Fourth Down (Portland Pioneers 1)

He looks at me, and I swear he rolls his eyes. “I’m sure your friend there knows who I am, by way of you. If you look me up on the web, Peyton’s story is well documented. It's not hard to fake it.”

Noah’s right, but I don’t want to believe it. I drop him off at his place and tell him to have a good trip. He thanks me and asks that I not say anything to Autumn about the gems because it’s unlikely he’ll give them to Peyton.

“Does this mean you won’t tell your mom about it?”

“Hell no,” he says while standing on the curb. “She’d believe it and start rubbing the stones anywhere she can. Both moms are crazy for grandkids. No one is going to know about this little trip except for us. Got it?”

I salute him and pull away once he shuts the car door. I suppose he’s right about keeping our excursion to the voodoo shop a secret. I haven’t told anyone but him, even when Autumn has commented on the stone I keep in my pocket.

When I get to my apartment, Roxy comes running to me and tells me that Autumn is sleeping. “Autumn is at work, sweetie.”

She shakes her head fast with her eyes wide. “Au-um has the ickies.”

Autumn didn’t say anything about staying home today. She spent the night last night and went for her run this morning and then took Roxy to the park after dropping Reggie off at school. She’s taken over for Miss Meghan this week because she’s on vacation, and Autumn wanted to help out.

I head down to my bedroom with Roxy on my hip. I open the door slowly and find a lump in my bed. “I’m going to set you down. Please don’t jump on Autumn.”

“I won’t, Daddy.”

Putting Roxy on the edge of the bed, I go to the side and place my hand on Autumn’s shoulder. “Hey.”

She moans.

“What can I get you?”

“Ginger ale,” she whispers.

I pull my phone out and order groceries via an app. I request as much stuff as I can from Pedialyte to Pepto, including the ginger ale. Then I take Roxy out to the living room and set her up with a movie. When I get back to the bedroom, Autumn is rushing to the bathroom. I don’t know what to do except offer to hold her hair back. She kneels in front of the toilet, expelling whatever contents she had left in her stomach.

“I have groceries coming. They should be here in a minute.” I leave her side, grab a washcloth, and wet it down. I set it to her forehead and hold it there. “Hopefully, it’s just a bug, and it’ll pass soon.”

“Good thing you don’t have a game this weekend.”

She’s right. We have another weekend off because of Christmas. It’s rare when our schedules align, but I’ll take it. “Stomach of steel right here. I’m more concerned about you right now.”

Autumn tries to stand up. I help her and decide to pick her up to carry her back to bed. “I can walk,” she says.

“I know, but I can carry you.” I lay her down and pull the blankets back over her. “What can I get you?” I set my hand against her forehead to check for a fever.

“I’m not sick, Julius.”

I look at her oddly. “I saw you get sick.” I hate pointing out the obvious, but I was in the bathroom with her a moment ago.

“Julius,” she says my name and then sighs. “I’m late.”

“Give me your phone. I’ll call Leon and let him know you’re sick and can’t come in. I’m sure someone can cover for you.” I reach for her phone, but her hand stops me.

“I’m not that kind of sick.”

“How many kinds of sicknesses are there?” I feel like Autumn is talking in riddles here.

“I’m the kind of sick that happens to women when their period doesn’t show up on time,” she pauses and looks at me. Autumn starts to cry. “I’m pregnant, Julius.”

Pregnant.

My mouth opens to say something but closes when nothing comes out. I try again, but nothing.

“I know we haven’t been together very long, and you’re going through that mess with Elena. I don’t know how it happened because we’ve been safe and—”

I press my lips against hers to silence her. She keeps her mouth closed, which I’m thankful for because . . . well, she’s been sick. When I pull away, I wipe her fallen tears. “I should’ve told you the second I realized this. I’m in love with you, Autumn. I love you so damn much. I planned to ask you to move in once my divorce is final, but I don’t want to wait anymore.” I move closer to her and take her hand in mine. “Autumn, will you move into this place and help me make a home?”