Page 88 of Chasing Storm
I clear my throat, and all heads turn to me. Their eyes light up when they see me.
“Hi,” I say, overcome with happiness.
"What’s this news?" JP asks, his eyes alight with anticipation. I think he already knows but is waiting for me to say something.
I incline my head, asking them to follow me so we can talk in private.
“Oooh,” the old man at the counter says. “Bignews.”
I snicker. “What’s it to him?”
“Jake is invested. He thinks our lives are better than EastEnders,” Josh explains.
I smile at Jake and decide, what the hell. I don’t know him, so telling him won’t affect me either way.
“I’m pregnant!” I exclaim loudly so Jake and also, Elle can hear me.
“Fuck! Yes!” JP says, crushing me to him. “I knew it!”
I grin and pull away, turning to Thatcher to hug him. “How’s your dad?” I whisper.
“He’s great. And will be thrilled with this news. You are so amazing, so perfect, so special. I love you, Storm Rivers.”
A tingle of excitement goes down my spine at the words. “I love you too. All of you.”
I turn to Josh, who sweeps me into a tight embrace, kissing my neck and fussing over me.
I catch Jake’s eyes, and he gives me a double thumbs up with a massive grin and a sassy wink. I giggle and give him a nod in return, happy to have made his day, it seems.
I look around the store, feeling my heart fill with warmth; I have never felt so free and full of love and life. I know that no matter what happens in the future, I will always have this moment to look back on and remember; a moment of discovery and connection and how beautiful life can be when you have the right people to share it with.
