Page 49 of Thanksgiving with Three Brothers

“They got her, Mad,” Noah said, “The cops on the scene found a GPS tag on your car. Olivia must have put it there when she worked at the shop and had access. She was nearby, and they caught her, just standing across the street watching your wreck she caused. I’m so sorry, baby. I’m sorry she did this to you. I’m just glad you’re okay.”

“It’s not your fault,” I said.

“She’s locked up and she’ll stay that way till her trial,” Noah said.

I nodded, wincing a little at the headache.

“I got you these,” Leo said.

He grabbed something off a plastic chair and put it on my narrow hospital bed. Six little bags of BBQ chips.

“I cleaned out the vending machine on this floor,” he said, “Least I could do.”

“Thank you, oh my God.” I said, and ripped open a bag. “Oh, these are good!”

Noah reached for one and I swatted at him playfully. “Don’t try it, brother, you’ll lose a hand.” Leo warned.

The doctor came in and a nurse told the guys to clear out. He went over test results and said I needed to take it easy for a day or two. “You need to set up an appointment with your gynecologist. If you don’t have a doctor, we can refer you and get you in this week.”

“Why? Is it to do with the wreck?” I said, worried.

“No, not at all,” the doctor smiled. “I assumed you knew, and having been unconscious when you arrived, you couldn’t let us know. You’re pregnant.”

“What?” I said. I was stunned. “But, I’m on birth control.”

“Did you miss any pills in the last couple of months.”

“I moved recently, and things were a little hectic that week. I may have missed one, but that’s all.”

“Where was it in your cycle, week-wise?” He asked.

“I don’t remember.”

“Did you double up the next day when you realized you missed it and abstain from sexual activity for at least a week afterward?” He asked. I blushed and shook my head. I hadn’t abstained for an entire day in the last few weeks.

“There’s your answer then. Do you have an ob-gyn?”

“Yes, I see Dr. Gates at the clinic on Maple.”

“Set something up this week then and get some prenatal vitamins in the meantime. Everything all right? Would you like to speak to a counselor?” he said.

I shook my head, “No, it’s just unexpected. I’m not sure how to handle it.”

“Do you need anything? We have a social worker on call who has resources we can contact if you need temporary housing or if you are unsure how you feel about the pregnancy.”

“No, thank you. I always wanted to be a mom. I just thought I’d plan it more,” I said with a giggle. I giggled. I felt giddy, bubbly with excitement. I was having a baby!

I just wasn’t sure how to tell the Foster brothers I was pregnant with their child. It was such a new relationship, and everything had been dramatic with the stalker, the intensity of moving in together, the danger. What if they didn’t want to have a child with me? They had been open-minded, accepting, loving, but that was when it was wild and fun. This was serious and pretty permanent. A nervous flutter intruded on my joy, and I shut my eyes against the bright lights.

Noah and Leo took me home and I went to bed. I was exhausted and emotional, and a nap seemed like the best idea. Both of them lay down with me, held me close and told me how happy they were that I was okay, how scared they’d been to lose me. I lay there in their arms and couldn't help a few tears escaping before I slept.

When I woke up, it was to Ethan’s arrival. He hurried in and found us sprawled on the bed. He knelt beside the bed and took my hand.

“Seems I’m always late to the party,” he said softly, “Thank God you’re okay.” I nodded, tears in my eyes, and reached for him. He kissed me and wrapped his arms around me. “Jesus, if I ever lost you…” he said.

“I’m okay,” I said, “I’m just hungry. Leo, where are my chips?” I said. He mumbled sleepily. We went to the kitchen, and they heated up a rotisserie chicken and made baked potatoes while I sat with strict orders to put my feet up and watch Bridgerton. I would’ve laughed but I kept touching my belly and thinking of the sweet baby curled up growing inside me. Their baby, our baby. I wanted this so fiercely, but I was afraid.

While the food was cooking, they hovered around me and fussed and fluffed pillows, got me a blanket.

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