Page 127 of Illicit Heir

The doorbell rings, signaling that a new guest has arrived.

I rise, overwhelmed by their generosity and support. They still barely know me compared to someone who has been in their life forever. I add, "I don't know what to say."

"Ya don't have to say anything, dear. Like we said, we've always wanted a child, and now we'll get to experience a grandchild," Annie chirps, beaming at me.

The doorbell rings again. "Thank ya. I'm beyond grateful. Let me greet our guests."

"I'll get it," Dominick says, patting me on the shoulder. "You go wash your face and take a moment." He disappears before I can say anything.

Annie gives me another hug. "Oh, a baby. This is so exciting."

"Annie, I don't know how to thank ya both," I confess.

She hugs me again. "Ya don't need to thank us anymore. Like I told ya, this'll be great for us. We're excited. We'll go shopping tomorrow. Okay?"

"But really, I don't need a lot. I don't want ya spending money on me."

"Oh, shush. We have savings. We'll be happy to spoil a baby. Now, I think it's time we schedule a doctor's appointment. I'm assuming ya haven't been to one in a while? Or have ya gone to one at all?"

Guilt hits me. I should be seeing a doctor, but I didn't know how. I shake my head. "I saw one once when my mum found out. I've been taking vitamins. I bought some at the store and doubled up on them, but..."

"Okay, dear." She pats my hand again. "I'll make an appointment."

"Do ya think I've hurt the baby by not going?" I ask worriedly.

She studies me closer. "No. Ya look healthy to me. Ya haven't been having pains or anything, right?"

"No."

"Great. I'm sure everything's fine, but it's time to see a doctor. Okay?"

I nod. "Okay. Thank ya."

"All right. Well, why don't ya go take a breather for a few minutes? Then ya can introduce yourself to the new guest when you're ready," she suggests.

"Okay."

She goes to the stove and starts attending to the pot of soup.

I stare at her back, still a bit in shock and overwhelmed with gratitude.

She doesn't look at me and calls out, "Everything's good, Lauren. I can feel ya staring at me."

I start to laugh. "Okay, I'm leaving now."

"Good. Everything will be fine," she assures me but still doesn't look at me.

I leave the room and go to my bathroom. I stare at my reflection, pull my shirt up, and assess my stomach. I put my hand over it.

Is this really happening?

Are they really accepting me and my baby and happy about it?

I whisper, "Annie and Dominick are taking us in as theirs. Everything's going to be okay. I promise ya, I'll give ya a good life."

I stare at my reflection some more, still overwhelmed by Annie and Dominick's kindness and love. Then I splash some water on my face, brush my hair, even though it doesn't need anything done to it, and go into my room.

I put on a fresh dress and make my way to the main room to say hi to the new guest. I turn the corner and bump into a woman, then I freeze. I grab the wall, shaking, not knowing what to do.

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