Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 80555 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80555 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
“Is she going to be okay?” Declan asked me, forehead creasing with concern.
“Probably. A lot of pregnant people struggle with nausea, but I wish she’d let me take her in for a prescription and maybe some IV fluids. Is Jonas working? I was hoping maybe he could convince her.”
As much as I enjoyed Declan’s company, he was younger and a former motocross racer, whereas Jonas and I had twenty-plus years of friendship and shared medical experience to draw on.
“Yeah, this is his first week at the family practice. Regular hours.” Declan fist-pumped as his voice took on a cheery tone. “He’ll still pick up a few shifts at the ER, though, especially when I’m not in town.”
“How’s your commentating gig going?” I glanced at the hallway, waiting for Maren to reappear.
“Really well. I like it more than I expected. I miss Jonas when I’m on the road, but it feels good to still be connected to the sport.” Declan smiled broadly. He was cute, with chiseled features and auburn hair. I could see what Jonas saw in him. “Speaking of being in town, why don’t you let Jonas and me take you out? You need a break, and we’ve been considering trying the new menu at The Heist.”
Fuck. I’d avoided The Heist and Magnus since I sought him out after Maren’s big announcement. He’d had some wise words and had defused my initial anger, allowing me to move on to other, more complicated emotions. However, I still wasn’t eager to see the guy again. “I don’t—”
“All better.” Maren’s return saved me from having to come up with an excuse. She crossed to the fridge, where she made herself a glass of water only to sniff it and make a face. “I know I need water, but it tastes weird to me.”
Setting the cookie box on the counter, Declan made a sympathetic noise. “Flat ginger ale? That’s one of my go-to hangover remedies.”
“We’re out.” Maren’s disappointed sigh made me want to go on a grocery run right that minute. Before I could grab my keys, Diesel appeared at the kitchen door, bouncing around like a blue-haired poodle.
“My lady.” He did an exaggerated bow for Maren, handing her a large plastic cup. “I believe you requested a limeade.”
“Yes. Thank you.” She took a healthy sip. Her voice sounded stronger than it had all day, so I supposed that was one point for Diesel. “I feel bad making you bring me a drink on your day off.”
“Hey, I’m more than happy to do it.” He gave her a one-armed hug while she continued to sip her drink through a straw. And to my utter shock, Maren leaned against him. She’d never been big on touch or hugs, even with close friends, but here she was, letting Diesel hang on her. I remained doubtful about Diesel’s maturity, but perhaps there was a little more between them than a college fling after all.
“How’s work going?” I asked him in a bid to be conversational.
“Great.” Not letting go of Maren, he beamed at me. “I’ve got my forklift certification now, and I put in for a shift lead opening that has better hours.”
“Excellent.” I gave a tight smile. He was trying to be responsible. I could give the kid that, but I continued to struggle to see how he and Maren would make this raising-a-baby thing work.
After Declan left, I excused myself to take a long-overdue nap. Perhaps Magnus had a point. I could be rather cranky. Closer to dinner time, I awoke to a quiet house, which was something I needed to get used to. John was camping with friends. Rowan was already in LA. Wren was quietly occupied in their room on their computer. Maren was lying on the couch in the living room with a damp washcloth on her head, and Diesel sat on the floor next to her.
“Still nauseous?” I came to stand behind the couch, closer to the entryway, feeling rather helpless, which I actively tried to avoid. “What have you kept down?”
“The limeade.” Maren offered a half-smile. “Mostly.”
“No chance I could talk you into some IV fluids?”
“Yeah, because we keep IV kits laying around the house.” Even dehydrated and nauseated, Maren’s eye roll was on point. “I’m fine.”
“Is there anything you think you might keep down for dinner?” Diesel asked before I could.
“Some of those cold sesame noodles from your dad’s place.” Maren had more of a real smile for him. “And the smashed potato things? I have dreams about those.”
Me too. I couldn’t admit that, but I certainly understood the craving. And for Maren, I’d even chance another encounter with Magnus.
“Call the order in, and I can pick it up.”
“Already texted my dad.” Diesel held up his phone. “He’ll bring the food over. Maren and I want to talk to you both together anyway.”