Page 41 of Awakened Desires

“I’ll deal with your pasta,” Stefan offers.

“Thanks.”

“Was that your sister?” Hendrix asks.

“It’s none of our business,” Stefan says.

“No. My ex-girlfriend.” I take a deep breath. “I’m going to be a dad.” I shake my head. “I suppose I already am a dad, but it’s only just starting to feel real.”

“Does Rory know?” Hendrix asks.

“Yes. Why?”

He shrugs. “No reason.”

“I need to go,” I repeat.

“Do you know where you’re going?” Stefan asks.

“Oh, right, good point.”

My hands shake as I look up the tube route to the hospital. It looks like it will take me almost an hour to get there, especially as I’ve promised to bring chocolate I don’t have. Thankfully, there’s a shop between the house and the closest tube station.

I stare at my phone. I wish Rory were here. He’d know exactly what to say to help me calm the fuck down. I start to send a text but stop myself. What right do I have to bother him at work?

“Are you all right?” Stefan asks.

“Aye, just—” I can’t put it into words. My stomach is churning. My heart is racing. I want to rush to Niamh’s side, but at the same time, I can’t make my feet work.

“What’s going on?” Quinn asks as he enters the room. He looks a little sleepy as he walks over to Stefan and wraps his arms around his boyfriend.

Stefan kisses the top of his head and embraces him in return.

“Callan’s ex-girlfriend is in labour,” Hendrix says in a matter-of-fact tone.

“I’m going to be a dad,” I add in case there’s any doubt.

Quinn’s eyes widen, and he slumps into Stefan’s arms. “Oh! Congrats!”

“I should go.” I point at the door.

Hendrix looks at me expectantly when I don’t move.

“Can we do anything?” Stefan asks. “One of us could go with you.”

I shake my head. “I’m good. Just—not ready.”

“Take a deep breath.”

I obey.

“If you need anything, you know where we are.”

“Phone number,” Quinn mumbles in a slurred voice.

Still supporting Quinn, Stefan opens a drawer, pulls out a pad of Post-It Notes and a pen, and writes his number down. He tears the note off the pad and waves it at me.

I pluck it from his fingertips. “Thanks. Seriously, I’m blown away by how welcoming you’ve all been and now this.”