391 Guess Who?
(Winona)
Two more days. I can handle two days of this secret, can’t I? Jayden is coming back tomorrow. He may have to head back soon but he’ll be here when I find out.
I can tell him in person at least.
My phone buzzes, jolting me back to the present. It’s a message from Lisa.
Just landed! Can’t wait to see you, girl!
Relief and a sliver of happiness wash over me. Lisa’s here, my rock. I type back quickly, letting her know the driver will be waiting for her.
A short while later, the doorbell rings, and I hurry to open it. She bounds in, grinning, suitcases rolling
beside her.
“Well, this so–called cottage is huge! But what is that behemoth the car drove past?”
“That is Gus’s estate. Gifted to him by the royal family of Brussels. I suspect they needed somewhere more maintenance free.” I grin.
“I am going to lo
staying there. Queen Lisa, if you please. Offfff with their heads!”
We both burst out laughing. She pulls me into a warm hug.
“Oh, I’m so glad you’re here,” I murmur, squeezing her back, the tension inside me loosening just a little.
As we step back, she glances over her shoulder. “Oh, by the way, guess who decided to hop on the flight at the last minute?”
“Huh?”
Lance steps through the door, his familiar grin in place. “Surprise!” he says, holding his arms open like he’s expecting me to be thrilled. And of course he has no clue why I wouldn’t be.
“Lance?” My voice comes out strained, but I force a smile. “Wow. I mean… welcome.”
He shrugs, setting his bag down. “Thought I’d come annoy Jayden.”
“Only Jayden is still in London. He’s had delays there. But tomorrow he says definitely. Even if just for a night. Things really blew up in London. I’ll tell you later.
“Don’t tell him I’m here. It’ll be a surprise. Where’s the bathroom.”
“Down the hall, second on the left.” We go into the open–plan area and sit on the sofa.
As soon as we sit, Lisa grabs my hand, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Okay, spill. What’s up?”
I glance at the doorway, then back at Lisa. “The blood test results came back. I’m around three months along.” I say in a low voice.
Her eyes widen, her expression a mix of surprise and cautious optimism. “Three months? So… hall pass week?”
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391 Guess Who?
+25 BONUS
I nod. “Yeah. Strong possibility. But I can’t tell Jayden yet, not without the DNA results. I don’t want to jump to conclusions and create a mess for nothing.”
Lisa squeezes my hand, her voice gentle but firm. “Look, I know this feels like the end of the world, but you can’t spiral into what–ifs. That baby inside you needs you focused and calm. Whatever happens, you’re strong enough to handle it.”
“Klara told me the same thing. And she’s right. I need to focus on the baby, on staying healthy. There’s still the best chance that Jayden is the father.”
“Exactly. So don’t let this take over everything. You’re doing the right thing by waiting for the DNA test. Two days isn’t forever.”
I let out a shaky breath, nodding. “Yeah. Two days. Lance doesn’t know, does he?”
“I never break a promise.”
“Good. I can’t risk Jayden finding out before I tell him.”
And just as my thoughts start to settle a bit, Lance strolls back in from the hallway.
“So,” he says, plopping himself onto the sofa across from us with a grin, “how’s life treating you here in Brussels? It looks amazing.”
I give him a small, polite smile, trying to mask the discomfort simmering inside me. “It’s been… an adjustment, for sure. I’ll give you a tour of the estate soon. Your mind will boggle at the treasures in there.”
“I can’t wait. Is it okay if I stay there as well?”
“I do have a spare room here now, the girls wanted to share again so you’re welcome in either place.” “I’m not sure I want the thumping of the bedsprings to keep me awake when Jayden gets back.” Lance
grins.
I nod, forcing a smile, but my mind is already racing back to the blood test, to the looming DNA results. I shift in my seat, my leg bouncing nervously. Lance’s gaze sharpens.
He narrows his eyes, looking between me and Lisa. “Alright, what’s going on? Something feels… off. No one ever not laughs at my jokes. I’m a funny fucker.”
“You aren’t half as funny as you like to think,” Lisa says quickly.
“Bullshit. You know it.”
“I’m just tired, Lance. It’s been hectic this week. You are still the funniest person I know.”
“Surely Jayden has beers in the fridge.” Lance says as he heads over to the kitchen.
“I don’t have any in here yet, but you’ll find plenty in the estate kitchen when we go up.”
“Say no more. I’ll head there now. Man’s not a camel.”
“Don’t harass the female staff, we have a lot of security.”
“As if I would.”
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