Total pages in book: 16
Estimated words: 14151 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 71(@200wpm)___ 57(@250wpm)___ 47(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 14151 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 71(@200wpm)___ 57(@250wpm)___ 47(@300wpm)
“Lincoln! Oh God,” she calls over and over, reaching for me.
“I’m here, baby.” Lifting her off the island, I walk into our bedroom and sit on the bed with her on my lap.
“Mmm. I needed that,” she says, sitting on my lap, snuggling in like she is going to go back to sleep.
“What do you have to do today?” She groans and says nothing before answering me.
“I have class today.” I detect annoyance, displeasure, or something else in her voice, and it puts me on alert. Standing with her in my arms, I place her on the island and rub her arms and legs.
“You don’t sound like someone who is enjoying school, baby. Do you not want to go? Talk to me.” She puts her head down and bites her lip, contemplating if she wants to tell me, and I hold my breath. I hope by now she knows she can tell me anything. “November.”
“I don’t like it. I don’t want to go to school. That was never what I wanted to do.” Interesting. That is the first time she has ever expressed that.
“Then why are you going?”
“My parents. My mom especially. I don’t want to disappoint her. She grew up in a chain of dry cleaners and wanted something different for me. My entire life she has told me what my future was going to be like, and I have just followed.” Well, that shit stops now.
“Why have you never told me this before?” She sighs, lying her head on my chest.
“I just didn’t want to let my mom down.”
“Baby, look at me.” When her sad eyes lock with mine, I vow to destroy that sad gaze and keep it from happening. “Our parents chose their life, baby. They took the path they did and however it turned out for them, that is their issue. You and I, we will make our own path and live our way. Do you understand what I am saying?” Her shiny, unshed tears give a glimmer of hope to my words. “I am saying if you don’t want to go to school, don’t. Whatever you want to do, tell me and we'll make it happen. I will make it happen.” No matter what it is. When she wraps her arms around me with more of a smile on her face I feel like I just conquered the world.
CHAPTER 7
NOVEMBER
After a grueling morning of choosing between gold or silver charger plates for the wedding reception from hell with Lincoln’s mother, I finally succumb to my unrelenting illness and call my doctor, Dr. James, for an appointment. Surprisingly, his office can squeeze me in today if I can get there within twenty minutes. I’ve been borrowing Lincoln's brand-new BMW SUV since I don’t have a car and make my way across town. He doesn’t want me ride sharing with strangers, even though I’ve used public transportation most of my life. He’s adorable like that.
I arrive at the office and check in with the receptionist, who leads me to the back. She weighs me. I’ve gained almost ten pounds since I was here last before I started college for an immunization. Ugh. I would have thought with all that throwing up, I would have lost weight. Then she leads me to an exam room. The nurse takes my vitals and draws some blood before leaving me to wait for the doctor. I don't have to wait long before Dr. James enters the room, wheeling a cart in front of him.
"Hello, November. I've run some tests, and I believe I've found the culprit for your mystery illness," he says, a knowing look in his eyes.
"Culprit?" I ask, confused.
"You're pregnant," he says, motioning for me to lift my shirt. He squirts cold gel onto my belly and runs the ultrasound wand over my lower abdomen. "About eight weeks, given the size."
"Pregnant?" I ask, still in shock.
He points to a small mark on the screen. "Yes, congratulations."
"Oh my God," I say, my heart racing. My freaking heart immediately swells up with a love and protectiveness I’ve never known. I am so happy right now, and I can’t wait to tell Lincoln this amazing news.
"I expect this is surprising news?"
"Yes," I reply, still trying to process everything.
"You're getting married soon, correct? Your mother mentioned it at bingo last week."
"Yes, but you can't tell her about this, can you?" I plead.
"Of course not, November. I'll set you up with some prenatal vitamins and pamphlets so you and your fiancé can decide what you want to do."
"Pamphlets?" I ask, confused.
"So you can make an informed decision about your options," he clarifies.
But before he can say anything else, I interrupt. "I'm keeping my baby," I say, never considering any other options. I want my baby.
I use the towel he hands me to wipe the gel off my belly and wait for my prescription. Then I get in the car and head straight for Lincoln’s office.