the dresser, and everything comes crashing down.

I’m pregnant.

The sound of the doorbell drags me from my nightmare, and my heart rate picks up. I really, really don’t want to see anyone. But after only a few seconds and a couple of muffled words from Brooke, the door is closed and everything falls silent.

Risking a look out of the window, I breathe a sigh of relief when I watch a delivery man head back to his van.

After visiting the bathroom to freshen up, I drag in some courage and head downstairs.

As I descend, the scent of flowers hits me.

“Jesus,” I mutter when I come to a stop in the living room doorway. Every surface is covered in flowers. No wonder the scent almost knocked me on my ass.

“You’re awake. How are you feeling?” Brooke asks after placing the newest addition to my floral collection on the sideboard.

“I’ve been better. Where the hell are all these from?”

Flowers of all colors, size and design cover the room. They’re pretty, sure. But it’s a little over the top.

“Everyone. I haven’t opened any of the cards. Reese brought these. The bigger one’s from everyone in your office, and those are from her and Fletch. These sunflowers are from Mom and Dad—they hoped they’d make you smile. I don’t know for sure about the others. I thought you’d want to open them.”

I nod, feeling totally out of my depth and overwhelmed that people took time out of their lives to do this. I know I’m surrounded by kind people, but I really didn’t expect it.

My stomach grumbles once again, so loudly that Brooke doesn’t miss it.

“What do you want? I’ll cook or order anything.”

“Chinese,” I say without a second thought. “And cheesecake.”

“You got it.” She pulls her cell from her back pocket and starts tapping away. “Is there anything else you need while I’m at it?”

“No, I don’t think so.”

Ignoring her, I take a step into the room and run my fingertip over the soft, bright yellow petals of the sunflowers. They really are beautiful. I pluck the card from the center and flip it over.

All our love and thoughts,

We’re here for whatever you need.

Sarah and Neil

Xxx

My heart aches, reading their words.

I move to the next ones and find similar messages from Mags, Reese, my aunt’s best friend, some others from work, and even some of the players. But it’s the final bouquet that makes me pause. I have no idea why—there’s nothing that really makes it stand out against the others. Just a feeling. A premonition.

My hand shakes as I reach for the card and pull it from its little envelope.

I’m sorry for your loss.

Yours.

C x

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