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“Yep,” Julian laughs.

I stare at the email for a minute longer before I tap on it to bring the full email up on my screen.

Subject: Pregnancy Test Results – Action Required

From: Dr. Caroline Mercer, MD

Carolina Women’s Health Associates

3254 Haven Ridge Blvd

Suite 204

Charlotte, NC 28210

(704) 555-8342

[email protected]

To: Eliza Downing

Date: June 18th, 2025

Dear Ms. Downing,

I hope this message finds you well.

We have received the results of your recent blood test, and I am pleased to inform you that your beta-HCG level is 137,500 mIU/mL, which is consistent with a viable early pregnancy. Based on the information you provided; this level aligns closely with an estimated gestational age of approximately 10 weeks and 2 days.

While HCG levels can vary significantly from person to person, yours is slightly higher than average for this gestational window. This is not a cause for concern, but we would like to see you for an early prenatal visit and follow-up testing to ensure everything is progressing appropriately.

Please call our office at your earliest convenience to schedule your first appointment.

Congratulations, Eliza. We look forward to supporting you through this exciting time!

Warm regards,

Dr. Caroline Mercer, MD

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Carolina Women’s Health Associates

“Fuck,” I whisper. As the information settles and we park the car, as it sinks in. “Fuck!” I shout.

“Hey,” Julian says, grabbing my face before I can fall too far into my panic. “Breathe. I promise, everything is going to be okay, Eliza. I swear on everything, everything will be okay.”

“What’s happening right now?” Ryan asks. Gunner takes my phone out of my hand, but Julian won’t let go of me. I want to fucking disappear before anyone has the chance to run away. I don’t want to be the reason everything falls apart.

“Fuck yeah!” Gunner cheers, startling me out of my spiral of thoughts. Julian lets go of my face in time for Gunner to drag me into his lap and kiss me hard. “Why are you worried, baby? This is fucking great!”

“I don’t want to lose anyone,” I say tearfully. “I can’t. What if Jason…”

“Fuck Jason. I mean… don’t really, but you get it. Anyway. If someone doesn’t support you, they can fuck off. This is incredible, Eliza. This baby is going to have seven daddies and will get spoiled fucking rotten.”

“What?!” Calder and Ryan say simultaneously.

“You’re pregnant?” Ryan asks when Julian’s door comes open.