A Million Little Things (Mischief Bay, #3)

“Enough about me,” Jen said firmly. “How are you? How are things with Steven?”

“Good. I’m doing my best to take things slow and be sensible. I don’t want to make any Chad-like mistakes.”

“You won’t. Steven’s nothing like Chad. He’s really grounded and he’s lousy at keeping secrets.”

“Excellent qualities in a man.”

Jen helped Jack into position, then released him. He slid into Zoe’s arms.

“So, you two do the deed yet?”

Zoe laughed. “Are you sure you want to know? He is your brother.”

“Good point, although the way you answered means yes.” She wrinkled her nose. “I’ve always been able to ask for details, but now I can’t. That’s not fair. As the best friend, I have certain rights.”

“Let me know what you decide and I’ll go with it.”

Jen nodded. “Are you happy?”

Zoe thought about the question. There was a lot going on right now. She wanted to have more people in her life. She wanted to figure out the next step for her, careerwise, and she was starting what seemed to be a great relationship with a wonderful guy.

“I am. I’m in a really good place right now and I’m grateful.”

Later, when Jack had tired of the slide and swings, Jen took him to her SUV and got him in his car seat. She and Zoe hugged.

“I’m around,” Zoe told her. “Whatever you need.”

“Thank you. When all this calms down, I want to go have lunch or something. Just the two of us.”

“I’d love that.”

Zoe walked over to her car. She was about to get in when her cell phone rang. She glanced at the number. While it looked familiar, she couldn’t place it.

“Hello?”

“Zoe Saldivar?”

“Yes.”

“This is Amanda from Dr. Herron’s office. Do you have a second to talk?”

Zoe couldn’t imagine why her gynecologist’s office would be calling. She’d had her annual five months before and everything had been fine. She went in every three months for her birth control shot and had her next appointment lined up.

“Sure. What’s going on?”

“I’m so sorry to be calling you. It’s just we’ve heard from the pharmaceutical company that manufacturers your birth control injections. There was a problem with several batches, including yours. We need you to come in as soon as possible. We want to give you a pregnancy test and assuming all is well, give you another shot.”

Zoe stood by her car and let the words sink in. Confusion was followed by disbelief, then panic.

“The shot isn’t working?”

“No. I’m sorry.”

Sorry? Sorry? How did that help? “But I’ve been having sex.”

“If I could schedule you to come to the office, we can figure out the next step in your treatment.”

The next step? She felt her heart pounding in her chest. Oh, God. She’d had sex with Steven just a few days ago. They’d used a condom but that wasn’t always—

Her breath caught in her throat. No, she thought in horror. Steven wasn’t the problem. She’d had sex with Chad nearly two months ago and she hadn’t used anything. Because they’d both been tested and they weren’t sleeping around and she’d assumed she was on birth control.

“No,” she whispered. “No.”

“I’m sorry. Can you make it in the day after tomorrow?”

Zoe nodded, then realized the other woman couldn’t see her. “Yes. What time?”

“Eleven-fifteen.”

“I’ll be there.”

Zoe hung up and leaned against her car. No, she told herself. This wasn’t happening. Or if it was, she wasn’t pregnant. She couldn’t be. They’d only done it once, she told herself. Just that one time. What were the odds?

She got in her car and started the engine, but she didn’t pull out of her spot. Instead she rested her head on the steering wheel and tried to catch her breath. She was fine, she told herself firmly. Fine and not pregnant. She had to be. Because there was no way she was going to have a baby with Chad.





Chapter Fourteen

Jen double-checked the guest room. The regular bed was out in the garage and the rented hospital bed was in place. There were clean towels in the en suite bathroom and fresh flowers on the dresser. Kirk had brought in a TV and set it up in the corner. Jen had borrowed a walkie-talkie set from friends so Lucas could call for her if he needed help.

She wasn’t concerned about the extra work having Lucas in their home would mean. She was more nervous about having to deal with him day after day. Whatever would they talk about? She barely knew the man and what she knew she didn’t like. But he’d saved Kirk and she owed him. So she would nurse him back to health and bite her tongue when she wanted to say what she was thinking.

On the bright side, Jack adored him and a visiting nurse would come in a couple of times a day for the first week or so, relieving Jen of any intimate tasks.

A little after one o’clock, Kirk pulled up in his sedan. His friend Matt was with him. Together they got Lucas out of the car and moving toward the house.

They went slowly, one man on either side of Lucas to support him. Lucas had a huge sling on his left arm—probably to keep his shoulder stable. His right leg was bandaged from knee to groin. He was pale and sweating. By the time they reached the front door, Jen was sure he was going to pass out.

“Can you carry him?” she asked as they made it into the foyer.

“I’m fine.” Lucas’s words came out from between clenched teeth. “This is nothing. You should see me on New Year’s Day. Talk about a hangover.”

“You’re gray and your eyes are about to roll back in your head,” she told him. “You’re already a hero.” She turned to her husband. “Carry him.”

Matt shrugged, then put his arm around Lucas’s waist. Kirk did the same. Lucas swore at them both, making her grateful her mom was keeping Jack for a few hours. They lifted him and in less than a minute they were in the guest room.

Jen moved to pull back the covers, then looked away as they settled Lucas in the hospital bed. He groaned as he shifted to get comfortable.