Find Me (The Found Duet #2)(103)
Author: Laurelin Paige

For a full minute after I hung up with her, I let myself wonder how I’d feel if I was getting married tomorrow. Would I be excited? Nervous? Having second thoughts?

I would have been delirious with joy, that’s what I would have been.

My stomach churned, and I had to run to the bathroom, barely making it before I threw up. From what I’d read on the Internet in the last week, morning sickness in the second trimester wasn’t that common for women who hadn’t had it in the first. But it certainly seemed fitting to wake up puking today.

Maybe our baby was just in tune with the real situation of my pre-wedding day. “You and me, kid,” I said, rubbing my tightening belly. “It’s just you and me.”

***

Alayna and Hudson required a full rundown of the last few days. They’d known that Mennezzo had been released from jail but nothing about seeing my father or any of the events that followed.

I stuck to the details I could share, and while I’d thought I wouldn’t be able to talk about JC without getting upset, I found that relating the story was actually comforting. It was a distraction from my current pain, but I could still get emotional without drawing questions.

Or so I thought.

I’d just come out of the bathroom of the guest suite after having changed into my pajamas when I found Laynie waiting on the bed for me.

“Now that it’s just you and me, you can tell me.”

I fiddled with the bridal jewelry that I’d set out on the dresser. “Tell you what?”

“Why you’re so glum. You don’t seem like someone who’s getting married tomorrow. And don’t say that you’re just tired and worried about Mennezzo. I know there’s something else. So spill.” She was perceptive in most circumstances, but honestly, I’d been surprised no one had commented earlier. I’d been a walking zombie since I’d arrived at her house. Except for when I’d recalled the shooting and the story around it, I’d barely muttered a word that had more than one syllable.

I didn’t have the energy to even try to lie outright. So just like I had with Chandler, I gave her part of the truth. “There is something else.” I turned to face her. “I’m pregnant.”

“Oh.” She blinked several times. “Wow. For real?”

“Yep. I took a test last week when you suggested it. I’m fourteen weeks along.” I forced a smile.

She jumped up from the bed. “Oh my God! You’re already second trimester!”

JC and I had decided not to announce the pregnancy until after the wedding. We wanted the focus on us. But Laynie was the one person I had wanted to tell more than anyone else, and I would have told her immediately if I hadn’t been worried about her reaction.

I bit my lip. “Are you horribly mad?”

“Mad? Why the hell would I be mad?”

“Because you’re trying so hard to get pregnant, and here, I didn’t even want a baby, and I’m having one.”

She took my hands in hers and squeezed. “Of course I’m wildly jealous, but mad? No way. I’m thrilled for you!” Dropping my hands, she crossed her arms over her chest and narrowed her eyes. “Though I am a little pissed you didn’t tell me sooner. Is it because you were afraid of what I’d say or because you aren’t happy about being pregnant?”

“The first. I didn’t want a baby, but now that I’m going to have one, I’m adjusting.” I put my hands behind me to lean on the dresser and thought about her question. Was I really not happy about having a baby?

Even with JC gone, the answer was no. I was happy. “It’s exciting, actually. Scary but exciting.” This time my smile was genuine.

Her face lit up entirely. “It’s so exciting! I’m…I’m overwhelmed!” She flitted around the room, energized by my news. “I can’t believe you thought I’d be mad. And I’m so happy for you! It will be my practice baby. I’ll steal it every chance I can. I hope you’re ready for me to practically live with you. Seriously, you don’t even need to hire a nanny. I’m here. Can I be Aunt Laynie even though we’re not related?”

I laughed. “You can be whoever you want. But you’re going to regret that offer because I’m going to take you up on it. I’m going to need all the help I can get.”

“I won’t regret it. And you won’t need me. JC’s going to be doting all over you. You know that. He’s got to be over the moon.”

“Yeah. Over the moon.” That wasn’t a lie either—he’d been beyond thrilled. It hurt now to say it, though. So I redirected the conversation. “Anyway. It’s why I’m so tired. And emotional. And with Mennezzo out of jail, I’m more worried than ever.”