Page 95

A startled laugh escapes me, even as my stomach twists.

This is how I imagined my husband reacting when I told him I was pregnant.

But Joshua isn’t my husband. I need to remember that.

“I mean, it is a bit of a surprise since I’ve always worn a condom. Until just now, of course.”

He carries me out to the bedroom and sets me back on my feet, grinning so wide it hurts to look at him.

“But I guess accidents happen,” he continues, pacing the length of my room. “I’m the result of a condom that didn’t work.”

“Joshua.”

“I’m not mad. Or upset. And you definitely don’t have anything to apologize for.”

“Joshua,” I try again. And again, he keeps talking over me, his excitement building with every word.

“Of course, this is your decision. I’m not going to pressure you into anything. It’s your body. Whatever you want to do, whatever you’re ready for, I’ll support you.”

“Joshua,” I say again, this time louder. And still, he keeps rambling.

“I get this can complicate things, but you’re not alone. Whatever happens, I’m here. I’ll help. I’ll⁠—”

“It’s not your baby!”

The words rip out of me, reverberating through the room.

Even Gary lifts his head from his bed in the corner, his ears perking up briefly before he closes his eyes once more.

Several long moments pass, the silence excruciating as Joshua looks at me as if I’d just knocked the air from his lungs.

“What did you say?” His words come out pained.

“The baby.” I swallow hard, my eyes welling with tears. “It’s not yours. I was already pregnant when we started sleeping together, but I didn’t realize it until today.”

He doesn’t immediately respond. Just stares at me.

Finally, he releases a long exhale. “Okay.” He nods once. Then again. And again. “That’s okay.” He gives me a shaky smile. “I thought maybe…” He trails off, and his gaze drops to my stomach before he shakes his head, as if ridding himself of the notion. “I don’t care whose baby it is.” He moves toward me, taking my hand in his. “It doesn’t change how I feel about you. About us.”

This is what I was scared of. That he’d still want me even though I’m carrying another man’s child. That’s the type of person Joshua is. Completely selfless.

“But there can’t be an us.” I pull my hand from his. “Not anymore.”

“What do you mean? Of course there can.”

“No.” I blink, fighting back the tears threatening to fall but failing spectacularly. “I spoke to Wyatt today and told him. We’ve decided to try and work things out. Go to counseling. Give our marriage another shot.”

His expression changes, his eyes growing cold, his jaw tightening. “You’re joking, right?”

“I’m pregnant. He’s the father.”

“What fucking difference does that make?”

“He deserves to know his son or daughter.”

“That doesn’t mean you should get back together. He cheated on you.”

“I’m not even sure if he did. Maybe he just wanted to do something nice for his assistant, and I jumped to the wrong conclusion.”