Page 26 of Bound By Crimson

Chapter Twenty-Six

The Break & the Bloom

The nausea didn’t go away. Not the next morning. Not the one after that.

Lyric would sleep until nearly ten, dragging herself out of bed with bones that felt heavier, limbs that moved slower. She’d shuffle into the boutique around noon, where Kat—bright-eyed and caffeinated—already had music playing, orders organized, the front display refreshed.

“You look better today,” Kat said, flashing her a grin. “Still kinda pale, though. Want me to make you a green smoothie?”

Lyric smiled faintly. “Maybe later.”

But something wasn’t right. It was more than exhaustion. More than stress. She made the appointment.

---

The exam room was bright. Too bright.

She sat on the edge of the table, fingers twisting the hem of her sweater as the doctor smiled gently.

“Well,” he said, flipping the chart closed. “Congratulations. You’re eight weeks along.”

Lyric blinke d

“Eight weeks?” She echoed, startled. She hadn’t even noticed she’d missed her period. Everything had been a blur.

The floor didn’t move. The world didn’t tilt. But something inside her cracked wide open.

She managed a tight smile. “Thank you.”

The doctor glanced at the chart again.

“First pregnancy?”

She nodded, still trying to process the words.

He spoke for a few more minutes—prenatal vitamins, hydration, follow-ups—but she didn’t hear a word.

---

She didn’t go to the shop. She didn’t call Kai. Or Thomas. Or anyone.

She walked out of the clinic, climbed into the first cab she saw, and told the driver, “Central Park. Anywhere quiet.”

The ride passed in a blur.

She paid in silence, climbed out, and wandered aimlessly until the sound of water pulled her to a pond, tucked back, half-shaded. Hidden.

She sat. And finally—she broke.

The tears came hard and fast, her chest tightening, her shoulders shaking as she folded forward with her hands pressed over her face.

“What now?” she whispered. “What the hell do I do now?”

She pulled the chain from around her neck, letting her mother’s locket fall into her palm. She clutched it so tightly the edges bit into her skin.

“I need you,” she said aloud. “Both of you. I wish you were here.”

She stayed like that for a long time. Letting the fear rise. Letting it peak. Then… letting it settle.

When her breathing slowed, she wiped her cheeks and stared out across the water.

A baby .

It wasn’t the right time. It wasn’t part of the plan. But the truth shimmered beneath the fear :

She had always wanted to be a mom.

And now?

Now she would be.

---

Her phone buzzed at her side.

Rowan: Hey, are you okay? Haven’t heard from you this week.

Lyric’s hands shook as she typed back: I could really use a friend right now. Can you meet me?

Rowan: Of course. Where?

Lyric responded: Central Park. South entrance. There’s a pond tucked back near the trail.

Rowan: I’ll be there. Might take me a bit. Hang tight.

---

Rowan arrived nearly thirty minutes later, breathless and looking concerned. She spotted Lyric instantly and rushed over, boots crunching against the gravel path.

“Oh my god,” Rowan said, pulling her into a hug. “I’ve been meaning to come by the boutique. I’ve seen the reviews—it’s insane. I’m so proud of you. I knew you’d blow everyone away.”

Lyric swallowed hard.

“I planned to come by weeks ago, but work’s been crazy. I only have about an hour, but—” Rowan’s eyes narrowed as she pulled back. “What’s wrong?”

Lyric’s throat closed. “I... I’m pregnant.”

Rowan’s mouth fell open.

Then—without hesitation—she wrapped her arms around Lyric again. “Oh, honey.”

“I just opened my store,” Lyric whispered, tears spilling over. “It’s taken off faster than I ever imagined. I can barely keep up. I don’t think I can handle both.”

Rowan pulled back just enough to meet her eyes. “You can. It’s your store. You built it from nothing. You can bring the baby with you. Adjust your hours. Find a way. ”

Lyric shook her head. “I wasn’t ready.”

“No one ever really is,” Rowan said gently. “But if anyone can figure this out, it’s you. You’ve always wanted a baby. And you are one of the strongest people I know.”

Lyric took a shuddering breath. Just having Rowan there made everything feel a little less impossible.

Eventually, Rowan checked her watch. “I have to get back soon. But you’ve got this. And you’re not alone, okay?”

Lyric nodded. “Okay.”

Rowan kissed her cheek. “Text me the second you need anything. I mean it.”

“I will.”

Rowan gave her one last squeeze and headed back toward the main path.

---

Lyric stood alone for a moment longer, holding her locket, letting the quiet of the park steady her.

She could do this. She would do this.

But first—She had to tell Kai.

And she had no idea how he’d take it.