Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 63638 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 318(@200wpm)___ 255(@250wpm)___ 212(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63638 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 318(@200wpm)___ 255(@250wpm)___ 212(@300wpm)
I cradle the small envelope the doctor gave me. From the back seat of the town car, I study the tiny blob I glimpsed for the first time only hours ago. Right now he barely resembles a human, but I heard his heartbeat. I don’t actually know he’s a he, but it’s fun to think of him that way. My little nugget, tucked inside me, growing stronger every day.
And with every millimeter he grows while I stay silent, the secret between us becomes harder to confess. But I want to. I really, really want to tell him about our baby. It would lift the weight I’ve been carrying on my shoulders and, if anything, bring us even closer. Now that we’re becoming so inseparable, it only makes sense.
Plus, sneaking off to OB-GYN appointments is about to become impossible. He always asks where I’m headed, not to control me, but because we truly miss each other when we’re apart. Sooner or later, I’m bound to slip up and blow my cover. Or he’ll notice my body changing. The clock is ticking.
I stare out the window, letting the city blur past while my thoughts wander. I barely register when the car stops outside the café where I’m meeting Mia for lunch.
“Miss Sullivan?” the driver calls, and by the timbre of his voice, I assume it isn’t the first time he’s tried to get my attention. “We’re here, Miss Sullivan. Would you like me to circle the block?”
“Sorry,” I mutter, shaking my head. “This is fine. I’ll text you when I’m ready to be picked up.”
He nods as I get out, and I have to stop myself from rolling my eyes. Being chauffeured everywhere still feels surreal, but Sergei insists.
A few days ago I’d half-joked that I didn’t like him tracking my every move, and his earnest promise that it was only about my safety had melted me.
“You’re free to go wherever you’d like, and I never have to know where,” he’d said before pressing a kiss to my lips. “This way, I just know that wherever you are, you’re safe.”
Of course, the lingering question remains: why do I even need that level of protection? I never felt unsafe before, but I don’t second-guess his judgment—and I certainly don’t turn down his kindness.
When I step inside the café, Mia is already perched at our usual table by the window. She spots me and waves me over, her grin as bright as ever. I’m instantly struck by how much I’ve missed her these last few weeks. My old life feels like a distant dream whenever I’m with Sergei.
“Well, well, look who finally decided to come down from her castle on the hill,” she teases as I slide into the chair across from her.
I laugh, rolling my eyes. “It’s not a castle.”
“It’s got more bathrooms than the hospital, Nic,” she teases, though we both know that’s a stretch. “It’s absolutely a castle.”
“It’s a small castle,” I concede, reaching for the steaming cup she’s already set out for me. “Sorry I haven’t called in a few days. Things have just been hectic.”
“With the pregnancy?” Mia asks, her concern knitting a faint line between her brows. Then her expression turns sly. “Or are you having a lot of sex with your hot baby daddy?”
I choke on my decaf.
“We’re not…we don’t—” I sputter, but she sees right through me. Heat floods my cheeks. “How did you know?”
It’s a ridiculous question; Mia has a sixth sense for these things.
“Please, I could tell the moment you walked in here.” She laughs, a little too loud. “So, how is it?”
She takes a long sip of her latte, eyes fixed on me over the rim.
I lean back and let the warmth of the cup settle into my palms.
“It’s incredible,” I admit, practically melting. “Every time we have sex, I think there’s no way it can top the last time, yet somehow it does.”
“I’m so jealous,” she whines. “It’s been way too long since I’ve had a good lay. And I bet your pregnancy hormones are making it even better. How’s all that going?”
“It’s getting better,” I say, relieved the symptoms have eased. “I’m still tired most of the time, and a little nauseous in the mornings. But my little nugget is really healthy. I actually just came from an appointment.”
“Oh, my God!” she squeals. “Do you have the ultrasound picture? Let me see my niece or nephew!”
I laugh as I pull the envelope out of my purse and hand it to her. I watch anxiously as she pulls out the photo and her eyes go wide. I swear I catch a tear glinting at the corner of her eye, but I know better than to call her on it. I’m typically the crybaby in our duo.
“Nicole, he’s absolutely perfect!” she says softly.
“That’s so funny,” I murmur. “I’ve been thinking of him as a boy too. I hope we’re not too disappointed if she’s a girl.”