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My breath whooshed out of my lungs. I felt Jake’s body shift next to me. “False alarm?”

“After a short period of time, pregnancy tests can develop evaporation lines. Because you said that the line was faint and didn’t show initially, I’m assuming that’s all it was. It could have also been an indent line and shadow playing tricks. Regardless, your blood test was negative,” Doctor Augusta explained.

“So feeling sick?”

“It may be a typical virus. However, since you just had the shot, it could be a reaction to that. It can take a few doses for your body to adjust to the influx of hormones. To avoid this, you can switch back to the pill or try something else.”

“What would you recommend?”

“I know you were hesitant when we discussed it last time, but I do think an IUD would work well for you. It lasts for five years and then we replace it.”

“But the side effects…” I squirmed just thinking about it.

“You’re right, they can be unpleasant. It can fall out, get embedded in your uterus, or change your menstrual bleeding. But, Piper, the majority of women have no problem. There’s nothing to remember to take, put on, or put in. You’re set for five years.”

“What if we decide to have kids before the time is up?” Jake asked, shocking the hell out of me.

As this was the first thing he’d said since we came into the office, Doctor Augusta looked a little surprised, too. “If you decide to start trying, all Piper needs to do is come in and have it removed. Some women get pregnant that same month, but for others it takes a little longer. If this is the way you want to go, we can insert a non-hormonal one today.”

“Okay.” I felt both shocked and numb.

Jake’s cell rang. “Sorry, it’s work.” Silencing the ringer, he stood and left the room to take the call.

“Congratulations on your engagement, by the way,” Dr. Augusta said, looking at my ring.

“Thank you.” I smiled as I looked at it, too.

“Alright, I’ll go get everything ready and be back.” Walking out, she closed the door behind her and left me alone with my thoughts.

*******

“I think we should talk, sweets,” Jake said.

Pressed against him in bed, my leg was thrown over his while my cheek rested on his chest. His rough hand rubbed along my spine.

Naked in bed is so not where I want to have this conversation. Let’s schedule it for later.

Maybe the seventh of freakin’ never?

When the uncomfortable IUD insertion was done, Jake insisted that I go home and rest. I didn’t want to relax. If I was alone with my thoughts, I’d obsess and analyze every single thing. I wasn’t ready to deal with my feelings.

Cluck, cluck, chicken.

Using the excuse of being behind schedule, I told Jake I wanted to get some work done. Since arguing with him was normally like stapling jello to a tree, I was surprised when he gave in.

After getting caught up on orders, I grabbed takeout and went to my place in case Jake needed time to himself.

He obviously didn’t since he showed up shortly thereafter, kissed me, and fixed a plate of food like nothing was amiss.

We spent the rest of the night watching TV and ignoring the baby elephant in the room.

“About what?” I asked hesitantly, hoping in vain that we were just going to keep ignoring it.

“Do you want kids, Piper?”

“I’ve never had kids, so I wouldn’t know what I’m missing out on. I have had you, so I’d definitely know what I was giving up.”

“I changed my mind.”