“We’re not at that level.”
Her fingers wiggle. “Just give me your pee stick. Consider it a second opinion.”
“Gross, but whatever.” I whip the test out of my back pocket.
Frankie peers at the little window closely. “Bitch, that’s positive.”
“It’s not.” Didn’t she hear me the first time?
“The second line is faint, but it’s there.” She taps a pointy nail at the evidence.
I blink, squinting hard. Shock freezes me. She’s right.
“Holy shit,” I exhale.
The grin she gives me is actually genuine. “Congrats, mama.”
But the truth hasn’t sunk in. “I’m pregnant?”
“You’re pregnant.”
I cradle my forehead as too many thoughts bounce around. “I’m not sure what to say.”
“Didn’t you have a feeling?”
“Well, yeah. Kind of. But it was more of a stretch. Something for Colton to grab onto.”
Frankie’s brows lift. “Are you happy?”
My reaction is cut short. The doctor that was on scene at Colton’s arrival appears from behind the illusive double doors. I’m on my feet and hoofing it toward him. He’s wearing a pair of navy scrubs. The color hides any evidence of blood, which I’m thankful for.
“Mrs. Keller,” the middle-aged man greets. “I’m Dr. Trustworth, one of the emergency surgeons on staff here at Cook County Regional.”
I paste on a waxy smile to cover my lie. “How is he?”
“Your husband is very lucky,” Dr. Trustworth begins. “It was a fairly clean shot. From what I imagine was close range, the bullet could’ve done a lot more damage. Mostly muscle and tissue was impacted. His spleen was barely nicked, but still required immediate repair to stop internal bleeding. The impact almost got to his pancreas, which would’ve put him in much worse shape. It’s a blessing that his lung didn’t get hit or collapse under the pressure. The fact he can breathe on his own will greatly reduce his recovery time.”
Relief whooshes from me and I almost collapse. “Can I see him?”
The doctor nods. “His surgery was a success. He’s resting now. You can sit beside him. He’ll probably be comforted by your presence.”
“Make sure to tell him the good news.” Frankie makes a large bubble over her flat stomach.
Dr. Trustworth clucks his tongue. “That can probably wait until tomorrow. He doesn’t need added stress.”
Which is exactly what I’m afraid of. A baby he purposefully tried to prevent might not be a welcome announcement. In the heat of a tragic moment is one thing, which didn’t make a difference. The ambulance and paramedics are what saved him.
But the woman who has a secret history with Colton scoffs, waving off the doctor’s advice. “Oh, I’m sure he’ll want to hear this immediately.”
An audible gulp betrays my nerves. If only I could share Frankie’s confidence.
I’m dragged into consciousness through a long, dark tunnel. My brain feels like a soggy sponge that can’t grasp more water. Awareness fades in and out. Several bright lights are flashed in my eyes before I’m pulled under again. Urgent whispers try to tickle my ears, but I can’t comprehend the words.
It’s a tender squeeze against my palm that finally yanks me free of the void. My vision swims when I manage to stay lucid for more than five seconds. Bianca is at my bedside. Her fern-green eyes are fastened onto my battle against lethargy. The eager gleam in her gaze rouses me like a shock to my system.
But my smile still feels sluggish. “Hey, Princess.”
She immediately bursts into tears. “Y-you’re awake.”
