First Crush, My Forever

Chapter 81

  The house is quiet when I wake up. Taytum's not in bed, probably out on her morning run, and KK is still asleep in her room. For a second, I just lie here, staring at the ceiling, trying to calm the nerves twisting in my stomach already.

  I slide out of bed and make my way downstairs to the kitchen, barefoot on the cool floor and turn the Keurig on. My phone's already on the counter, like it's been waiting for me. I stare at it, then open Nora's contact. My thumb hovers over the call button. Just do it, Dani.

  I press it. It rings once, then twice.

  "Hello?" Nora answers, sharp and awake like always.

  "Hey," my voice is too soft at first. I clear her throat. "It's Danielle."

  "Well, this is a surprise."

  "I need to talk to you and John. It's... important."

  There's a beat of silence. Then Nora cuts in before I can say more.

  "If you need to talk, we'll come over. We'd love to see Kadence anyway."

  I hesitate because I didn't plan on doing this in person, even though I know I should. Because then there's no chance for Nora to twist my words. No pretending they didn't hear something right.

  "Alright," I say, trying to calm my nerves. "Ya'll can come by."

  I sit stiff on the couch, hands folded tight in my lap. KK's still asleep upstairs. Taytum's just gotten back from her run and hopped in the shower. I was hoping to handle this as a call quickly, cleanly, while the house was quiet but they came right over.

  Now they're here, sitting across from me like this is a casual Saturday visit. Nora's smiling too politely. John's got that unreadable look he always wears when he doesn't want to be here. My stomach churns.

  I take a breath. "I didn't call just to catch up."

  Nora nods slowly. "You said you needed to talk. We assumed it had something to do with Kadence."

  "It doesn't," I say. "Not directly."

  They both stiffen a little.

  "I'm pregnant," I say, not bothering to draw it out.

  Nora blinks like she's misheard me. John leans back like the news is physical.

  "How... How far along?" Nora asks.

  "I had my 16 week appointment yesterday."

  Nora gasps at that bit of information. "So you've known and you're just now telling us? And you're telling us because Chris...?"

  I swallow as I nod my head. "Yes. I didn't know I was pregnant until I was in the hospital from him attacking me and pushing me down the stairs. The baby was fine and is still fine."

  John glances at Nora then back to me. "And since you're 16 weeks, I'm guessing you might know what you're having. If so, what is it?"

  "It's a boy," I add. "I found out yesterday."

  The silence stretches just long enough to get uncomfortable before the sound of footsteps on the stairs breaks it. Taytum appears in the doorway, damp hair twisted in a towel, face flushed from the heat of the shower. She freezes when she sees them, but recovers quickly and walks over, slipping onto the couch beside me without saying a word.

  She doesn't ask why they're here. She just rests her hand on my thigh like she's ready if I need her.

  I square my shoulders.