possibilities while lightly rubbing her stomach. Grabbing her laptop, she brought up information about pregnancy and how soon the symptoms appeared. Next, she researched pregnancy with Lupus. After discovering the truth within Rich’s earlier words—high chances of a healthy child—she thought about raising a child with him.
When she grew hungry again, her eyes widened as she ticked off the time since their hot tub tryst and the lateness of her period. She gasped as she realized the chances. Although it had only been a little over a week since they’d first had sex, she had thought her late period—one week to be exact—was due to stress.
Hearing Rich return, a small smile lifted the corners of her mouth. She grabbed the robe and headed for the kitchen but stopped when she remembered his demand that she stay in bed. Pausing at the door, she heard Nadia’s lilting voice as she helped him inside before the nurse gasped.
Opening the door slightly to eavesdrop, Candice grinned when Nadia hissed, “A pregnancy test?”
Rich made a shushing noise before saying, “She might be. I’m hopeful. Look what else I got her.”
This time, Nadia’s harsh gasp made Candice jerk the door open. A rustling of something before Rich called, “Get back in bed, Candice. I’ll be in there in a minute.”
She glared at Nadia who was staring at her with a mixture of astonishment and distaste. Spinning around, she left the door open as she went back to the bed. Within moments, Rich came into the room and pitched a pregnancy test on the bed while grinning from ear to ear, “You said you’re irregular. How late are you?”
“Yeah but it’s only a week. I’m always irregular.” Her breathy tone and wide eyes made him assure her, “You know how I feel about you, Candice. I’d love to have a child with you. The box says the test can detect up to a week after missed period.”
She climbed off the bed but frowned, “I’m going to need some juice or water. I don’t have to go yet.” She grinned, “And I’m hungry again.”
A grin split his face while hope sparkled in his eyes, “More soup or another peanut butter/banana sandwich?”
“Both sound good.”
Rich dragged her to him, “Excellent. Get back in bed. I’ll be right back.”
Returning with the tray, he sat down while she ate. Pausing at his amused expression, she asked, “What’s so funny?”
“If you’re not pregnant, you have the most bizarre diet I’ve ever seen. Chicken soup with peanut butter and bananas?” He shuddered before adding, “Then again, you used to eat chips for breakfast.”
Halfway through the sandwich, she groaned, “I’m stuffed but I’m still hungry.”
“Candice, you must be pregnant. I don’t care what that test says. When Cassie was pregnant, she was the same way.”
She crawled off the bed, now anticipating finding out, “Okay. Let me go take this test.”
He followed her into the bathroom but she put her hands on her hips, “I am not peeing with you in here.”
“I’ll be right outside the door. Bring that out with you and no peeking. I want both of us to find out at the same time. Give me that box.”
Chapter Nine
He read the instructions, needlessly directing her before she opened the door and came back out. Both of them paced until the time had passed. At the plus sign, she breathed, “Wait. What does that mean?”
He whooped and swept her into his arms, spinning around with her while saying, “It’s a positive, Candice.”
Stunned speechless, Candice stared at him as Nadia ran into the room. Neither noticed her until she breathed, “She’s…?”
Nodding, his gaze flew to Candice when she said, “Nadia, please don’t tell my uncle yet.”
She smirked, “I think he needs to know.”
“That’s okay, Nadia. We’ve got this.” He winked at the nurse before ushering Candice into the bathroom. She scowled at him, “Would you quit flirting with her? She’s after your ass. Can’t
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