Page 63 of Shots Fired

“September 8 … I think,” I reply.

Dr. Hughes makes a quick calculation. “Okay, well, given today is October 6, that puts you at four weeks, plus four days.”

My eyes practically bug out of my head. “That works out at, like, mid-June, right?”

He nods. “It’s a rough guide, but right now, your estimated due date is June 15. I’ll be referring you to your OB-GYN now, and at eight weeks, you will be invited for your first scan, which will help pin down a more accurate timeline.”

All I can do is stare out of the window situated behind my doctor. None of this feels real.

“Are you okay?” he asks me for a second time.

I brace both elbows on my knees, massaging my temples slowly. The pounding headache I was nursing is now kicking into a full-blown migraine. “I don’t know what to think.”

He sets his pen down and mirrors my position, ducking his head slightly to capture my wandering attention. “I’m going to conclude a pregnancy is not something you personally had in mind at this stage in your life.”

I blow out a harsh breath, picking up my water and taking a sip. “No, it most definitely was not.”

“Okay.” He nods. “Before you took the tests, I told you there are always options available. I think one of the first questions you need to ask is, do you want to keep the pregnancy? Because whichever route you choose, we will be able to support you. This is your body and your decision, Darcy.”

“I had my whole entire life set out in front of me.” Another tear trickles down my cheek, and this time, I swipe it away angrily.

I’m angry at myself for being so careless. That said, the efficacy of my pill was not at the front of my mind when I was throwing up and racing to the bathroom. And I’m angry on Archer’s behalf because I know this isn’t what he would want either. He asked me if we should use condoms, but I declined.

“I need to think it over.” I gulp down the rest of my water, and the doctor takes my empty cup from me, throwing it into the bin next to him. “I need to talk to the dad.”

He rolls his lips together. “And just to clarify, there can only be one father?”

“Yes,” I whisper. “We were hooking up in secret since he’s my brother’s teammate and best friend.”

I don’t miss the raised brow before Dr. Hughes quickly resets his professional demeanor.

“I’m going to send your details across to the OB-GYN and some pregnancy information directly to your email. Were you on your way to work?”

“Yes,” I repeat.

“Well, my best advice is to take the day off and use this time to think over everything we’ve discussed. Reach out to your family or a friend you can confide in. The symptoms you are experiencing are perfectly normal for this stage in pregnancy, but if you start to experience any symptoms listed on the information I send to you, then I’d ask you to contact your OB-GYN or head to your nearest emergency room.”

I nod once, now completely speechless.

“Are you going to be okay, getting home?” he asks softly.

“I got an Uber here. I can get one home.”

“All right.” He picks up my bag, and I take it from him, simultaneously wanting to clutch the damn thing to my chest and toss it out the nearest window.

“Think everything over for me, Darcy,” Dr. Hughes says just as I reach his office door.

I tip my head over my shoulder, looking back at him. The Darcy that walked into this room earlier feels so far removed from the one leaving right now.

Everything has changed.Forever.

“I will,” I reply, voice thick with emotion. “Thank you for your help.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

ARCHER

Tonight is one thousand percent a date.