I’m actually numb from whatever drugs they’re giving me. Except for my heart. That beats like a herd of wild horses for the woman next to me.
“At least he missed your vital organs,” Dr. Lingering Too Long muses.
“Silver linings do exist,” I grumble.
“Speaking of,” a woman I haven’t seen since she was a girl strolls into the room. “My brother is being hounded by the cops. I’m sure he’ll be caught in no time.”
My mouth moves soundlessly for several seconds. “Frankie?”
“Oh, good. The reunion I’ve been waiting for,” Bianca complains. But then she steels her spine. “Wait, you’re his cousin?”
I glance between the two women, landing on Bianca. “Who did you think she was?”
Her arm flings accusingly at Frankie. “She’s the ex-lover who tracked me down at the camp.”
“Oh, boy.” The doctor squirms as if uncomfortable. “Maybe I should give you some privacy.”
I offer him a shooing motion. “That’d be grand.”
He excuses himself as Frankie slinks deeper into the room. She parks herself against the wall. A silent conversation passes between her and my soon-to-be wife. It’s tense and uncomfortable, prickling across my skin like a challenge.
“What’re you doing here, Frankie?”
“Helped saved your life.” She inspects her black nails. “Walker went back on his word. You’re going to protect me if he ever comes looking.”
My mind spins. “I feel like I’m missing something.”
“Just keep me safe if my brother weasels his way out of trouble.” Frankie shifts her focus to stare at Bianca. “Did you tell him about the bun in your oven?”
“No,” she bites back. “Dr. Trustworth did the honors.”
“What a thunder stealer,” Frankie huffs.
Even my brain fog can connect the dots. “You’re pregnant, Princess?”
She cringes. “Maybe?”
“Did you show him the test?” Frankie taps her boot on the floor.
“Do I need to show you the exit?”
My cousin lifts her palms in surrender. “Hint taken. Just don’t forget our deal.”
Which is one more thing I’ll need to ask about. But for now, I’m focusing on a potential miracle. The door clicks shut with Frankie’s retreat. It’s just the two of us again. My heart thumps faster, trying to catch hers.
“How is this possible?” I use every ounce of weakened strength to reach Bianca’s torso.
She stands to make it easier for me. Her palm lays flat over mine. “Super sperm?”
Emotion wells inside of me like an overflowing river in spring. “We’re having a baby?”
“Would that make you happy?”
The hesitation in her voice furrows my brow. “Are you seriously questioning it?”
“We didn’t plan this.”
“Doesn’t mean I wasn’t hoping for it to happen with every far-fetched wish I could muster.”
