Page 112 of Sugarloaf Ridge Lies

“I’m gonna rock the crap out of arts and crafts this afternoon,” I continue as Paula fidgets with the waistband of her tight skirt before mumbling something I don’t catch.

Head held high, I leave the room.

“Get over it, Paula,” Bethany says as I progress along the hall.

***

At a quiet table atEmily’s after work, I give Nat all the juicy details. The blush I’ve worn the last hour will surely stain my face for the week to come.

“I have my eighteen-to-twenty week scan this Thursday morning,” I tell her.

“Wow, that’s come up quick. Do you need me to come with you?”

I shake my head. “Thanks, but I’m going to ask Jerry. If we’re doing this, I want him involved from here on in.”

“Yeah, of course. That’s great that he’s on board, taking on the child as his own. He must really care for you.”

“Yeah.” I’m still a little shocked. It’s not a decision to take lightly. “Guess love can convince you to do anything.”

“So you’ve obviously laid it all out on the table.”

My brow puckers. “What do you mean?”

“As in Jerry knows the situation with the father.”

It dawns on me I haven’t even shared that night with Nat. “I had a one-nighter. I haven’t gone into details with Jerry, but he knows enough.”

Nat hums and bites on the inside of her cheek. “Are you going to contact the father?”

Oh boy. I shake my head. “Tracking him down is a whole other thing. I’m not planning to.”

Her generous bosom rises as she draws in a deep breath. “Yeah, well that’s up to you.”

It is, and I can’t see how it’s going to change the outcome.

I’m having this baby. Rather, Jerry and I are. “I don’t wanna open that door.”

She goes to speak but doesn’t.

“It’s gonna be fine,” I assure her.

As I say the words, I know my friend has another opinion.

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