I have to be.

We roll into the early days of summer with no news from Wendy. The anticipation keeps growing and I’m not sure how much longer I can pass the time. Parker said we should call, but I can’t bring myself to do it yet. It’s been almost three weeks since the implantation and I’m terrified to hear that it didn’t take.

I don’t think I’m prepared for that.

Pushing the double doors open, I enter For the Love of Paws. Parker had an early meeting and left before me this morning. It’s my second day back working here and everyone has been welcoming.

When I reach Shannon’s desk, she’s laughing. “Somebody’s in trouble,” she sings as she staples some papers together, not looking at me.

“Excuse me?”

She nods toward Parker’s office.

Confused, I set my purse down and walk to Parker’s office.

The clinic is split into two. The left half is the regular clinic and the right half is the emergency clinic where there are three exam rooms and two procedure rooms. With the expansion came new staff, who I get along with well.

Parker’s office is my favorite in the entire building. I helped him pick out all the furniture and artwork. He even had a built-in bookshelf and a comfortable couch put in for me so I’d never have a reason not to visit.

His office door is slightly ajar and I can hear him talking. “Yes, that’s perfect. Yeah, that would be great, and don’t forget to—. Okay, good.”

Knocking softly, I push open the door to find Parker sitting in his big black leather chair behind his almost-too-large-for-the-room cherry wood desk. He motions me in.

“Hey, I don’t mean to cut this short, but Aundrea just walked in,” he says. “Just let me know what I owe you. Thanks. You too, bye.” Hanging up, he stands and walks over. “Good morning.”

“Hi.”

He pulls me into his arms before I can even ask how he’s doing. He kisses the top of my head, then releases me.

“You do know you’re late, correct?” He looks at his watch. “Start time is 8am, Mrs. Jackson. You’re twenty-five minutes late.” His face is stern, with no signs that he’s joking, and I laugh internally.

I pout. “I’m sorry, Dr. Jackson. Please don’t write me up.”

Leaning down, his lips brush along the shell of my ear. “I’m not going to write you up; however, I don’t have a problem with showing you a little discipline.” I suck in a sharp breath. His eyes dart over my shoulder and he quickly steps away. “Now, get to work. I expect my employees to start on time.” His words come out annoyed and I can only laugh at his bossy behavior.

As I turn to walk away I hear him say softly, “We’ll discuss your discipline later, when we’re at home.” I look over my shoulder to see his wicked grin.

Shannon shakes her head when I see her. “I tried to warn you.”

“I’m not worried. That man has nothing on me.” I take my seat behind the desk next to her. She laughs.

My computer isn’t even turned on when my cell starts to ring with the new Sia song that Genna set as my ringtone. I fumble with my phone, trying to silence it. I’m about to put it back in my purse when I notice the name displayed across the front.

“Wendy, hi! How are you?”

Shannon’s head snaps to me. I guess that was a little loud. I mouth “Sorry,” and turn my focus back to Wendy.

“Hi. I hope it’s not too early to call you?”

“Of course not.”

“Okay, good.” I hear the relief in her voice. “Are you two settled into the new house yet?”

“We closed yesterday and are moving in this week.”

“Awesome!” She makes some small talk, and I’m trying to reciprocate, but I can feel the sweat forming under my arms. I hate small talk. I want to press her about the baby.

“Is everything okay with you?” I ask.

“Everything’s good. The reason I’m calling is because I took a pregnancy test.”

Really? You’re going to stop there and leave me hanging? “And?” I sit up taller.

“It was positive.”

Once the words leave her mouth I can’t speak. I wait for something to come out, but nothing does.

“Hello? Are you still there?”

“Positive!” I scream.

Shannon jerks, sending papers sliding off her desk. An exam room door opens and Kevin pops his head out. “Everything okay out here?”

“Yes, sorry!” I wave him off, grinning.

“Yes,” Wendy whispers. A small sniffle comes through the line. “I wanted to let you know that you’re going to be a mom.” Her voice cracks on the last word.

My lip begins to tremble and tears fill my eyes, then slide down my cheeks. Shannon’s watching me intently and I can sense she knows what’s going on.

We’re going to have a baby.

I want this more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my entire life. Something I didn’t think I’d ever truly get to experience is happening. I knew I wanted a baby, but hearing Wendy tell me I’m going to be a mom is one of the best, most surreal moments of my life, and I don’t know how I ever questioned that this was the right time. I know how Genna felt when she found out she was pregnant with Hannah, and how excited I was for her, but to actually experience that feeling myself is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced or witnessed.