Page 46 of Collateral Damage

Courtney hugs Skyla. “Anyone in your position would have been praying for the same result. Trent was missing, and you slept with his brother while drugged with a mind-altering serum. Your situation was really shitty.”

“Yeah, don’t be so hard on yourself. I would’ve been a mess in your situation.”

Skyla wipes her eyes and kisses Tatum on the head again. “Go check.”

I walk into the bathroom door and can already see the two bright magenta lines from where I’m standing. I turn to my friends. “It’s positive. I’m having a baby!”

Both Skyla and Courtney jump up and down while squealing, and Tatum joins in the fun with baby giggles and squeals of her own. They grab me in a giant bear hug, and we all jump up and down together.

“Wait, I just thought of something. Tank, the human skull crusher, not only bought you fuzzy socks, but he actually ordered you tampons online?”

I laugh at Courtney’s incredulous expression. “He’s a lot gentler than he looks.”

“I hope not all the time.” Courtney snorts.

We all laugh, and Skyla places Tatum on the rug and hands her a hammer that squeaks every time she hits the floor with it. Tatum loves her game and keeps herself entertained.

I wonder what it will be like when our babies grow up together. Will they be best friends? Will they end up dating and getting married? I giggle as I get ahead of myself. I’m going to have a baby!

Skyla comes over and drapes an arm over my shoulder. “It’s going to take a while to get used to the idea.”

“I can’t wait to tell Chris.”

Skyla beams at me. “When are you going to tell him?”

“When he gets back. I don’t want to distract him.”

Both Skyla and Courtney nod in agreement, and Tatum starts gnawing on her plastic hammer.

Warmth bubbles through me, and I place my hands on my belly. I can’t wait for Chris to get home now more than ever.

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