Page 42 of Slow Kind of Love

Poppy stared down at the floor and shrugged. “Well I’ve been in a bit of a state ever since. And I didn’t know who to talk to. Blue’s out town and Molly’s twins are sick.” Her eyes widened. “Oh God, twins run in my family.”

“You’re not making any sense. Tell me what the hell Boone did and I can deal with him. I’ll take him down if that’s what you need. Or give you a place to stay.” He had no clue where this was headed.

Then Poppy jerked her head up. “He got me pregnant is what he did.”

Link glanced at the grocery bag full of chocolate and corned beef. “Um, congrats?”

Poppy reached for another bar. “I woke up last week dreaming of chocolate. And then sex.” She tore into another bar. “Chocolate and sex. That’s been my life for the last seven days. Which is fine, I guess. I mean, Boone’s been one happy son-of-a-bitch.” She stopped chewing, and slowly shook her head. “I’m not supposed to be pregnant. I mean, we’ve never talked about it seriously. Just in passing, you know?”

Link nodded because he thought he should.

“And I’m on the pill and I’m good at taking it. It’s on my app on my phone, and in my calendar and I have the packet on the counter in my bathroom next to my toothbrush so it’s the first thing I see every morning.” She nodded at him, but her eyes weren’t focused. “I floss. I swish for two minutes with mouthwash, the arctic mint because that’s my favorite, and then I brush my teeth. When I’m done I take my pill.”

“You sound quite organized.”

“I know. Right?” Her bottom lip trembled. “So what happened. I mean, how?”

It took a lot for Link to keep a straight face. “I’m guessing the same way everyone else gets pregnant. You had a few good turns between the sheets and one of his guys got by your defenders.” He winked. “In case you’re wondering, a defender would be one those little pills you take every morning.”

“The pills are strong, Link.”

“Then Boone’s little guys are stronger.”

“Super sperm,” she said in a whisper. Poppy glanced down at the half eaten chocolate bar. “Boone has super sperm. Huh.”

“Are you okay, Pops? This is good news, isn’t it?”

“I think so. Just unexpected and I don’t know why I’m acting like this.” She shuddered. “God, I need to get my shit together before Boone comes home.”

Link gave Poppy a big hug. He held her there until all that tense energy left her body and after a couple of minutes, she slipped out of his embrace.

“You must think I’m an idiot.”

“No,” Link replied with a grin. “I think you’re daft, but not an idiot.”

“Isn’t that kind of the same thing?”

“Daft doesn’t sound as bad.”

“I’m sorry for calling you like that. But the doctor had just called me and I don’t know what happened. My mind went blank. I know I’m overreacting but I’m scared and excited and mad all at the same time.” She laughed. “I mean, super sperm. Who knew?”

“You’re going to be an amazing Mother. You have no worries there. You just need to work on your delivery when you let your husband in on the your news.”

“Right. He’s home late tonight. Working on Gala things and then he’s got his men’s hockey later tonight. I’ll plan something for tomorrow. His favorite dinner.”

“Good.” Link took a step back. “I’m gonna go unless you need me.”

“No. I’m good.” She was already reaching for another bar. “I’ll be as big as a house by the time this baby comes, but I’m good. Thanks for coming by.”

“You don’t have to thank me for that.”

“Well, thanks for the chocolate then.”

She followed him to the door and gave him a hug. “Don’t tell Elise yet.”

“Lips. Sealed.”

Ten minutes later he pulled into his own driveway and found Elise waiting at the door, with a cold beer, a soft smile, and a look that told him things were going to get interesting.

“Everything okay?” she asked lightly, leading the way to the kitchen table where a smorgasbord of sushi was set out.

“Yes,” Link replied, sweeping his mouth across hers before taking his seat. “It’s been a good day.

He thought ahead and smiled to himself.

Hopefully, it was one of many to come.

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