Finding My Way

Chapter 28

ZOEY

She was sitting in the chair next to Grayson's bedside with a book in her hand. I couldn't distinguish the title from where I stood, but Callie seemed deeply invested in the book. Maybe she was stuck on a page, staring at it as thoughts consumed her mind.

A million thoughts have consumed my mind since I visited the doctor's office. I was scared of the outcome—would it be good or bad?

"Zoey, how long have you been standing there?" Callie asked.

After hearing her voice, I returned to reality and entered the room, carefully closing the door behind me. I pulled up a chair and sat next to Callie.

"Sorry, I haven't been there long. I didn't want to interrupt your reading. You looked quite invested."

Callie smiled and closed her book. She was reading To Kill a Mockingbird, which is widely read in American schools. I'd even read it once or twice.

"I've read this book probably a hundred times. I don't know why it's one of my favorites. I always find myself picking it back up for some reason." Callie placed the book on the side table. "I thought you were feeling unwell. What brings you by?"

"I went to the doctor, and he said I checked out okay. I was sick a lot this morning and some this afternoon, but it seems to have passed. Turns out I'm pregnant."

Callie gasped and threw her arms around me, a reaction I was not expecting, but I embraced the moment. Someone was happy for me, which made me feel a little relief.

"Zoey, that is amazing! Grayson has always wanted to be a dad. He wishes I never moved to California so he could be close to his nephew Evan."

"I didn't know you had a kid. Grayson never mentioned that," I said.

Callie smiled. "Yeah, Evan is almost two. My brother is slow about opening up about his whole family. You'll get there, don't worry. I can tell you all the embarrassing stories he won't tell you, though."

Callie and I laughed. "You think Grayson would be happy to know he's having a kid? Considering the circumstances? I mean, we aren't married and have barely dated. I haven't even known him for a year yet. Isn't this a little crazy?"

"Crazy and unplanned? Yes. Sometimes, that is how life works, though. I didn't know my husband's job would move me away from my immediate family, yet here we are. I love my life now, and I loved it before. Change in life is necessary. You can determine how you want to go through life. Go through it complaining or go through it with the utmost joy."

Callie was right. I can't plan everything because something will always make me change paths. Grayson made me change paths. If I'd never met him, I could still be with Aiden.

"I want Grayson to wake up. Callie, I don't want him to miss all of this," I said, tears forming in my eyes, "he needs to be here."

Callie reached for my hand. "Grayson will be. The surgery he needs should help him as long as there are no more complications. I know my brother is tough and will pull through. It's only a matter of time."

"She's right, Zoey. The Stone men are known for their toughness. My son is one of those who can overcome anything life puts him through."

I turned my head to see Silas Stone. He was clean-shaven now, making him look slightly younger despite his silver hair. His broad shoulders leaned against the now-open door, and his mouth curved somewhat into a half smile.

"Silas," I said. I wasn't expecting him to appear so suddenly. What if he had heard about my pregnancy?

"Callie, do you mind if I have a moment with Zoey? I want to get to know her a little better, and there are some things we need to discuss."