Chapter 90

“I don’t know if I’m in the best frame of mind to talk about this because I feel like a mess right now.”

“Just talk. I want to know how you feel. I’m here to listen, regardless of whether it makes sense or not.” Cole brought his hand to Hailey’s face and wiped away her tears with his thumb. “I know we’ve been careless. Well, not really! I’ve just been carefree. But I didn’t think it would be this early.”

“I wasn’t ready when I had the twins, but if anything, I know having a child comes with so much change. Those tiny humans just take up all the space and consume you.”

“I know I’m probably not making sense. It’s insane how anxious I am when it hasn’t even been confirmed yet.”

“Do you want to know?” he asked, and she could see the eagerness in his eyes.

“Yeah. That was supposed to be the reason for our lunch date today. I made a doctor’s appointment. But because of what happened, I’m not sure I’m mentally ready to go out.” “But Debbie got me a home test.”

“Do you want to take that now, pending the doctor’s appointment?”

“Do you want me to?” Hailey asked.

Cole shrugged. “If you feel comfortable.”

“You don’t have to beat around the bush. Say what’s on your mind.” This time, Hailey brought her hand to his cheek, caressing it as he had done to her.

“I don’t know how to explain exactly how I feel. I’m excited, and I think I’m nervous too, but I don’t want my desires to be a burden to you.”

Hailey smiled. “We made love, several times, without protection; we have to take responsibility for the outcome.”

Cole blushed. “I’m not avoiding responsibility. I just don’t want to impose something you aren’t ready for.”

“Did you have these symptoms when you were pregnant with the twins?”

Hailey shook her head. “I was totally fine. I missed my period, and that prompted me to take a test. I could be sick, but the pregnancy signs are undeniable.” “Let’s take the test,” Cole whispered.

Hailey nodded. “One minute.” She reached for her phone, texted Debbie, and asked for the tests. After a minute, she put her phone down.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this? You seem really nervous. Sorry, I made you worry,” she said.

“No. Don’t apologize. As you said, this is something we need to take responsibility for. I’m nervous, but in a good way. I wasn’t expecting it, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. This would be my first time, and I’d love to experience it with you.”

Hailey nodded, his words warming her heart. She was about to speak when her phone beeped. It was a text from Debbie. Chapter 90

Hailey rose and went to the door. She opened it and picked up a small bag.

Cole stood. She approached him and showed him the bag’s contents: two pregnancy tests. She took one out and showed it to him.

“Want to hold it?” She saw his nervousness but handed him the test anyway.

Cole examined it. “This is my first time seeing one of these. How does it work?”

“I pee on the tip and wait a few minutes for the results.”

“That’s it?”

Hailey nodded.

“How accurate?”

“Almost completely accurate. This is a trusted brand, so we’re safe.”

“So this is what was in that box I threw away years ago. I was such a fool,” Cole mumbled, his eyes filled with regret. “Thinking about the past only makes us bitter. We both regret it, but you have to let go. We’ll make more beautiful memories.” Cole nodded slowly.

“Let me take it now before I get scared again.”

Hailey took the test and started to walk away when he pulled her back. “I’ll always be with you.”

She smiled and nodded. He kissed her forehead before she left.

Hailey went to the bathroom and quietly shut the door. Although she wasn’t new to home tests, she reread the instructions before taking the test.

Once done, Hailey set the tests on the counter, washed and dried her hands, and opened the door to find Cole with his hands in his pockets.

“Come here.” He kissed her forehead and pulled her into a long hug. Hailey didn’t hesitate; she needed the warmth. “I love you so much, babe. No matter what the tests say, I wouldn’t see you any less. You’re my ride or die.”

Hailey smiled against his chest, returning the hug. They stayed like that in silence, with Cole caressing her hair.

After a while, Hailey pulled away. “I think it’s time. Let’s check.”

Cole nodded.

Hailey intertwined her hand with his and led him to the bathroom. They approached the counter. Both tests read “Positive.”

Hailey burst into tears. Cole smiled, a tear rolling down his cheek. He wiped it away before cupping Hailey’s face.

“We’re having a baby. Half of me and half of you. A product of our everlasting love. Even in chaos, the universe gives us reasons to be happy. I woke up in a foul mood, but look at me now! I’m the world’s happiest man. I’m having another baby with the woman I love most. I wish you could feel the joy in my heart right now. I was praying for this while you took the test.”

Hailey tried to speak, but her lips quivered. Cole chuckled; he knew they were tears of joy. He wiped her tears away, but she was still emotional.

“Want me to cuddle you?” he asked. She threw herself against him, burying her face in his chest.

Cole hugged her tightly.

“We’re going to be parents again,” she mumbled.

Cole smiled, kissing her forehead. “Yes, my love. Our family is growing beautifully.”