Page 129 of Silent Ties

The pregnancy test remains unopened on the nightstand. Taunting me.

I took one this morning. It’d be stupid and wasteful to use another one. Besides, what’s the likelihood that in twelve hours I’ve become pregnant?

“Body works in mysterious ways.” I scoop up the test, rolling to my feet.

I pee on the stick, remind myself not to get hopeful, and prepare for disappointment.

“What are you doing?”

“Um.” I glance down at the test in my hand as I lean against the bathroom sink. Max walks up behind me, his chest at my back.

“What’s it say?”

I try to ignore the yearning in his voice. “It’s not doing anything yet.”

“Let me see.” He tries to grab it.

“Let’s not make it into a big deal,” I plead, embarrassed I used the stupid test.

“Give me that.” He tugs it from my hands. “Russet, it’s positive.”

“Fuck off.”

Part of my brain tells me he’s joking, but when I glance up, leaning heavily against the vanity, an excited frizzy feeling lines my stomach. That face—Max never makes it.

The handsome man grins, his whole face lighting up.

“Russet,” he says again and my stomach drops.

“Are you serious?” I whisper, grabbing his hand to see. My face crumples.

Max crushes me to him, kissing my forehead, kissing my cheek.

“Don’t jinx it.” My nerves and fear war with the euphoric happiness washing over me.

He grabs me by the waist, spinning me around, and out of the bathroom. We fall into the bed and I mentally photograph the smile on his face.

“Let’s call her Piper,” he says.

I laugh. “We don’t know if it’s a girl or boy.”

“I think it’ll be a girl.”

“You don’t know anything.”

“I know a lot of things,” he declares, kissing my lips. “Like how much I love you.”

I kiss him back. “Really?”

“Really.” He bites my lip.

“Good. Because I love you.”