Chapter 74 Telling Scarlett
Mia’s POV
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My morning sickness had finally started to ease. But sleep was becoming my new enemy sometimes. my dreams were filled with storm–grey eyes that had once known every inch of me. I’d wake gasping, only to find myself in my new apartment with Gas snoring softly from his bed.
This morning was no different. I lay in bed, watching dawn paint my ceiling in shades of pink and gold while my hands rested on my slightly rounded belly. Ten weeks. The babies were the size of small limes now, according to my pregnancy app.
My phone buzzed with Scarlett’s familiar tone:
“Get dressed! We’re going out tonight! &
I texted back: “Can’t drink, remember? Doctor’s orders.”
Her response was immediate: “So? You can still have fun! Besides, I need my best friend.”
I smiled despite myself. “Fine. But I’m leaving by 10.”
“Deal! Wear that green dress that makes your boobs look amazing! Love you!
Speaking of boobs… I glanced down at my chest, which had definitely gotten fuller lately. Soon I wouldn’t be able to hide the pregnancy at all. Maybe it was time to tell Scarlett.
“Mia?” Mom’s voice carried from the kitchen. “Breakfast is ready!”
The smell of bacon should have made me nauseous, but instead my stomach growled. These babies definitely had their father’s appetite.
No. I pushed that thought away as I pulled on my robe. They were my babies. Just mine.
Mom was at the stove, humming softly as she flipped pancakes. Gas sat at her feet, his tail thumping hopefully against the floor.
“No bacon for you,” she told him firmly. “It’s not good for puppies.”
Gas gave her his best sad eyes.
“Don’t even try it,” I laughed, settling at the counter. “She’s immune to puppy manipulation.”
“Just like I was immune to your ‘but Mom, everyone’s getting a phone‘ eyes at age twelve.” She set a plate in front of me. “Eat. Those babies need protein.”
I took a bite, savoring the perfect balance of sweet and salty. “I’m telling Scarlett tonight.”
Mom paused in her cooking. “Are you sure you’re ready?”
“She’s my best friend. And she’ll figure it out soon anyway.” I gestured to my growing chest. “These aren’t exactly subtle.”
“True.” She studied me over her coffee cup. “Just… be prepared. You know how Scarlett gets.”
I did know. Which is why I’d chosen La Luna for tonight – upscale enough to prevent any major scenes, but with private booths perfect for potentially dramatic conversations.
The day passed in a blur of work emails and design revisions for the children’s center. Before I knew it, it was time to get ready.
“The green dress still fits,” I called to Mom as I studied my reflection. “Though barely.”
“Enjoy it while you can,” she laughed. “Soon you’ll be living in my old maternity clothes.”
“Never!” But we both knew she was probably right.
La Luna was already busy when I arrived, the after–work crowd spilling from the bar into the lounge area. Scarlett waved from
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Chapter 74 Telling Scuffett
our usual corner booth, already nursing what looked like a dirty martini.
“Finally!” She air–kissed my cheeks. “I was about to send a search party. Why aren’t you wearing the green dress?”
“It’s a little tight.” I settled into the booth, grateful when the waiter immediately appeared with sparkling water.
“Tight?” She studied me over her glass. “Now that you mention it, you do look different. Glowing, almost.”
“About that…”
“Oh my god.” Her eyes widened. “Are you dating someone? Is it that hot doctor? Please tell me it’s the hot doctor!”
“Scar-
“Because honestly, after Kyle, you deserve-
“1
“I’m pregnant.”
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The olive from her martini slipped off its pick, splashing into the glass. “You’re what?”
“Twelve weeks.” I touched my stomach instinctively. “With twins.”
“Twins? Again” She knocked back her entire drink. “Holy shit. How? When?” Her eyes narrowed. “That fucking Kyle?”
I nodded, unable to meet her gaze.
“That night at Paradise?” When I didn’t respond, she signaled the waiter. “I’m going to need another drink. Actually, make it a
double.”
“Scar…”
“No, no, I’m processing.” She drummed her perfectly manicured nails against the table. “Does he know?”
“No. And he’s not going to.”
“Good choice! And, speaking of Paradise…” Scarlett’s voice trailed off as she looked over my shoulder. “Well, this is interesting.
11
I turned to find Daniel approaching our table, dressed in the upscale bar’s standard black uniform. His usual easy smile seemed slightly strained.
“Ladies.” He nodded professionally. “Welcome to La Luna.”
“Daniel?” I blinked in surprise. “You work here now?”
“Recent career change.” His smile turned wry. “Turns out Paradise’s new management had some… issues with certain employees.”
“New management?” Scarlett’s perfectly shaped eyebrows rose. “You mean Kyle.”
Daniel shrugged, but the tension in his shoulders told me everything. “These things happen. La Luna’s a better fit anyway. More my scene.”
“I’m so sorry,” I started, but he waved it off.
“Don’t be. Actually…” He shifted slightly. “I heard you’re divorced now. Maybe we could grab coffee sometime? When I’m not working, obviously.”
Scarlett choked on her fresh martini.
“That’s really sweet,” I said carefully. “But I should probably mention that I’m pregnant. With twins.”
His eyes widened comically. Definitely shocked. “Oh… em..! That’s… wow. Congratulations?”
Chapter 74 Telling Scarlett
“Thank you.” I couldn’t help smiling at his obvious discomfort.
“I should probably…” He gestured vaguely toward the bar. “Customers. But it was good seeing you both.”
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“Poor baby,” Scarlett murmured as he retreated. “He looked like someone kicked his puppy. Speaking of which, how’s Gas taking the pregnancy news?”
“He’s appointed himself official guardian of my stomach. Won’t let anyone near me lately.”
“Smart dog.” She finished her drink. “So… you’re really doing this Single mom of twins?”
“I have Mom. And you.” I reached for her hand. “That’s all I need
“Damn right you have me.” She squeezed my fingers. “Though this definitely changes my bachelorette party plans. No wild weekend in Vegas.”
“Thank god.”
“Oh! Speaking of parties…” She brightened. “My parents want to host a dinner next week. For you and your mom. Their words were ‘to welcome Sarah home properly‘.”
I thought about it. The Morgans had always been like second parents to me, especially after Dad left. “Okay. But no mention of the babies yet. I’m not ready for everyone to know.”
“Deal.” She signaled for the check. “Though you might want to rethink that green dress for dinner. Mom has eyes like a hawk when it comes to these things.”
Later that night, curled up in bed with Gas snoring at my feet, I scrolled through my pregnancy app again. The 3D image of two lime–sized babies made my throat tight.
My phone buzzed with a text from Scarlett: “I love you. Those babies are so lucky to have you as their mom.
I smiled, one hand resting on my stomach. Maybe she was right.
The babies shifted, too small for me to feel yet but somehow making their presence known anyway. My babies. My tiny miracles who had found their way back to me.
“I love you too,” I whispered to my belly. “Both of you. And I promise, no one will ever hurt you.”
Gas lifted his head at my voice, tail thumping softly against the mattress.
“Yes, you too.” I scratched his ears. “Best guard dog ever.”
I didn’t dream about Kyle this night.
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