19. Unexpected News
19
UNEXPECTED NEWS
KENZIE
I drag myself out of bed, feeling like I've been hit by a truck. The girls' voices echo from downstairs, already bickering over breakfast. It's gonna be one of those days.
"Hazel! That's my cereal!" Harper's shrill voice pierces through my foggy brain.
"Is not! You always get the marshmallows!" Hazel fires back.
I stumble down the stairs, rubbing my eyes. "Girls, please. It's too early for this."
They turn to me, identical looks of indignation on their faces. I smile despite my exhaustion. These two are something else.
"Miss Kenzie, tell Hazel to give me back my cereal!" Harper demands .
I sigh, pouring myself a much-needed cup of coffee. "How about we split the box? That way, you both get marshmallows."
They consider this for a moment, then nod grudgingly. Another crisis averted. My days are filled with driving them around and mediating arguments.
This is the life.
As I sip my coffee, I catch a glimpse of myself in the reflection of the microwave. Dark circles under my eyes and my hair a mess. I look about as good as I feel.
"You okay, Miss Kenzie?" Hazel asks, her brow furrowed with concern.
I force a smile. "Just tired, button. Nothing to worry about."
But later, as I herd the girls out the door and into the car for school, I can't shake the feeling that something's off. My body feels heavy as if I'm moving through molasses. I must be coming down with something.
After dropping the girls off, I head to the women's shelter. Steph's waiting for me, a knowing look in her eyes.
"You look like death warmed over, sugar," she says, pulling me into a hug.
I laugh weakly. "Thanks. You sure know how to make a girl feel special. "
We get to work, sorting through donations and making up beds. The familiar routine is comforting, but I can't seem to shake this bone-deep fatigue.
"Kenzie?" Steph's voice breaks through my fog. "You've been folding that same shirt for five minutes."
I blink, looking down at the crumpled mess in my hands. "Oh. Sorry, I guess I zoned out."
She studies me for a moment, her eyes narrowing. "When's the last time you got a good night's sleep?"
I shrug, avoiding her gaze. "The girls have been restless lately. And Everett's been traveling and working late nights..."
"Mhmm," she hums, not buying it. "And how long have you been feeling this run down?"
"I don't know. A week? Maybe two?" I admit, sinking onto one of the freshly made beds. "It's probably just stress. You know, adjusting to everything."
Miss Steph sits beside me, her hand warm on my shoulder. "Honey, I think you need to take a break. Go lie down for a bit. I've got things covered here."
I want to argue, to push through and prove I can handle it. But the thought of closing my eyes for a few minutes is more tempting than one of Miss Millie's milkshakes with Oreos.
"Maybe just a quick nap," I concede.
As I curl up on one of the shelter's narrow beds, I wonder why I'm so wiped out. It's not like I'm doing anything different. Just the usual chaos I call "my life" with the twins, helping at the shelter, trying to avoid Paige and her mean girl posse, Everett popping in and out of town...
My eyes drift shut, and I'm out before finishing the thought.
When I wake up, the sun's shifted in the sky. I blink, disoriented. How long was I out?
"Well, look who's rejoined the land of the living," Mel's voice cuts through my confusion.
I sit up, rubbing my eyes. "What time is it?"
"Almost noon," she says, grinning. "Mamma said you were dead to the world. Feeling better?"
I stretch, surprised to find that I do feel a bit more human. "Yeah, actually. I guess I needed that."
"Good," Mel nods. "Because you look like you could use some real food. Millie's?"
My stomach growls at the mention of food. "God, yes. I'm starving."
Mel drives us to the diner, and she fills me in on the latest ranch gossip. But I'm only half-listening. My mind is already on the cheeseburger and milkshake with Oreos I'm craving.
"Kenzie," Mel waves a hand in front of my face. "You still with me? "
I blink, realizing we're already at the diner. "Sorry. I was just thinking about fried pickles."
Mel raises an eyebrow. "Fried pickles? Since when are you into those?"
I shrug, sliding into our usual booth. "I don't know. They just sound good."
Betty comes over notepad in hand. "What'll it be, girls?"
"The usual for me," Mel says. "And apparently, Kenzie wants to clean out the kitchen."
I roll my eyes. "Very funny. I'll have a cheeseburger, extra pickles, fries, a chocolate milkshake with Oreos, and a side of fried pickles. Oh, and a slice of apple pie."
Betty's eyebrows shoot up, but she doesn't comment. As she walks away, Mel leans in, her voice low.
"Okay, spill. What's going on with you?"
I fidget with my napkin. "Nothing. I told you, I'm just tired."
Mel's not buying it. "Uh-huh. And the weird cravings? The constant exhaustion? Kenzie, have you considered that maybe you're?—"
"Don't," I cut her off, my heart suddenly racing. "Don't even say it."
But it's too late. The possibility's out there now, hanging in the air between us.
Pregnant .
I do a quick mental calculation, and my stomach drops. When was my last period? With everything going on, I haven't been keeping track...
"Oh God," I whisper, the realization hitting me like a ton of bricks.
Mel reaches across the table, squeezing my hand. "Hey, it's okay. We don't know anything for sure yet."
I nod, trying to calm my racing thoughts. "You're right. It could be anything. Stress, or... or..."
But I can't think of any other explanation that fits. The fatigue, the mood swings, the cravings...
Betty arrives with our food, and the smell of my burger hits me like a wave. Suddenly, my mouth waters and my stomach churns.
"I'll be right back," I mutter, bolting for the bathroom.
I make it just in time, emptying the contents of my stomach into the toilet. As I rinse my mouth at the sink, I catch my reflection in the mirror.
"You can't fill anyone from an empty cup," I tell my reflection words Meme used to quote, and the thought of her fills my eyes with unshed tears. "She was right, but I'm just running on fumes."
I go from thinking about Meme to all-out crying and I don't know why.
But deep down, I know. And I have no idea how to feel about it.
When I return to the table, Mel's watching me with concern. "You okay?"
I nod, not trusting myself to speak. My burger sits there, looking far less appetizing now.
"I think I need to stop by the store," I say quietly.
Mel nods, understanding. "Want me to come with you?"
I shake my head. "No, I... I need to do this on my own."
We finish our meal in silence. The possibility that I'm carrying Everett's child hangs heavy between us. As we leave the diner, Mel pulls me into a tight hug.
"Whatever happens, I'm here for you," she says fiercely. "You know that, right?"
I nod, blinking back tears. "Thanks, Mel."
The walk to Garrison's General Store feels like it takes forever and no time at all. My heart's pounding as I push open the door, the familiar jingle of the bell suddenly grating on my nerves.
I make my way to the back of the store, trying to look casual as I scan the shelves. There. Pregnancy tests. I grab one quickly, shoving it into my basket along with some random items to make it less obvious.
As I turn to head to the checkout, I collide with a solid chest. "Oof!"
"Hey, Kenzie. What a surprise to bump into you here. "
I freeze, my blood running cold. I'd know that voice anywhere.
Ian.
I look up, taking in his disheveled appearance. His eyes are bloodshot, his clothes rumpled. He looks... not good.
"Ian," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "Excuse me, I need to?—"
He grabs my arm, his grip too tight. "What's the rush? We haven't talked in ages."
I try to pull away, but he doesn't let go. "Ian, please. I really need to go."
Ian's grip on my arm loosens, but he doesn't let go. "What's the rush? We haven't talked in ages."
I try to pull away again, but he holds firm. "Ian, please. I really need to go."
His eyes narrow, studying me intently. "You're different, Kenz. More guarded."
I swallow hard, fighting the urge to squirm under his scrutiny. "People change."
"Not you." He shakes his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "You were always an open book to me."
My heart pounds in my chest as memories of our letters flood back—the way he seemed to understand me in a way no one else did. How naive I was back then.
"Silver Ridge seems to agree with you, though," he continues, his tone light. "How're you liking small-town life?"
I hesitate, unsure how much to reveal. But something in his eyes, that familiar warmth I once found so comforting, has me answering honestly.
"It's... more than I expected," I admit, thinking of Everett and the girls. I've found a sense of belonging here despite the rocky start.
Ian nods, his smile widening. "I told you it was a special place, didn't I? Peaceful. A good place to start over."
I shift uncomfortably, very aware of the pregnancy test burning a hole in my basket. "I'm not sure I'll be sticking around long."
His brow furrows, and for a moment, I see a flicker of the man I thought I knew—the one who listened without judgment, who made me feel understood.
"Kenzie," he says softly, "you know you can talk to me, right? About anything."
I open my mouth to respond, but the words catch in my throat. How can I explain the tangled mess my life has become? The fear and uncertainty swirling inside me?
Ian seems to sense my hesitation. He reaches out, his fingers brushing my cheek in a tender and achingly familiar gesture.
"I've missed you, Kenz," he murmurs. "Missed this . The way we used to be."
My breath hitches at his touch, a confusing mix of emotions swirling within me. Part of me wants to recoil, to put as much distance between us as possible. But another part, the part that still remembers the comfort of our friendship, leans into his touch despite my better judgment.
"Ian..." I start, but the words trail off.
He drops his hand, his expression turning serious. "I know I messed up, Kenzie. Big time. But you have to know, what we had... it was real for me. You were the one thing that kept me going in that hellhole."
I blink back tears, hating how easily he can still get to me after all this time.
"I'm not that naive girl anymore," I manage, my voice thick. "Too much has happened."
He nods, seeming to accept my words. "I get it. I do. But Kenz, I have to ask..." He takes a deep breath, steeling himself. "Would you ever consider giving me another chance? A real chance to show you how much you mean to me?"
The question hangs in the air, heavy with implication. I search his eyes, looking for any hint of deception, but all I see is raw honesty.
"Ian, I..." I falter, my mind spinning.
How can I explain to him that my heart already belongs to someone else? That despite the chaos and confusion, I'm falling for Everett in a way I never thought possible?
I think of the girls, of the bond we've formed. Of the life I've started to build here, fragile as it may be. And I think of the possibility growing inside me—a new life, one I never imagined wanting until it became a reality.
"I can't," I say finally, the words leaving me in a rush. "I'm sorry, but... I'm in love. With someone else."
Ian's face falls, disappointment and something darker flickering across his features.
"And if everything continues as it is," I add, my hand drifting unconsciously to my stomach, "I'll be a mother. For the third time, counting the girls."
The weight of my own words hits me like a punch to the gut. A mother. To Everett's child. The thought is both terrifying and exhilarating, filling me with a sense of purpose I've never known before.
But what will Everett say when he finds out? Will he be happy, or will this just be another reminder of my past mistakes?
Ian seems to read the conflict on my face. "This is about Logan, isn't it?"
I nod, unable to meet his gaze. "It's... complicated."
To my surprise, Ian lets out a soft chuckle. "Isn't it always? I've got some big plans brewing. Even been writing Kendrick. He's gonna come out here when he gets out. We've got a little business opportunity?—"
"Don't," I cut him off. The last thing my brother needs is another reason for them to bury him under that prison. "Kendrick needs to stay far away from schemes and fast money. He has two strikes, and I want to see my brother out of prison and living a full life."
He nods and studies me for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he opens his arms.
"Can I at least get a hug goodbye?" he asks, his voice gentle. "For old time's sake?"
I hesitate, every instinct screaming at me to keep my distance. But as I search his eyes, I see only sincerity—a glimpse of the man I once thought I loved.
Tentatively, I step forward and let him enfold me in his embrace.
It's both familiar and foreign, his arms around me. I could melt into the comfort of his touch and let myself get lost in the memories of what we once shared. But that ship has sailed, and I've moved on to something deeper, something real.
After a moment, Ian pulls back, his hands lingering on my shoulders. He leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.
"Take care of yourself, Kenz," he murmurs. "And that little one. "
I nod, blinking back tears. "You too, Ian."
With one last searching look, he turns and walks away, disappearing through the front doors of the store.
I stand there, rooted to the spot, my mind reeling from that encounter. It feels good to close that door. A part of me mourns the loss of what Ian and I could have been if things had been different. But a bigger part, the part that's learning to trust in love again, knows I made the right choice.
I turn to walk to the register, but movement outside the window catches my eye. Paige. Standing across the street, watching us with a smug smile.
Her eyes locked on me with an expression of pure venom.
Shit .
I practically run to the checkout, tossing money at the cashier and bolting out the door. My heart's racing as I make my way to my van, feeling eyes on me the whole way.
The drive home is a blur. All I can think about is the test burning a hole in my purse and the look on Paige's face. By the time I pull up to the house, my hands are shaking.
I grab the test and hurry inside, making a beeline for the bathroom. As I wait for the results, time seems to slow to a crawl. I pace back and forth, my mind racing.
What if it's positive? How will Everett react? Are we ready for this?
The timer on my phone dings, making me jump. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever I'm about to see.
Two pink lines.
Positive.
I'm pregnant .
The room spins, and I have to sit down on the edge of the tub.
A baby. Everett's baby. Our baby .
I stare at the little plastic stick again, my heart pounding in my ears.
A wave of emotions crashes over me—fear, excitement, disbelief. This wasn't part of the plan.
Hell, I didn't even have a plan beyond getting to Silver Ridge and starting over. But now...
My hand drifts to my stomach, cradling the tiny life growing inside me. A baby. Everett's baby. Despite the chaos swirling around us, this little one is a piece of him, a bond that can never be broken.
I think back to my own childhood, the way Meme stepped in to raise Kendrick and me when our mother couldn't. Or wouldn't. Danielle was just a kid herself when she had us—fifteen, alone, and completely unprepared for the realities of motherhood.
I remember the nights I'd lie awake, listening for her footsteps, praying she'd come home. The disappointment came when morning came, and she was still gone. The ache of abandonment never really went away.
Meme did her best to fill that void, showering us with the love and stability our mother couldn't provide. But even her support couldn't erase the damage of being left behind.
As I got older, I vowed I'd never put a child through that kind of pain. Better to remain alone than to bring an innocent life into the world only to let it down.
But, feeling this new life flutter within me, everything has changed. This baby hasn't done anything to deserve the baggage I've been carrying. They deserve a chance at the kind of love and security I always craved.
I may not have planned for this, but I'll be damned if I let my past dictate this child's future. If Meme could rise above her circumstances to create a safe haven for me, then I can do the same for my baby.
A soft smile curves my lips as I imagine reading bedtime stories, going on family adventures, and showering this little one with all the affection I have to give. I want to be the kind of mother who's always there, a steady presence to rely on.
But the question is, can Everett open himself up to this? To me and the baby?
I won't lie, the prospect of raising this child alone terrifies me. I've seen what a lack of support can do to a family. But I've also witnessed the strength of a mother's love, even in the darkest of times.
And I know without a shadow of a doubt that I can love and protect this baby.
I hear the front door open. The girls are home from their after-school activities. They wanted to take the after-school bus today.
"Miss Kenzie?" Harper calls out. "We're hungry!"
I take a deep breath, pushing down my swirling emotions. The girls need me. I can freak out later.
"Coming!" I call back, quickly hiding the test and splashing some water on my face.
The rest of the evening passes in a blur. I go through the motions of dinner and bedtime routines, my mind a million miles away. As I tuck the girls in, I can't help but imagine what it'll be like to have a baby of my own.
"Miss Kenzie?" Hazel's sleepy voice pulls me from my thoughts. "Are you okay? You seem sad."
I smile and tears well in my eyes as I smooth her curls back from her forehead. "I'm not sad, button. Just thinking about some grown-up stuff."
"Is it about Daddy?" Harper pipes up. "He's been grumpy lately."
My heart clenches. They've noticed the tension, too. "Don't worry about that. Your daddy just has a lot on his mind. Now, time for sleep."
I kiss them both goodnight and head downstairs, my stomach in knots. Everett should be home soon. I need to tell him about the baby. But first, I need to decide how I feel about all of it.
The sound of the front door opening makes me jump. Everett's home early.
"Kenzie?" His deep voice carries through the house. "We need to talk."
The tone of his voice sends a chill down my spine. Something's wrong.
I find him in the living room, pacing back and forth. The look on his face stops me in my tracks.
"Everett? What's going on?"
He turns to me, his eyes blazing. "When were you going to tell me about Ian?"
My blood runs cold. "What?"
"Don't play dumb," he growls. "Half the town saw you two together today. Paige said?—"
"Paige?" I cut him off, anger flaring. "You're listening to Paige now?"
Everett runs a hand through his hair, frustration radiating off him. "What am I supposed to think, Kenzie? You've been acting strange for weeks, and now I hear you're sneaking around with your ex?"
"Sneaking around?" I repeat, incredulous. "Is that what you think of me?"
"I don't know what to think!" he shouts. "You won't talk to me. You're always exhausted, and now this?"
Everett spins on his heels and heads for the door.
"Where are you going?"
"I need some air."