Page 36 of Perfect Alpha

“You can’t go to work,” Hannah repeats, as tears course down her freckled cheeks. A rock of dread forms in my gut from the suspicion that this particular crisis isn’t about a parenting article.

“I heard you,” I return, taking a sip of coffee. “What’s up?”

“I’m pregnant and need you to drive me to my first doctor’s appointment because I’m too scared to go alone,” Hannah blurts in a rush.

Her eyes are shining and her lip is trembling as she sets a protective hand on her still-flat stomach, waiting for me to react.

Dumbfounded doesn’t even begin to describe my reaction, and I’m at a total loss for words. Of all the things I thought she was going to say, another pregnancy didn’t even make the top one hundred.

Hannah continues talking, her words blending as her anxiety increases. “I’ve asked the home health care worker to stay with Dad, and one of my friends from the mommy group is going to bring Aidan to her house for a play date.”

The logistics weren’t the problem, but I nod. My mind can barely follow the details, and I gulp down the rest of my coffee, hoping it brings clarity.

“The appointment is at eight. Please come with me. I need you. Please.” She’s wringing a dish towel so tightly that it’s going to come apart in her hands. “I’m sorry. I’msosorry.”

“Who?” The single word is the only one I can manage.

“It’s Jimmy’s.”

I knew Hannah was dating Jimmy, but I didn’t realize they were in the baby-making phase of their relationship.

“Does he know?”

Hannah shakes her head. “Not yet. I haven’t decided what I’m going to do.”

I can’t believe she’s been so careless. She isnotin the financial position to have more kids. But we can’t lock the door after the horse has already escaped the barn, as my old man used to say.

“We’ll figure this out, Hannah Banana,” I tell her, with as much cheer as I can muster. “It’s going to be okay.”

“Are you mad?” she whispers.

“I’m disappointed. I’m shocked. I’m a lot of things. But more than any of them, I love you. Don’t worry. We can handle whatever life throws at us.”

Her eyes fill with tears. “I love you, too. Thank you.”

Aidan and Dad both wake up, so we can’t continue our private conversation. She goes to Dad while I tackle Aidan’s morning routine. I’m talking to my partner on speakerphone, doing a terrible job multitasking while Aidan sings at the top of his lungs.

“I amsosorry, man.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Steve replies. “Shit happens.”

He takes everything in stride, and if there was ever a person who emulates don’t sweat the small stuff, it is Steve Wells.

“You can’t help that Hannah woke up not feeling well. Just call me and let me know when you can get on the road.”

“I’ll work late tonight,” I insist. “Can you please reschedule my morning appointments to the evening?”

“Okay, man, I’ll make the calls. I’ve got your back, so don’t stress over it.”

We met in vet school and immediately clicked, deciding we’d go into business together after we graduated. Steve has a heart of gold, and starting my practice with him was the best business decision I ever made.

“Thank you. I mean it.”

By seven, Hannah is seated in the passenger seat of the truck, her friend has picked up Aidan, and the personal support worker is with Dad. With nothing else left to do, I join her while racking my brain about how we’ll fit a newborn into our already hectic lives.

“I’m not very far along,” Hannah whispers. “I’m considering terminating because I don’t want my fuck-ups to ruin anyone else’s life. I’m sure Jimmy doesn’t want to have a child with me. Our relationship is nowhere near that point. And you certainly don’t want to keep dealing with your sister’s babies.”

“Hannah.” I rest my hand on her shoulder, which is shaking with sobs. “I’m here for you no matter how many kids you have. This is unexpected, but a baby is always a blessing, right? Don’t terminate a pregnancy because of what you think me or Jimmy might want. You need to do what’s in your heart. Don’t worry about anyone else except for you and your baby. Okay?”

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