Epilogue
Lex
Four months later
“So, when are we planning the wedding?” Millie asked over coffee, Dylan and Harvey racing cars in the living room.
I laughed. “What wedding?”
“Oh, come on, you know he’s going to propose any day now.”
I studied my sister, looking for any signs that she might know something I didn’t. “Are you trying to hint at something?”
Millie grinned. “Of course not. Why would I know anything?”
“Don’t tell me you and Mom made a bet.”
“What? No! We’d never do that.”
I nearly spit out my sip of coffee. “Yeah, sure. I know you two mischievous women.”
Millie shrugged, but her eyes danced with glee. They definitely made a bet. No doubts. “You two are madly in love. We know it’s gonna happen eventually.”
“Maybe. But even if it didn’t, that’s okay, too. I’m happy.”
“I know, sis, but you deserve the big ring and celebration. And don’t tell me you don’t. Because that’s nonsense.”
I rolled my eyes. “I told you I don’t like big celebrations. Hello, remember my graduation party disaster?”
Millie snickered. “That’s only because Dad was in charge of the reservations. That won’t be happening for your wedding.”
“Until there’s a ring on my finger, I’m not doing any planning. It’s silly.”
“Okay. Dylan loves him, by the way.” Millie broke off a piece of her cranberry orange muffin and popped it in her mouth. “So that means you can never break up.” She smirked.
“Wow, putting that on me.” I tossed a piece of muffin at her head. “Lucky for you, he’s not going anywhere.”
I picked at another piece of my breakfast, but my appetite wasn’t there. Surprising for me, since usually I was always down to eat. My coffee mug sat there, maybe a few sips gone.
“You haven’t eaten much.” Millie mused. “Are you feeling okay?”
I expected her to notice. “Yeah, just a little queasy today. I think it was the sushi last night.”
“Ew. I told you to stop eating that stuff.”
“What? I don’t eat the raw kind. It’s perfectly safe.”
“If you say so. You’ve barely touched your coffee. That’s never like you.”
“Like I said, I’m queasy this morning.”
Millie eyed me suspiciously. “When was the last time you got your period?”
“Just the other week. It was—” I clapped a hand over my mouth, my eyes wide. That wasn’t this month. That happened last month. Which meant…my period is late.
Millie’s eyebrows shot up, and she set her mug down on the table. “What? What is it?”
“My period is late.” I whispered, my stomach twisting. Oh no. I’m not ready for a baby yet. To be a mother. I shook my head. “Millie. This can’t be happening. Please.” Tears sprung to my eyes.
She reached over and placed a hand over mine. “It’s okay. We’ll all be there for you, just like you were for me. Come upstairs with me. I have a pregnancy test.”
“You have tests?”
“Yeah.” Millie said, without looking directly at me. “You never know.”
I shot her a questioning look. “Okay, okay, so sometimes I have one-night stands. I’m safe, okay?”
“Okay, you don’t need to explain anything to me. Glad you’re getting laid.”
Millie laughed and I followed her upstairs.
My heart raced.
“Millie, I’m not ready to be a mom. I need more time. With Harvey. What if he’s upset?”
“Harvey isn’t Ryan, Lex. He won’t leave you. Trust me when I say that man loves you.”
My nerves eased. She’s right. We said I love you a few months ago, and it was true. I loved that man with my mind, body, and soul. “I’m sorry, Millie. That was insensitive of me.”
“No, it’s okay. It’s a natural fear worrying what your partner’s reaction will be.” She opened the hallway closet and fished out a test. “Here, go pee on the stick.”
“Okay.” I took the test from her and went to the bathroom. I followed the instructions, peed on the stick, put the cap on, and finished my business before washing my hands. I opened the door, Millie pacing in front of it.
“Where is it?”
“On the counter. Don’t worry, I put paper down.”
“I don’t care. I want to see the results when they come up.”
We stared at the test. Millie gasped as two lines formed. No, two lines meant positive, right? No…it can’t be…
“Oh my God,” I said.
“Oh my God,” Millie whispered. “You’re pregnant, Lex.”
“I’m pregnant,” I repeated, the reality not sinking in.
Millie burst into tears. And then came mine. We both fell to the floor, a blubbering mess.
Dylan and Harvey appeared in the doorway. “Mommy, are you okay?”
Millie shot up and wiped at her face. “Yes, yes, Mommy is fine. Come on, let’s go get a snack. Auntie Lex needs to talk to Harvey.” She rushed out of the bathroom, taking Dylan with her.
I looked up at Harvey, tears streaming down my face.
“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” He bent down, concern etched across his face.
I held up the pregnancy test.
“Lex…is that…does that…”
“Yes, I’m pregnant. We’re going to have a baby.”
“Lex, oh my God!” Harvey wrapped his arms around me and started to cry. “You’re pregnant, with my baby, oh Lex.”
“You’re not mad, then?” I said through tears.
“What? No! I could never be mad! I love you so much. I want to have children with you. I know it’s sooner than we planned, but it’s okay, we’ll figure it out—”
I kissed him, cutting off his words, so happy he’s okay with it.
“I love you so much, Harvey.”
“I love you too, Lex. I don’t have a ring yet, but will you marry me? Please?”
“Of course, I will. I’d marry you every day if I could.”
THE END
Thank you so much for reading Bitter Hearted Mountain Man!