California Girls(117)

Just when she thought she was going to have to go into the appointment by herself, the elevator opened and Clark stepped out. Zennie ran to him, her arms outstretched.

“They’re still not here. I don’t know what’s going on, but it has to be bad. What am I going to do? My best friend is dead and I’m pregnant. I know it sounds horrible, but I wasn’t looking to have a baby. I can’t do this. I can’t. I know everyone thinks I’m strong, but I’m not.”

Clark held her until she finished talking, then put his hands on her shoulders and stared into her eyes.

“There is a perfectly logical explanation for what has happened. I don’t know what it is, but it’s something. We will find out and we will deal. You’re not going to have the baby on your own. All the legal issues were covered in the paperwork.”

“You don’t know that,” she said frantically. “I might want kids someday but I’m not sure and definitely not like this. Not now. Not with Hayes.”

“Zennie, calm down. Breathe. It’s going to be fine.”

“You don’t know that,” she repeated.

“I do. Whatever happens, we’ll get through it. I meant what I said before. We’re friends and you can count on me. How long have you been waiting?”

“Nearly an hour.”

“Let’s go inside and get to the procedures, then we’ll manage the rest, okay?”

She nodded, still unable to catch her breath. “I don’t understand.”

“I know. It’s okay. Whatever is happening, you have lots of support. If it’s bad, DeeDee and Cassie will be with you as soon as they’re off work. You have your sisters and your mom.”

“Thank you,” she said. “I’m sorry to be such a mess.”

“You’re fine. Now let’s go in and torture me with whatever this is.”

She managed a smile and led the way back into the waiting area.

It took another forty minutes for her to be called. Clark waited outside while she put on a gown and robe, then stretched out on the table for the ultrasound. When the technician let him in, Bernie raced in with him and hovered by Zennie’s side.

“I’m sorry,” her friend said, the right side of her face swollen and puffy. “I’m so sorry. I woke up in horrible pain and went to the ER this morning. They sent me to my dentist where I had to have an emergency root canal. It took forever and they knocked me out with something and I never thought to text because I didn’t think it would take four hours.” Bernie grabbed her hand. “And Hayes is in court so he couldn’t contact you but he’s on his way and oh, Zennie, I’m sorry. I hope we didn’t scare you.”

The relief was sweet. Zennie held on to Bernie’s hand. “I’m okay,” she said. “I was worried that something had happened.” She glanced over her friend’s shoulder to see Clark giving her an “I told you so” smile. She smiled back.

Hayes walked in and hurried over.

“Everyone okay?” he asked. “Sorry I got stuck in court. Bernie, you look awful.”

“I feel awful. They drugged me. I had to Uber over, so we’ll need to get my car later, but none of that matters.” She squeezed Zennie’s hand again. “Let’s see our baby.”

“We’ll do the heartbeat first,” the technician said, pulling a container of gel out of a warming oven.

Zennie held out her free hand to Clark, so he could join them. Bernie looked between the two of them, but didn’t say anything. Later Zennie would tell her about the meltdown and they would all laugh, but for now, she was grateful for the support.

“Here we go,” the technician said.

For what felt like the longest time, there was nothing. Zennie knew that finding the heartbeat this early could take some doing. It all depended on the position of the baby in her body and the—

The sound of tiny galloping horses filled the room. Bernie cried out and clutched Hayes. Clark squeezed Zennie’s hand.

“Let me get Dr. McQueen,” the tech said with a smile. “She’ll want to count the beats.”

Zennie knew that one hundred and twenty to one hundred and sixty beats per minute was normal. The beats were strong and regular and there really was a person growing inside of her.

“Thank you,” Bernie said, with a shaky smile. “Oh, Zennie, thank you for everything.”

“Of course. You’re my friend.”

“And you’re a miracle.”

“I’ve never been a miracle before,” Zennie admitted, telling herself to remember this moment for when it got hard. Because this made it all worthwhile.





Chapter Thirty-One


    Six months later...


Ali studied the brochure from the Four Seasons in the Bahamas. It was a beautiful resort with every possible amenity. She didn’t dare imagine the price, but it was tempting.

“Are you sure?”

Daniel looked up from his desk. They were in his home office on a lazy Saturday morning, debating what to do after Mary Jo and Parker’s destination wedding on Valentine’s Day. The happy couple was flying everyone to Jamaica for the ceremony at one of those all-inclusive resorts. The timing worked out—Zennie would be recovered from having Bernie’s baby and Finola could easily fly in from New York.