Straight Up Love (Boys of Jackson Harbor 2)
I swallow hard. “I might be pregnant.”
She opens her mouth, then closes it. “Does Jake know? Have you taken a test?”
“No, and no. I took so many stupid pregnancy tests during my marriage that I think I developed a phobia. Nothing but disappointment comes from those stupid sticks.”
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“But your period is late?”
I laugh at that. “I don’t exactly have a regular schedule. Late is relative. And probably meaningless.”
“I’m kind of jealous, you know.” Her voice is thick with emotion. “I wanted to be happy when I found out I was pregnant, but I was only terrified—terrified what everyone would think and how it was going to affect my future. I’ve always been so jealous of your ability to take what you want from life. You’re so brave, Ava.”
“I don’t feel very brave.”
She gives me a soft smile. “Figure out what you want with Jake before you take a test. Don’t wait to make your decision based on what’s going on in your uterus.”
I nod, having already decided this for myself earlier this week. “I think I already know.”
“Of course you do.” She grins. “You might be stubborn, but you’re not stupid.”
“I love him so much it hurts. I think maybe that scares me.”
“It only hurts because you’ve pushed him away. I’ve seen you two together. Your love doesn’t hurt. It’s like your favorite blanket. You always find each other for comfort.”
I stare at my beautiful little sister. “Thanks, Molly.”
“For what?”
“For letting me in and talking to me.” I swallow hard. “For being so wise.”
We stand and head into the living room, where I sink to my haunches and open my arms to Noah. “May I have a hug, handsome?”
He looks at his mom, who nods once, then he crashes into me with the enthusiasm only a kid can put into a hug.
“I’m so glad to meet you, little man,” I say, mussing his hair. “I’ll come again sometime, okay?”
He nods and grins at me. “You’re pretty.”
I laugh. “Thanks. You’re handsome.”
“I know,” he says, wandering back to his trains, and Molly and I head to the door, laughing.
“I’m glad you came,” she says as we step into the hall.
“Me too.” I hug her. “I meant it when I said I’d come back. I want to get to know my nephew.”
“You’re welcome any time,” she says, releasing me.
“Molly . . .” I hesitate a beat, looking over her shoulder into the apartment where Noah is playing. “I’ll give you three months to figure out a way to tell Colton you had his baby. Any longer than that, and I’ll be forced to tell him myself.”
“Ava, Colton isn’t . . .”
I shake my head. “Don’t do that. Don’t pretend I can’t see the McKinley in him just because you don’t want me to. I saw the way Colton looked at you when we were teenagers. I always suspected he moved with Mom to Florida because he was afraid you’d see him as a brother if he moved in with Dad.” I draw in a long breath, bracing myself to defend my brother. “Colton might be a little wild, but he deserves to know. And it would be better for everyone if the truth came out before he puts a ring on his girlfriend’s finger.”
“The truth?” She tilts her head to the side, studying me for a beat before she looks away. “Well, I guess you’re right about one thing. It’s time for me to figure this out.”
Ava