Page 160 of Stars in Umbra
Rina sighed, scanned the group behind them, and pulled Sheba another few paces away into a darkened corner. ‘Don’t scream. Don’t squeal. Don’t even blink funny.’
‘I’m scared,’ Sheba mock whispered, gripping her hand.
‘I’m pregnant.’
Sheba’s mouth dropped open in a silent shriek, her eyes dilating. ‘You’refokkin’ what? Wait. Who’s the father?’
Rina gave her a narrow-eyed, pointed look. ‘Who do you think, silly?’
‘Oh. My. Freaking. Deities.’ Sheba clutched her arm like a lifeline. ‘Woman, are you for real?’
They stood in stunned silence for a beat before Sheba began to shake her head, thoughts already racing. ‘Are you okay? Are you happy? Are you freaking out?’
‘All of the above,’ Rina admitted. ‘At first, I was losing my mind, but after some thought, I found that I want this baby. With a kind of wild savagery I can’t explain but I want Mo’s child. But my mind’s still spiraling. What will life look like? How do I prepare? I’m capable, I know I am, but I’m spinning with it all.’
Sheba nodded, her expression softening. ‘Honey, you’re allowed to feel all of that. But you also don’t have to do it alone. First, we have to get you prenatal vitamins. Plus, drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet. Cut back yourkahawa. Start thinking about the baby space, where it’ll sleep, and what you’ll need. And for heaven’s sake, let me help you. I’m a nurse and a damn good future aunt.’
Rina’s lips twitched in a half-smile. ‘I’ve got a couple of prenatal books already. They’ve helped a little when they’re not terrifying.’
‘I’m so here for you,’ Sheba murmured. ‘Ask for whatever you need. Cry when you want to. This isn’t a solo mission.’
‘I know.’ Rina’s voice cracked. ‘Sante.’
She glanced over her shoulder. Mo was watching her with quiet curiosity, his brow arched in a silent question.
Her chest tugged with guilt.
‘Wait,’ Sheba said, stepping into her line of sight. ‘Have you told him?’
Rina paled. ‘Nada. Not yet.’
‘Rina.’ Sheba’s worry was evident.
‘I will,’ she promised. ‘When this assignment shit settles. I need the world to stop spinning for five seconds first.’
Sheba gave her a drawn-out, exasperated look, then hugged her. ‘Don’t delay too long. That man adores you. He deserves to know.’
Rina nodded, throat tight.
After another hug with Sheba, the pair moved back to their group.
Rina walked to Mo and slid her arms around his waist, encircling him, burying her face in his muscled, solid chest.
He lowered his head, his voice a deep murmur against her hair. ‘What was that about? You two seemed downright conspiratorial.’
‘Best friend chatter,’ she replied, eyes fluttering closed as his clasp came up around her.
‘Bullshit, but I’ll let it pass, for now.’
For a moment, she surrendered herself to the shelter of his strength, safe and protected.
Even as the guilt of the truth pulled at her conscience.
MOLAN
Dawn bled across the high-altitude windows of the Sable Corvette, casting pale gold light through the half-drawn shades.
The world outside was a hush, with soft cloud banks and silver radiance, but inside, it was all warmth, breath, and tangled limbs.
