Page 37 of Unexpected Forever
I step inside Charley’s domain where the house is cozy and with a ton of natural light.
A blanket sits in a pile in the middle of the sofa and an e-reader lies on the coffee table, the screen dark.
As a reader myself, I’m curious as to what kind of books capture her attention.
It’s a dangerous line of thinking, wanting to know those small details.
She moves to the sofa, putting the throw pillows back in their place and folding the blanket over the back. “Want to sit down? Or want something to drink?”
“Water will be fine.”
I sit down and look at the framed photos on the mantel. Pictures of her family in various stages along with photos of her with friends vie for space. I smile when my gaze lands on a photo of Charley and Megan. They wear huge smiles, with Charley’s arm wrapped around Megan’s neck.
“Here you go.”
She hands me a bottle of water before taking a seat in the chair perpendicular to the sofa.
I smile, in spite of the dread that’s slick in my stomach. “So, what’s up?”
She bounces her leg, taking a sip from her bottle of water as though working up courage. My gaze lingers over her from the top of her messy knot to her flip-flop covered feet. Her toes are tipped in a bright pink I find sexy.
I focus back on her face and narrow my eyes.
“You look pale.”
She laces her fingers together in her lap and looks away. “I’m fine, but I have been sick recently.”
Fear slithers into my veins, making me sit up straighter. “Are you okay? Can I do anything for you?”
Her stare slides to mine, and her eyes are shiny with tears, which immediately puts me on alert.
I want to take her hand, but I’m not sure if it’s appropriate. I spent hours inside this woman and yet I don’t know if I should hold her hand.
Shit, this is confusing.
“Charley, whatever it is, you can tell me.”
She blows out a breath, then looks me in the eye.
“I’m pregnant.”
My heart stops and my ears ring.
Pregnant?
The word plays over and over in my head until it doesn’t seem like a word at all.
Pregnant?
I’m not sure how long I sit there, but at some point, Charley waves a hand in front of my face and the motion of it snaps me back to reality. “Nate? Hello? Did you just die on me sitting up?”
I blink and swallow some water before I can speak. “Pregnant? Are you sure?”
She nods. “I peed on seven sticks. All positive. I’ve had all the symptoms. I see the doctor the day after tomorrow to confirm.”
“But…I don’t…” I can’t form a fucking sentence. “We used protection.”
Hello, Captain Obvious.
