Baby, Be Mine by Vivian Arend Read Free Book Online Page B

the counter.
    “If that thing let off a bang about now, I bet we’d both scream loud enough they’d hear us in Calgary,” Janey quipped.
    Katy looked away for a moment to brace herself. If it was positive, what then?
    Pregnant. On top of everything else?
    “How could I be pregnant, Janey? You told me I wasn’t with Simon for a while.”
    Her friend wrinkled her nose. “If it wasn’t Simon, then who? You got hit by an influx of midi-chlorians or something?”
    Janey held the stick in the air, the two pink positive lines clear and bold. Undeniable.
    “Fuck.” Katy leaned on the bathroom door, working to calm her breathing. “Okay, I can deal with this. It’s not the end of the world. It’s…”
    Bursting into tears was the last thing she’d intended, but it happened. A moment later she was being supported by Janey’s firm hug. Petted and coddled all over again like her brothers had been doing for the past two months, but this time she wanted the pampering. At least for a few minutes.
    When she pulled herself together, Janey handed her a fresh wad of tissue to replace the set she’d ravaged.
    Katy wiped up the last of her tears. “Thanks for being a brat and bringing me the test.”
    Janey nodded. “What you going to do, girl? You don’t have to keep it, you know. Especially not knowing…”
    “Not knowing who the dad is?” Katy’s stomach fell three feet as she considered Simon might be the father. Her memories of him in some areas were clear enough to know he’d been trouble near the end of their relationship. What she considered the end. Did she really want to raise a baby with him around? “I have to sleep on it. Give it more thought. I’m not rushing into anything, not right off.”
    Janey gave her a look. “Fine. I won’t push, but whatever you decide, I’m here for you, okay?”
    Katy hugged her. “Thanks.”
    They shuffled awkwardly for a moment before Janey sighed. “Not much use hanging out here unless you want me to try to break into your passwords on the computer again.”
    “That’s not important right now. I have other things to worry about.” Katy groaned. “And now that I know why I’m sick, I guess I’ll find some ways to feel better.”
    “Rest. More vitamins.” Janey nodded. “I’ll do some research.”
    “Careful. I don’t want anyone to know until…”
    Until time allowed the information to truly soak in. They nodded at each other, jokes and kidding put aside for once as this new secret they shared was beyond any childish prank or youthful daydream.
    Janey left her with a final hug.
    Secrets.
    One great big secret that was only going to get bigger. Literally bigger.
    Katy wandered into the kitchen to make herself a cup of tea while she considered. There was a person growing inside her. She tossed a piece of bread into the toaster, staring out the window as the timer clicked down, the noise echoing in the silent house.
    A baby.
    Click. Click. Click.
    She’d told Janey she would think about it, but there was nothing to think about. She’d didn’t want to have an abortion. And giving up her baby? Impossible.
    It was clear. She was going to be a mom.
    Now the mystery was…would there be a dad or not? That one wasn’t nearly as cut and dried.
     
     
    Gage stared at the house, wishing he’d done this right the first time, immediately after getting home. Six days was as long as he could wait before nearly going stir-crazy. He’d used the time to ask questions on the sly. To gather as much information as possible, so when he made a move it would be in her best interest and not simply following his gut response to take control.
    To reassure himself all over again this was the right thing, him getting involved in her life.
    It hadn’t been a lack of bravery that had made him walk away from Katy that first night. It was trying to keep the possessive beast inside him under wraps. He’d worked so hard to be different than his father. To be considered patient, and