Chapter 2

Cara’s POV

“Voicemail,” I said to the doctor, dialing his number again. The same thing happened again, and I drew my phone gently from my ear.

“It’s fine. He’s home today anyway. I’ll just head home and tell him about it.”

Doctor Mary nodded. “That’s better. Let him know I am truly happy for him—for the both of you. And I can’t wait for you to start your antenatal care. We have some of the best gynecologists that the state has to offer.”

I nodded, the smile growing on my face as I rose from the chair and headed out.

I was pregnant. I was freaking pregnant! It had finally happened after two harrowing years! I didn’t have to wait any longer.

An utter sense of glee took over my entire body as I made my way out of the hospital and into my car. Everything around me was suddenly full of color for some reason, and I couldn’t help but enjoy the painfully mundane activities I was already used to. I drove out of the hospital parking lot and joined the highway, goosebumps still visible all over my arms and my entire body.

The road stretched out before me, the sun kissing the world on the horizon. It was a whole new world now. One I couldn’t wait to explore with my baby. I placed my right hand on my stomach, still scared that I might wake up from this dream anytime soon.

My phone rang, and I connected it to the car’s stereo. It was Doctor Mary.

“Hey, Doc. I’m still on my way home,” I said, my voice laced with faint laughter.

“Ms. Stone—think—someone—”

I frowned. “Doc, I can’t hear you. Reception is terrible. Can you hear me?”

“I’m s—hurry—someone’s—you—go—”

“Doc, I’ll have to call you when I get home. I seriously can’t hear anything you’re saying.”

“Cand—yo—me?”

“I still can’t hear you, Doc. I’ll call you soon, when I’m out of this area.”

I hung up the call, putting both hands back on the steering wheel and letting myself wonder what she wanted to talk about for a moment. Soon, I forgot about it and let my mind return to the present. To this moment—one I was severely enjoying.

I couldn’t wait to get home. I couldn’t wait to see the look on Henry’s face when I finally told him. Two years of continuous pain and dashed hopes were finally beginning to pay off. The drive home was a breeze, and I didn’t feel the slightest fatigue as I parked my car in the garage. I jumped out of the car, almost hitting the roof with my head, and dashed to the front porch. The door was unlocked, and I pushed it open, walking in. A tiny part of me was apprehensive as I walked into the house.

What if he didn’t react well to the artificial insemination?

He had every reason not to. I had done the entire thing behind his back. Granted, I was scared and extremely doubtful. I didn’t want to see that disappointed look on his face one more time. As I walked into the foyer and headed to the key holder, I prayed that my husband was able to understand why I took this step.

I dropped my keys in the foyer, still giddy, and hurried on to the living room. That’s when I saw it—a pink women’s shirt, resting on the biggest couch in the living room. A mild frown covered my face.

Well, that wasn’t mine.

The entire living room was a mess, with some pieces of furniture displaced from where they usually stood. My eyes returned to the pink shirt, and I felt my heart start to race endlessly. Something about it looked familiar, but for some reason, I was too confused at the moment to place it.

What’s happening?

I slowly looked around the cluttered living room again as I made my way up the stairs. Even the couch pillows weren’t where they were supposed to be. Something was happening here.

Then I started to hear it. At first, it was faint, but as I moved up even further, it grew clearer, and I didn’t mistake it for what it was—loud female moans coming straight from the bedroom.

Oh God.

I hurried up the stairs and moved even closer to the door, my heart beating like it was going to jump straight out of my chest. The moans grew louder, and the voice making them grew even clearer.

“Oh, Henry—Yes, Henry.”

Wait. I knew that voice.

It was Patricia. My best friend.