Lies Beneath the Surface (Buried Secrets #2) by Silla Webb Read Free Book Online Page B

aren’t intrusive to the baby or myself?” Dr. Staton turns to face me, lacing her fingers together.
    “I see. There are a few tests, but only one I would recommend. There is a Pre -natal Paternity DNA test. It’s quite simple, really. We collect a blood sample from you and the possible fathers, then compare the DNA. However, the test isn’t conclusive until 14 weeks gestation. If that is something you need to consider, we can discuss it at your next appointment after you’ve talked to these men.”
    “Thank you Dr. Staton, you’ ve been very helpful.” She shakes my hand and leaves the room with Kaylee and Savannah, leaving me to get dressed. When Kaylee returns, she has a container filled with alcohol pads, vials, needles of various sizes, tape and band aids. Placing the tourniquet around my arm, she tightens it with a quick snap as the rubber slaps my flesh.
    “You ain’t gonna get woozy on me over a little blood, are ya girl?” Kaylee asks in amusement. I’ m sure my pale skin and labored breathing has only given me away to my fear of needles. “Deep breath.” She says as she slides the butterfly needle into my vein then connecting the vial. I pierce my eyes shut, not wanting to see any sight of blood. I can feel the blood drain from my body, and I sway as my head begins to feel light and airy. Savannah wraps her arms around my shoulders, holding me upright, as Kaylee finishes up. “There, all done; and you managed to stay with us the whole time.” She jokes. My eyes flutter open and I sigh in relief that she has already bagged the vials of blood, out of my sight. “You got a little flushed there, Carly. How ya been handling the morning sickness?”
    “Eh, it’ s been brutal to be honest.”
    “It’s common in the first trimester, and every woman has a different experience with morning sickness. Be sure to stay hydrated with water, eat small snacks throughout the day to curb hunger and to keep your stomach satisfied. If the nausea is too overwhelming, try to add some fresh ginger to hot tea, or maybe even some fresh fruit smoothies.”
    “Thanks Kaylee, I’ll try that.” She sees me out to the front desk, where I make a follow up appointment. Overall, the appointment wasn’t as treacherous as I expected, but it was anything but pleasant.
    Savannah and I stop for a quick lunch at a small café just down the block from the Medical Center. I slowly sip the broth of the chicken noodle soup from the spoon, letting the warmth spread through me. Good chicken noodle soup can warm you like a thick blanket, making everything feel right in the world, if only for a few minutes.
    “So, I take it you haven’t told Colton about Luke yet, right?” She prods, wiping the corner of her mouth with the napkin. I cast my eyes down, stirring the noodles around and around in the bowl, letting the spoon clink against the side.
    “I will. Just been t rying to keep him at a distance like you suggested.”
    “Has that been hard, seeing that you work with him?”
    “Easier than I imagined since he found the bouquet of flowers Luke had sent to the office last week. I think he suspects something, but he’s staying quiet. We talk when we have to, work related only and leave it at that.” I shrug.
    “You can’t bury this secret forever, Sis. I can see the burden you’re carrying from this. Your shoulders are slumped from the weight, and angst fills your eyes. You have to let the truth out.”
    “I know, Savannah, but it’s easier said than done.”
    “Ya know, Daddy raised us to always be honest. Regardless how bad the truth hurt.”
    “Yeah, but you didn’t know a damn thing about the bastard either.” I bite back, not thinking about the words that fly out of my mouth.
    “Carly, what the hell? Why would you say something like that?”
    “Nothing Savannah, I’m just ten se. I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that.”
    “You know you can talk to me when you need too, right ?”
    “I do, but I think I’ve