Chapter Twenty -Nine
Lawliss
Three days later, and I’m still sick. Sicker than I’ve ever been in my adult life. It's a good thing my sisters and I have our annual check-up today.
Eddie’s nagging is getting worse—he’s turning into Mum. I get it, though. He loves me. He cares. And after watching his parents die right in front of him, I know he’s terrified of losing someone else he loves. But I’m fine.
Probably just not eating well. Or drinking enough water. Nothing major. But tell that to Eddie. The broody, ruthless, don’t fuck with me man-child who runs boardrooms like a king is babying me like I might pass out at any second.
Not that I mind. I like being the center of his world. Actually, I love it. But I’m still scared. What if he lies? What if he betrays me? What if he does something I can’t forgive?
But then I look down at my hand.
The ring is ridiculous. It’s huge. Flashy. A massive emerald-cut diamond set in black ceramic because, of course, Eddie would make sure my engagement ring stands out. But it’s not just that.
It’s the inside of the band.
Ed I just never let myself imagine a future where it was even a possibility. And what if he’s not ready? What if this isn’t something he wants right now?
Would he be happy? Or would he feel trapped?
I trust Eddie more than I’ve ever trusted anyone, but trust doesn’t erase fear. It doesn’t stop the nerves crawling up my spine or the million questions racing through my head.
I close my eyes and take a breath.
It doesn’t matter how he reacts because I know one thing for certain: I want this baby.
And for the first time in a long time, I don’t have to let fear decide what I do next.
She stands, then shakes my hand. “Congratulations once again, girl.”
I look at her, still processing, then manage a small smile. “Thank you,” I whisper.
“Tell Lauren to come in next.”
I nod, gripping the papers she handed me, though I barely register them. My legs move on autopilot as I step out, but my mind is caught in the whirlwind of what just happened.
I’m pregnant.
I’m still in a daze when Lauren and Elisa rush up to me, their faces filled with worry.
“What’s wrong?” Elisa asks, searching my face.
I shake my head, not sure how to say it. Then, before I even realize it, a tear slides down my cheek. “I’m pregnant.”
They freeze.
For a long, stretched-out second, neither of them speaks, and I don’t know whether I should laugh or cry.
Lauren is the first to recover, stepping forward and wrapping her arms around me. “Congratulations,” she whispers, holding me tight.
I nod against her shoulder, my voice barely there. “Thanks.”
Before I can process anything more, I remember why I came out in the first place. “Before I forget... she wants you to go in next.”
Lauren steps back, our eyes locking. It’s strange sometimes, looking at her, like staring at a different version of myself. Her gaze softens, and she grips my hand. “You deserve all the good that’s happening to you.”
I nod, swallowing hard.
She turns toward the doctor’s office but hesitates at the door. Then, looking back at me, she says, “You might want to go get the divorce certificate now.”
I blink.
“What? Didn’t you take it?”
She shakes her head. “I wanted to go with you. I thought I’d record you taking it, walking out all proud with that signature ‘I’m-free’ grin on your face. But… it’s not necessary now, is it?”
I exhale, something loosening in my chest. She’s right. Derrick is my past. A piece of my story I don’t need to carry anymore.
Lauren gives me one last knowing look before heading inside.
Elisa nudges me. “Should I go with you? I can still take the video,” she teases.
I smirk. “Nope. Stay and find out you’re pregnant.”
We both laugh, the moment lighter now. After a little more teasing and catching up, we go our separate ways.
But as I walk away, one thought lingers in my mind.
I have to tell Eddie.
And I have no idea how he’s going to react, but before that, I will just have to pick up the divorce certificate.