Page 44 of Reuniting with Lucy

“I know, I know. I’m sure I would’ve broken the engagement with Curtis eventually. With or without Jack reentering the picture. Jack did help make the decision easier and more time-sensitive though.”

They arrived at their condo building and ran up the stairs. Lizzie unpackaged the test and skimmed the directions. “Here, pee on this end and put the cap on when you’re done. I’ll figure out how to read the results while you’re gone.”

Lucy had never been so nervous in her life. A million things ran through her mind, but leading the pack was excitement. What if shecouldhave kids? Then again, what if Lizzie had gotten her hopes up for nothing? What if it was just residual flu symptoms? Well, only one way to find out.

Luckily, all the pop she’d had at lunch made peeing quick and easy. She replaced the cap, wrapped the bottom half in a tissue, washed her hands, and returned to Lizzie, who was studying the box.

“Okay.” Lizzie looked at her watch. “In one minute, if there’s a pink plus, it’s a yes. A blue dash means no.”

Lucy grabbed a paper plate and set the stick on it, then put the plate on the kitchen island and stared at it. Mr. Snuggles had been complaining since they walked in the door.

“Does he need food or what?” Lizzie asked. “What’s his problem today?”

“He’s probably mad Jack’s not here. I think he has a man crush on him.”

“Mr. Snuggles likes Jack? I didn’t think he liked anyone. Including you.”

“I know. It’s weird. Lizzie, this might be the longest minute of my life. What if you’re right?” Too nervous to sit, she picked up Mr. Snuggles and paced the living room floor, hugging him close. He had been her baby for so long. What if an actual human baby was on the way?

Lizzie picked up the stick. “Uh, I don’t think we have to wait the full minute,” she said, holding it out to Lucy. “It’s pretty definitive.”

Lucy took a deep breath and stepped closer so she could see. Happy tears blurred the bright pink plus.

“Congrats, Momma.”

Lucy dropped the cat and threw her arms around Lizzie. “I’m going to have a baby? Ah, I’m going to have a baby!”

They hugged and danced and cried. “Lizzie, do me a favor? Don’t tell anyone, not even our sisters, until I tell Jack. Okay?”

“Of course. Your secret baby’s safe with me. Just remember who figured it out first. And keep that in mind when you name the little tyke. How do you think Jack’s gonna take this, by the way?”

“Honestly, I have no idea.” Now that the excitement was wearing down, she felt a twinge of panic. “What if this is a false alarm? What if I’m pregnant, but something goes wrong?”

“We’ll get you to a doctor asap,” Lizzie said. “He or she can confirm it and make sure everything will work out all right.”

“Yes, okay. Good idea.” Lucy thought for a second. “I’ll wait to tell Jack until I know for sure. Will you come with me?”

“I’m insulted you think you have to ask,” Lizzie said, pulling out her phone. “Let’s find a doctor and make an appointment now.”

Together they researched obstetricians, chose one, then called to ask for the first available time slot. The doctor had had a cancellation and could fit her in the very next morning.

After Lizzie left and Lucy had a chance to come to terms with the news on her own, she started to freak out. With a capital F. WhatwasJack going to say? He seemed pretty anti-kid. Would that change if it was his own? Man, she hoped so.

She was also terrified something would go wrong with the pregnancy. With or without Jack, she wanted this baby more than she’d ever wanted anything. She laid a hand on her flat stomach. “I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe. I already love you, little one.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Later that same day, Jack called and asked to come over. As if Lucy didn’t have enough to worry about. Emma’s wedding felt like forever ago. So much had changed in the last three days—specifically the last three hours. But Jack didn’t know about that, and wouldn’t yet.

They sat on her couch, Mr. Snuggles in Jack’s lap, nervously dancing around the topic. Finally, he brought up the subject he’d come to discuss—his aversion to marriage.

“I know my timing sucked, bringing it up at the wedding,” he said. “I’ve been meaning to say something for a while. It just never seemed like the right time.”

“It was a bit of a surprise. I mean, here I am, thinking things are going great. That we’re getting to know each other, maybe even falling for each other, and then, boom.”

“I should have brought it up during our conversation about kids.”

“Was that a plus for you? Finding out I couldn’t have kids?”

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