Page 46 of The Omega's Surprise Baby

My friend wasreallyinto throwing things this morning.

“All right already.” I left the room, wondering if he had a point. Had fucking Shane really been such a bad idea? Even if I was pregnant now? I sighed, not knowing the answer to that question.

* * *

Nick returnedwith the pregnancy test in a brown paper bag that absolutely didn’t look like its contents were going to change my life.

“Special delivery,” Nick said, holding the bag out to me.

“Thanks.” I took it from him and peeked inside. There it was, the pregnancy test. “How much do I owe you?” It felt like such a weird thing to ask at that moment, but it helped me stay grounded.

“If it’s positive, it’s free. If it’s negative, you owe me ten bucks and an apology for kicking my ass out of bed so early.”

“Deal.”

“Good luck, man.”

Nick patted my shoulder, and then I went off to the bathroom.

I got the test stick out of its packaging and stared at it. Then I took a deep breath. This was it. No more agonizing. I was simply going to rip this Band-Aid off.

Thirty seconds later, I was waving the stick in the air, waiting for it to be done.Come on.

Two lines appeared on the stick.

My breath stuck in my throat.

Did that mean…?

Whatdidthat mean?

Why had I not read the instructions?

Throwing the stick aside, I picked the packaging off the floor and searched it with my eyes.

Two lines meant I was pregnant.

Fuck.

I dropped the packaging.

I’m actually pregnant.

Holy shit.

17

Shane

Afew daysafter Kade suggested he visit me, my nieces were born. I got the call in the evening, shortly after dinner. Mary was hanging on my leg and Conner was out in the yard playing with the dog. From the corner of my eye, I located the cat staring at me from the top of the kitchen shelf. Okay, that was everybody accounted for.

I gathered up Mary and called Conner in.

“Where are we going?” Conner asked when he saw me pick up the car keys.

“To the hospital. Your aunt had her babies.” And at this hour, and this short notice, I wasn’t going to be able to get a sitter for the kids.

“Babies!” Mary threw her hands up.