Total pages in book: 17
Estimated words: 15962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 80(@200wpm)___ 64(@250wpm)___ 53(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 15962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 80(@200wpm)___ 64(@250wpm)___ 53(@300wpm)
She knew one day her father planned on giving her the DIY store, and she was looking forward to it. Her sister wasn’t interested in the store, and according to the rumor mill, she didn’t need to work again because of the alimony she got from her divorce.
Approaching her parents’ front door, she didn’t even need to knock before Adele opened it.
“Well, well, well, I wondered when you two were going to show up,” Adele said.
Freya couldn’t help the guilt that traveled up her spine at the sight of her sister. “Adele,” she said.
Her sister looked at her, and Freya felt like she was going to be sick.
“Whoa, sweetie, are you okay?”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine,” Freya said.
Maverick held onto her tightly. “Are you sure?”
“Look, this was all a joke,” Adele said, giving a light laugh. “Trust me, there are no hard feelings. Maverick is great, but I only ever used him when we were kids. You don’t need to worry.”
Freya took a deep breath and then chuckled. “I, uh, I don’t know what came over me.”
“What are you all doing on the front porch?” their mother asked, coming to the front door. Tilly Parker gave them a tut. “You’re going to cause no end of gossip, the lot of you. Now, get your butts inside.”
“I’m just going to take Freya to the bathroom,” Adele said.
Freya didn’t argue but she did glance over toward Maverick, feeling guilty for leaving him. The frown between his brows worried her, but then that sick feeling consumed her once again, and she felt like she was going to throw up.
“Come on, I’ve got you. It’s time to get you to the bathroom.”
They made it to the bathroom in time, and Adele held her hair back, as Freya threw up her morning breakfast. She hadn’t been able to eat a lot, because that pesky sick feeling refused to disappear. Adele continued to rub her back.
“You know, you don’t have to worry, or stress out. I’m not upset about you and Maverick. In fact, I was so right.”
“Right?” Freya asked.
“You and Maverick look so damn cute together. It was like you were both designed to be together.”
Freya took a deep breath, and she knew she wasn’t going to be sick anymore. Adele helped her, grabbing a toothbrush and keeping her hair out of her face as she brushed, and then splashed some water on her face.
She was more than ready to head back to Maverick, but Adele forced her to sit down on top of the lowered toilet seat.
“What? What is it?” she asked, hating this nervousness that started to consume her.
“Have you … told Maverick?” Adele asked.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“You and I both know that you’re pregnant. Have you taken a test?”
“I don’t know that I’m pregnant, okay? The sick feeling has only happened over the last couple of days.”
“Yeah, and by my calculations, I think that is close to what? Two months, give or take, that, you know, symptoms can start to show.”
“Pregnancy is not an illness.”
Adele rolled her eyes. “Fine, signs then—whatever you want to call it that will make it acceptable to you. You’re going to have to take a test, and then you’re going to have to tell Maverick. Depending on what order you decide. You need to make sure everything is … taken care of.”
“Are you suggesting I abort my baby?” Freya asked.
“Hell, no, what I’m saying is there are vitamins, health checks, everything you need to put in place, to make sure mommy and baby are perfect. You’re my sister, Freya, and you’re carrying my little niece or nephew. I can’t wait to spoil him or her rotten.”
****
Maverick was already aware of the signs. He’d noticed them the past week. Freya’s mysterious morning illness, sudden aversion to coffee and certain strong smells. He didn’t know if she was aware of it, but he certainly was of her sensitive nipples, and he’d spent a lot of time licking and sucking at those large buds. He knew when they were a little too sensitive.
The dry toast or crackers that helped to settle her stomach, along with her fruit tea, were all signs.
She’d not started to show just yet, but he had a feeling he might have already gotten her pregnant on that very first night, which was insane to think about.
He sat in the living room, all while Elliot was giving him the stink eye. He didn’t know what was wrong with Freya but he must have figured Maverick was responsible.
“You’ve got a nice home, Mr. Parker,” he said.
“Let’s cut the crap, shall we? What are your intentions with my daughter?” Elliot asked.
“Elliot! You cannot go asking the man that. Freya would have a fit.” Tilly came into the room, tutting. She handed Maverick a mug of tea.
He’d stopped drinking coffee, at least anywhere in the vicinity of Freya, and he also stopped drinking it at least two hours before he saw her again, so he didn’t stink of it. He knew she hated her lack of desire for coffee. She loved her coffee, and especially when she changed it up to a mocha latte, and she’d even mentioned a pumpkin special at the local café around Halloween.