Chapter 80

“What’s going on in your mind? You know you can always tell me what’s bothering you,” Debbie said again when her best friend gave no response to her last question.

“Those tests may not be accurate. I don’t want to take one,” Hailey voiced, fiddling with her fingers.

“You seem anxious, even though you’re trying to keep a calm face. Besides, aren’t you curious to know?”

“You definitely know me better than I know myself. I had no idea how I managed to keep a straight face with Cole when I was freaking out inside.”

“You’re scared?” Debbie asked, staring intently at her best friend.

“I don’t want to use that word, but yeah, maybe something close to that. I used to be okay with the thoughts. That’s why I never insisted on protection. But it’s very nerve-wracking to know I may be pregnant.”

“That’s what caused Cole and my separation the first time, remember?” Debbie smiled sadly. “There you go again, filling your heart with fear.”

She shook her head. “Being stuck with fear and weighing one’s options are totally different things.”

“I don’t know. I know I’m going to sound silly, but I wasn’t expecting to get pregnant this early.”

Debbie was trying hard to hold back her laugh. “I don’t know why you’re freaking out; this could be great news! Cole was an a**hole in the past, but I believe he’s changed. Ollie and Enzo would be ecstatic. And me? God knows I’m going to start filling my cart with baby items tonight!”

Hailey glared at her best friend. “Don’t sound so excited.”

“This is what we prayed so hard for. Of course, I’m going to be excited.”

“You prayed?”

“Yeah! Just not to your face,” Debbie answered with a small smile.

Hailey sighed. “I don’t remember feeling that sick the first few weeks I was pregnant with the twins. I took a test because I missed my period. I wasn’t even expecting it to be positive.”

“I don’t know why that happens, but I read somewhere that every pregnancy is different. This is good news, but I don’t like how you look and sound.”

“Yeah, I hope I’m going to survive what’s to come.”

Debbie intertwined her hands with Hailey’s and gave them a light squeeze. “Just take the damn test, please. Who knows, we could all be worrying for nothing. But I hope not.” A small smile crept onto Debbie’s lips. “I’m a fan of you and Cole. I really hope you are pregnant, and I’m excited about what’s to come for your beautiful family. I can definitely see Cole Matthews and the twins shedding tears of joy.” Hailey playfully rolled her eyes. “It could be a boy.”

“No one cares. We’d love it so much regardless. But just know that Ollie and Enzo wouldn’t let you be until you give them a sister.”

Hailey sighed, massaging her temple.

“I know this is unexpected, but you will be fine.”

“Yeah, definitely! A new addition comes with a lot of changes, and I think that’s what scares me. Wait, why am I speaking as though it’s been confirmed that I’m pregnant?” Debbie shrugged, smiling. “Perhaps you want it so badly, but you don’t know how to express yourself.”

“I don’t know. I feel having one more child with Cole would mean so much more. I mean, we could call one or two a mistake, but when it’s three, then it’s so much more.”

“I don’t know how long we’ll be able to hide it from the media. I mean, Cole is an influential person. The success of my company has also put me in the public eye.”

“I think my anxiety is based on the fact that things are going to be happening so fast. There are going to be a lot of changes.”

“I agree there’s going to be change. You all are practically a family now. But don’t let those thoughts mess with your head. One step at a time, and everything will definitely get sorted.” Hailey nodded.

“I don’t mind that it’s late. I can still drive to buy the tests for you.”

Hailey shook her head.

“What’s on your mind?”

“Do you think Cole will go with me to the hospital if I inform him?”

Debbie smiled. “Of course, he would. That’s a better idea. You’re making me proud.”

“I’m sure he’s going to be happy and grateful about it. He missed so much with the boys, so this will do him some good.”

“I’ll talk to him.”

“Good. So when will you tell the twins?”

Hailey shrugged. “If it comes out positive, I’d love to wait a while before letting them know.”

Debbie chuckled. “Why?”

“I feel I’m not going to hear the end of it.”

“True! But I can’t wait for them to find out. I’m happy for you all. Congratulations, my friend.” Debbie initiated a hug.

“Thank you for your kind words, but I don’t think it’s time to congratulate yet. Who knows, all of this could be imaginary. I might just be down with a bug,” Hailey said, returning the hug. Debbie pulled away. “Don’t tease me, babe. I think we both know what this is. You and Cole are going to make a beautiful baby again.”

Hailey playfully rolled her eyes.

“Will you be spending the night here?” she asked Debbie.

“Yes, I will. I need to keep an eye on you, remember?”

“Thank you. Want some ice cream?”

Debbie stared at Hailey with a knowing smile. “I always force you to have ice cream. This definitely has to be that little cutie in action,” she pointed at Hailey’s belly.

Hailey rolled her eyes at her best friend, rose to her feet, and made her way to her bedroom for a shower.

An hour later…

Hailey was almost closing her eyes when her phone buzzed on the nightstand. She reached for it and saw that it was Cole. She smiled, answered, and brought the device to her ear. “My love.” His voice came through, making her smile even wider.

“Hi.”

“Sleeping?”

“About to.”

“I miss you. I wish I was there with you.”

Hailey’s smile grew even bigger. “I miss you too.”

“Would you be available for lunch tomorrow?”

“I’ve got a lunch date with a client. Why do you ask?”

“Never mind.”

“You’ve got something in mind?” Cole asked.

“Yeah, I want us to go on a ‘weird’ lunch date tomorrow.”

“Weird lunch date?”

“Yeah,” Hailey said, sitting up on the bed. “Nothing fancy, but I think you’ll like it.”

“Okay. I think I can pull some strings.”

“Thank you.”

“You’ve got nothing to thank me for. I’ll always make time for us.”

“Do you think there’s anything I do that would make you mad at me?” Hailey couldn’t help but ask, anticipating his reaction tomorrow.

“Like what?”

She shrugged as though he could see her. “I don’t know. Anything.”

“I don’t think so, babe. I know you’ve got a good heart, and you’d never do anything to hurt me.”

“Even if it’s by mistake?”

“You’re scaring me, Hailey. You’re not planning this date to break up with me, right?”

“It depends,” she mumbled.

“Hailey!!”

“Do you think my body can live without you?” Hailey asked.

“Mine can’t live without you. I know I’m going to be miserable without you by my side.”

“That calms me. Hopefully, you won’t change your mind after tomorrow.” Hailey brought her hand to her belly, caressing it.

Connie and Eric were almost undressing when a loud bang came from their door. The duo pulled away from each other, staring in shock. Eric was about to speak when the loud bang came again.

“Vanessa?” Connie called out, going to answer the door.

She opened the door, and Vanessa immediately strolled in as though she owned the place. The only difference was that tears streamed down her face. Eric slowly massaged his temple.

Connie shut the door and went to her daughter, who stood by the bed, weeping profusely.

“What’s going on, baby?”

“You should know your daughter by now. If this isn’t about the person she’s obsessed with, then it’s a miracle,” Eric said.

Connie rolled her eyes at her husband. “Don’t be insensitive.”

“What is it, my love?” Connie asked her daughter.

“You… you’re not going to believe what I just heard,” Vanessa hiccuped.

“What did you find out?”

“Hailey didn’t lose the baby four years ago. The kids they traveled with aren’t fake. They are Cole’s children. That’s why Cole doesn’t want anything to do with me and my baby!” Vanessa cried harder.