“Becky.” I rushed out, not knowing she would be just outside of the door, and almost ran into her.

“I’m right here, Jenna. Where would I be? I’m nervous as hell for you right now.” Becky looked as if she was the one who had to tell me the news, like she was holding her breath. I could almost feel her heart pounding hard against her chest, like mine was.

Holding out the stick with my shaky hand, I said, “I’m not sure how I’m feeling right now, but for whatever reason...this happened. I’m pregnant.” I bawled in front of her, not knowing if I was happy or upset over the news.

Becky reached for me and held me tightly. “It’s okay, Jenna. Things will work out. Max will embrace his baby.”

Nodding to agree, I cried harder. After I let it all out in Becky’s arms, I wiped my tears and gathered myself. “Sorry, Becky. I’m happy that I can get pregnant, but I’m also worried. Even if Max and I were married, he didn’t want to have children right away. He wanted us to travel the world and have an adventure before we started a family.”

Holding my hand, Beck led me to the sofa. “You don’t always get what you want. Sometimes, life just happens and you have to make new plans. Nobody is prepared for the unexpected. Knowing Max, he will be a great father. You’re already engaged, so there is no reason to be ashamed about this news.”

Sniffing, I wiped my tears. “To tell you the truth, I think I’m excited, but at the same time I’m really scared. This is a life changing moment.” I paused and ran my hand down my face. “How do I tell my parents? They are going to flip.”

Becky leaned closer to me. “Your parents are cool. Give them some credit. Plus, you said your mom had a difficult time conceiving you. Maybe she’ll be relieved that you can get pregnant.”

I smiled to let her know that I agreed. Part of me knew my parents would be okay with this, especially since Max and I were engaged. Peering down at my huge, sparkling diamond ring, my mind went back to that day he proposed to me. Thank God he had. If he had asked me afterward, I would’ve thought he was asking me out of obligation.

“So...what’s the news?” Nicole asked.

“Are you moving in with Max? Wait.” Kate looked confused. “You practically live with him, so that can’t be it.”

“Hurry, Jenna. You’re driving me crazy. You know I’m not good with waiting.” Nicole laughed, but she was serious. She leaned from the opposite side, staring at me as if the words were printed on my face and she would be ready to read them.

“I’m pregnant.” There, I said it. I finally said it.

Silence.

More silence.

Kate stared at me like I’d just told her that I was an alien, and Nicole simply looked dumbfounded.

“Oh my God! Jenna, I’m so happy for you.” Kate finally opened her mouth, but her tone betrayed her words. She appeared more worried than happy for me.

Nicole looked like the news was finally sinking in. “That’s wonderful...right?” Her words confirmed my expression wasn’t a jovial one.

“Yes, of course it is,” Becky intervened. “It’s all good. Kate was pregnant before she got married.”

“Max proposed to you even before knowing, so that’s great,” Kate threw in. She got up and walked around to give me a genuine hug, and so did Nicole.

Kate raised her glass to toast, but stopped. “Wait, does Max know?”

“Not yet. I planned to tell him when I got back.”

Silence.

“You didn’t tell him?” Kate whispered. “I mean...you’re going to tell him, right?”

“Of course she is.” Becky sounded upset. She glanced at Kate with her brows raised, questioning her choice of words.

“Sorry, Jenna. I didn’t mean to ask so many questions. It’s just that I remember being so nervous to tell Craig. He didn’t take it well at first, but he came around. I’m sure Max will be different.” She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

I hoped so.

Chapter 5

Becky

All dressed up—in high heels and dresses that could turn guys’ heads—we were ready to party the night away. Getting into our limo, we took pictures and sent them to Max and Matthew to thank them. I even sent a picture of just myself to Matthew. He texted me back, telling me to change into sweats, and I had to laugh at that. In reply, Matthew sent me a picture back of his frowning face. It was too adorable.

I’ll be there tomorrow, I texted.

Waiting for you. Have fun and be safe. I’ll be hanging out with my boring one and only brother.

No surprise visit tonight?

You didn’t know I had a secret side job, did ya?

What? Lol!

I’m one of the Chippendale dancers. It’s my shift tonight. I’ll dance for you.

Hahaha!

You hurt my feelings. You don’t think I could be one?

You have the body for it.

Good answer.

You can dance for me privately when I come back home.

I can’t wait. I won’t even take money from you.

I’m not sure what I did right, but I couldn’t believe Matthew and I were together. Not that I didn’t deserve a guy like him, it’s just that a guy like him was hard to come by. Never would I have imagined finding a guy who was good looking, had a great career, and knew how to treat a woman. He was a fabulous package, one that I hoped to keep forever.

Looking at us with teary eyes, Nicole passed out the champagne glasses to toast. We all had alcohol in ours except for Jenna....hers was filled with apple cider. “Thank you to my best friends. My life wouldn’t be the same without you. You fill my heart with happiness. When I need someone to lift me up, you are all there for me. And for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Love you all to pieces.”