Her Christmas Pregnancy Surprise

She nodded in understanding. “He just has a couple of tests that he’s waiting on.”

Simon rested his hands on his waist as he rocked from side to side. He looked about as comfortable as she did. They both just needed a distraction.

“What would you be doing if you were at work today?”

He glanced up with a surprised look. “You’re interested in my work?”

She shrugged. “Sure. Why not?”

He sighed. “I’d be working on the new chain of stores we’re prepared to open in the coming year.”

“That sounds so exciting. I’ll just be happy to reopen the bakery by Valentine’s Day, if I’m really lucky.”

“Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll be up and running in no time.”

If only he was right. But she didn’t want to talk about the bakery. Not right now.

She noticed he wasn’t smiling. In fact, he’d frowned when he mentioned the new stores.

“What’s bothering you about the new stores?”

He glanced at her. “Why do you think something is wrong?”

“Just a feeling I get. Talk to me. Sometimes it helps to vocalize your concerns.” So long as the topic wasn’t about those test results.

“Because there’s nothing to make the chain stand out.”

“Won’t you have Ross Toys designed for pets?”

“Yes.”

“Well, there you go. Ross Toys is world renowned. Pet owners will want only the best for their four-legged babies.”

“Agreed. But I feel that we’re missing something. I just can’t put my finger on it. But I’ll know it when I see it.”

“Wish I could be of more help—”

Tap. Tap.

The door opened and the doctor stepped inside. The moment of truth had arrived. And Pepper was pretty certain the doctor was going to confirm her self-diagnosis of too much stress.

In fact, she was so certain that she said, “There’s nothing wrong with me, right?”

The doctor smiled and gazed at her from behind his bifocals. “Not exactly.”

“What is it?” Simon asked. “And when is she going to get better?”

“I’d say in seven or so months.”

“What?” Simon asked.

Realization was dawning on Pepper. She’d been so stressed over the bakery and the messy breakup with Simon, not to mention the paparazzi, that she’d missed what was right in front of her face. All the pieces fell into place.

“You’re pregnant,” the doctor said.

He continued to talk and handed her information, but all she could think about was that she was pregnant with Simon Ross’s baby. When she finally gathered her wits, she glanced at Simon. He looked like his whole world had just blown up. She supposed in a way it had.

As with the fire, she had no idea how to deal with this latest surprise.