You, Me, and A Baby Make Three

brOOKLYNN

SIX MONTHS LATER

Moving to Charlotte six months ago was scary as hell. But exciting. I kept my partnership in the salon but was able to rent my booth to someone. I'm doing hair, renting a booth in Charlotte and loving all the new people I'm meeting. Plus, I'm kind of a big deal here since Forrest is on the NHL team.

I've never been a social ladder climber, but it's exciting to be recognized. I mean, I'm not being chased down by adoring fans or anything, but I've been recognized in the wild a few times out to lunch or shopping around town.

My stomach rolls, and I place my hand against it as I wait for my next client. I have about twenty minutes before she shows. Looking over to my counter, I see my phone there. I grab it and open the period tracker app to see if I'm supposed to start today and maybe that's why my stomach is feeling funny.

Oh shit.

Scrolling to the previous month, I check when I last had my period.

I haven't been paying attention.

I've been living my life, enjoying being a newlywed and basking in all things work and hockey. I haven't paid attention. I haven't been checking my tracker or the dates. I didn't realize.

Oh shit.

I've missed a whole period… I count the weeks and gasp.

It's been seven weeks.

I look around the salon in a panic. I don't know what to do. I don't know where to go. Biting the corner of my lip, I stand from my chair on shaky legs and head toward the front door, stopping at reception to tell her that I'll be back in a few minutes.

Once I'm outside and standing on the sidewalk, I turn to the left and head toward the pharmacy that I know is just a few doors down. I know because I've bought emergency tampons there before. Well, I may not be needing those for a while.

Oh god.

Walking faster, I slip into the pharmacy and head straight for the pregnancy tests. Once I buy one, I go straight back to the salon and run to the bathroom. I can't focus on anything until I know the answer.

When I've taken it, I set it on the counter and call Lorelai. She answers in an instant. I don't know why she's the friend I chose to burden with this panicked moment of mine.

Maybe it's because she's been in my shoes.

Maybe it's because I know she won't blab it to the world.

"Can you talk?" I ask.

"What's wrong?"

She can tell I'm freaked way out. "I just bought a pregnancy test," I blurt out.

She sucks in a breath. I hear it over the phone. Then she lets it out slowly. "Okay. Are we scared, nervous, excited?"

"Yes to all," I state.

She laughs again, but she's not laughing at me because I know she's been in my exact shoes. Instead, it's with me. She understands exactly what thoughts are going through my head and why I'm sitting here shaking like a leaf in the salon bathroom.

"You're married. Forrest loves you, and you're financially stable. This is a good thing, Brooklynn."

I almost moan because, yes, it could be a wonderful thing, but at the same time, it's the scariest thing I've ever been through. But then Lorelai isn't wrong at all. I am married and have been for six months. Forrest is doing amazingly, and he's still coaching and giving private lessons on the side for extra money to invest. I'm doing well, too.

We own two houses right now. Our home in Willow Creek, which we rent out, and one here in Charlotte. We're in a great place, but I was hoping we would have a little more time.

"We always want more time, babe," Lorelai murmurs. She's right. There is never enough time, not for anything. "Look at the test, Brook."

Reaching out, I wrap my fingers around the test and lift it from the countertop. I hold it out, and my eyes scan the word that is digitally printed in the center of the screen.

"Pregnant," I whisper.

Lorelai cries out with excited surprise, but I don't know how I feel yet. "Oh my god," I say on a gasp. "Pregnant."

"Pregnant," she says.

I close my eyes as tears roll down my cheeks. I cannot believe this is real. I'm pregnant. And now I'm supposed to function for the rest of the day. Impossible. I let out a sigh and open my eyes again, then clear my throat.

"Thank you, Lai," I say. "Thank you for being here and listening to me."

Lorelai clears her throat. "No," she murmurs. "Thank you, Brooklynn. I'm so happy you chose me to share this moment with you. Now, bask in the excitement of what's to come. Go home to Forrest and share this intimacy with him. Then call me tomorrow and tell me exactly what happened."

Ending the call, I take her advice.

Every single piece of it.

Then, when my workday is finished, I go home to my husband.

I have news to share with him. Huge news. The biggest of the big news.

FORREST

Something is up.

When I walk into the house, I'm surprised to see Brooklynn standing at the kitchen counter, her attention on the front door. Smiling, I move toward her, but she holds up her hand to stop me, her palm facing me.

I stop, but my head jerks back in surprise.

"I have something to say," she announces.

Tilting my head to the side, I watch her. I'm worn the fuck out from practice. All I want is a beer, some food, a hot bath, and my bed. But whatever she has to say intrigues me, so I plant my feet wide and wait.

I watch as she sucks in a deep breath, then lets it out slowly, lifting her gaze to meet mine. She's serious as fuck, and that worries me. I press my lips together as I wait. Then she speaks.

"I took a test today. I'm pregnant."

My world spins.

It swirls, it twirls, and then it lands on the right side, and I see everything clearly. My feet move as I rush toward her. Wrapping my arms around her, I pick her up and twirl her in a circle, then I press my lips against hers in a kiss. It's hard and fast.

"Seriously?" I ask.

Her laughter fills the space around us. "Seriously."