Page 75 of Paper Flowers (Stonebrook #1)

“I’m going to go out and buy a test. We’ll know soon enough or we can wait until morning.

” He says, squeezing my hands. “We’ll figure this out together.

” Luke rests his forehead against mine. His voice dips low, full of something that feels like a promise.

“And if you are…” he murmurs, voice thick with emotion.

“Then everything we’ve hoped for and talked about is already here. ”

His voice is soft. “I’ll be right back.” Before I could say anything to him, I hear him calling out to Sadie.

Telling her he’s going to the store and he’ll be right back.

I open the bathroom drawer and pull out a new toothbrush and a new tube of toothpaste we keep for guests.

I brush my teeth and then I head out to the kitchen.

Sadie is sitting at the table, her little brow furrowed looking so puzzled.

“Momma? Are you sickie?” She asks, voice soft.

“I’m not too sure, Sweet Girl,” I kneel beside her. “I’m sorry if I scared you.”

“I’m not scared.” She replies with a small shake of her head. “Daddy will take great care of you. Do you want me to get your magical sweater from Grandpa Eugene?” She says sliding from her seat. My throat tightens.

“I think I’d like that very much.” I smile at her. She’s so kindhearted and full of love. I see so much of her dad in her. The way they are both so attentive. She runs upstairs, I hear her footsteps above me as she runs to mine and Luke’s closet.

Standing here, I think about Luke. He ran out of the bathroom so fast to get a pregnancy test. What if it’s negative? But what if it’s positive? My forehead starts to feel clammy. I need to lay down. Sadie is back with my favorite sweater. She hands it to me and smiles.

“I think this will make everything better.” I believe this sweater will make me feel better.

I really need a hug from my grandpa right now.

I slip off Luke’s flannel with my cami underneath and pull the soft fabric over my torso.

I smile at Sadie and she gives me a hug wrapping her arms around my waist.

“Are you finished with your dinner?”

“Yup. Can I go to my room and play?”

“Of course, I’ll clear your plate for you.” She disappears again, her little footsteps fading down the hall. I gather our dishes, empty out the lemonade and pour Luke’s untouched beer down the drain. He didn’t even get a chance to eat or drink anything.

Standing over the sink, I begin to wash the dishes while taking in the house.

The water is warm and the sound of the silverware clinks against the plates.

For just a moment, I allow myself two minutes of imagining a fantasy.

A baby with bouncy dark hair, chubby fingers on the floor, learning how to crawl.

Baby toys scattered across the carpet in the living room.

I can see myself on the sofa with a sleepy baby nestled on my chest after being nursed.

Sadie’s laughter echoing throughout the house as she’s being chased by a toddler.

Luke in this very kitchen carrying our son on his hip as he makes chocolate chip waffles.

God–I feel so nervous, Luke was so happy.

My heart is pounding so hard in my chest, I feel like it’s going to take flight and leave me here.

I finish up the few dishes that were dirty and walk over to the sofa.

I reached for my phone and scrolled through some of my emails.

I’m trying to keep busy but I feel like my nervous system is shot.

My stomach rolls and I’m going to be sick again.

I run back to the bathroom and throw up once more.

After I’m done, I lean against the bathroom wall. I leave the door open just enough so I can hear Sadie if she needs me. I close my eyes and listen to the quiet hum of the house settling around me .

Then the front door opens and closes.

“I’m back!” Luke’s voice calls out, followed by the familiar sound of his footsteps as he pads across the floor.

“I’m in the bathroom.” I answer, eyes still closed.

“You’ve been in here this entire time?” he says, stepping into the doorway. “I tried to get back faster, but the checkout line was insane.” He walks in, placing the white paper bag with the red RX symbol on the counter. Then he kneels in front of me and helps me to my feet.

Luke pulls me gently into his arms, brushing my hair behind my ears.

His eyes, ocean blue and full of everything I’ve ever known to be safe, lock into mine.

A thought flutters through my mind before I can stop it.

God, I hope our baby gets his eyes. I blink it away, but Luke sees something in my expression.

“Everything is going to be okay,” he murmurs, his thumb stroking my jaw. “I love you.”

“I’m not waiting until the morning, I want to take the test right now.” I say quickly.

“Whatever you want, Love. I’m with you.” He reaches for the bag and hands me the pregnancy test.

I exhale slowly, my hand shaking as I step over to the counter.

I unbox the test and lay out the directions–even though we know how this goes.

I uncap the test, pull down my underwear and shorts and do what needs to be done.

Then I cap it back and hand it to Luke. I clean myself and wash my hands, watching Luke’s face in the mirror as I dry them on the hand towel.

His face changes. His whole face brightens as he’s looking at the test before the three minutes are up.

“Holy shit, Dayna!” Luke gasps, staring at the tiny window and setting the test down.

My heart drops to my stomach.. He spins me to face him wide-eyed and breathless.

“You’re pregnant, Dayna, you’re pregnant.”

The words register slowly, did I hear him right?

“Can-can I see it?” He reaches behind me and hands it to me, his palm in mine as he sets the test down.

It’s right there, the plus sign in dark blue.

Unmistakably positive. His arms wrap around me again.

Strong and certain. I press my face into his chest as the tears start to fall.

This time it’s real. This time it’s happening.

“I’m pregnant, Luke.”

Everything’s about to change.

The End