Chapter 351
Summer’s POV
The smell of beef stew hit me the moment I stepped into the kitchen and my stomach immediately revolted. I froze in the doorway.
“Is dinner ready?” I asked, trying to sound normal despite the sudden wave of nausea washing over me.
Brandon looked up with a smile. “Almost. Go wash your hands! Dinner’s ready!”
I took a cautious step forward, but as the rich aroma intensified, my stomach lurched violently. I clamped my hand over my mouth, feeling bile rise in my throat
Brandon turned around, his smile fading instantly when he saw my face. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
I couldn’t answer. The smell was overwhelming now, and I felt cold sweat breaking out across my forehead. I shook my head frantically and bolted for the nearest trash can by the kitchen door.
I barely made it, doubling over the bin as my body heaved. But nothing came up except bitter liquid–I hadn’t eaten much today.
“Summer!” Brandon was at my side in an instant, one hand on my back. “What’s going on? Are you sick? Is it your stomach?”
I coughed and spit into the trash, trying to catch my breath. “I don’t know,” I managed to gasp. “The smell just hit me and I
I couldn’t finish the sentence as another wave of nausea hit me. When I finally straightened up, I found Brandon staring at me with a strange intensity. His eyes had darkened, and his lips were pressed into a thin line.
“What?” I asked, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“When was your last period?” he asked abruptly.
I felt my face flush hot with embarrassment. “What? Why would you I stopped mid–sentence as his question actually registered in my brain.
Oh my God.
My mind raced back, trying to remember. When was my last period?’d been so busy with work and everything happening with Lyanna that I hadn’t even noticed…
“I… I don’t know,” I stammered, my heart suddenly pounding. “I can’t remember.”
Brandon pulled out his phone and opened his calendar app, scrolling back a few weeks. “According to this, you should have started around the 27th or 28th. Today’s the 30th.”
I stared at him, momentarily forgetting my nausea. “You track my periods in your calendar?”
He shrugged, not looking the least bit embarrassed. “Of course. It’s important information.”
T
“Oh my God,” I whispered, my hand unconsciously moving to my stomach. “I didn’t get my period last month enter. I thought it was just stress from everything that happened with Lyanna.”
Brandon’s eyes lit up, and a smile slowly spread across his face.
You think I’m pregnant?” I asked, my voice barely audible.
Chapter 351
Brandon didn’t answer right away. Instead, he ran his hand through is hair–something he rarely did—and started pacing the kitchen. His usual composure was completely gone, replaced by an almost manic energy I’d never seen in him before.
“Brandon?
“You stay right there,” he ordered, pointing at me. “Sit down. Since you don’t want to eat this stuff, just rest. I’m going out for a bit!
He was already moving, patting his pockets for his car keys, then doubling back to grab his wallet from the counter. He practically sprinted to the door, leaving me standing there in shock.
“Brandon!” I called after him. “Calm down! Where are you going?”
“Just stay there!” he shouted back, and then he was gone.
Thirty–five minutes later, Brandon burst into the kitchen, still wearing his outdoor shoes, clutching a large pharmacy bag. His hair was disheveled, and there was a wild look in his eyes.
“Here, he said, thrusting the bag at me. “The pharmacy worker explained how to use them. I wasn’t sure which one would be most accurate, so I got one of each brand. Just to be safe.”
I peeked into the bag and felt my face heat up. There had to be at least eight different pregnancy tests inside.
“Brandon!” I exclaimed, mortified. “I can’t believe you bought out the entire pharmacy!”
“I was concerned about accuracy,” he said seriously. “This is important, Summer. We need to be sure.”
I headed toward the bathroom, feeling Brandon’s eyes on me the whole way. “Brandon! Calm down, will you? I’m just going to try a couple first. You stay here.”
As I waited for the results, my mind raced with possibilities. What would it mean if I was pregnant? How would our lives change?
I glanced down at the first test and my heart leaped–two lines. Positive.
“Oh my God,” I whispered, a smile spreading across my face. I couldnt help it–I actually jumped up and down a little in excitement.
To be sure, I quickly took a second test from a different brand. A few minutes later, there it was again–two lines. Positive.
When I finally opened the door, Brandon was right there, his face a mask of barely contained anxiety.
“Well?” he demanded, his voice tight. “What did it say?”
I arranged my features into a disappointed expression and sighed heavily. “Brandon…”
His face fell immediately, and he stepped forward to pull me into his arms. “It’s okay,” he said softly, stroking my hair. “We’re still young, Summer. There’s plenty of time for children later. Or we can start trying now if you want.”
His immediate acceptance and support made my eyes well up with tears. I pushed against his chest to look up a
Brandon Stark,” I said, unable to keep the smile off my face any longer, “you are going to be a father.”
He froze, his eyes widening. “What?”
I laughed and pulled the two positive tests from my pocket, waving them in front of him. “Two lines. I’m pregnant!”
2/3
Chapter 351
Brandon’s expression transforthed from confusion to pure joy in an stant. Before I could say another word, he had swept me up into his arms, spinning me around.
“Brandon!” I shrieked, laughing Put me down! Be careful with the Baby!
He immediately set me down, his harids moving to cradle my face. “You’re right, I’m s shining with happiness. “We’re having a baby?”
sorry, I’ll be more careful. His eyes were
1 nodded, feeling tears of joy spill down my cheeks. “We’re having a baby.”
Brandon pressed his forehead against mine, his hands now gently resting on my still–flat stomach. ‘I can’t believe it,‘ he murmured. “This is amazing.”
“Are you happy?” I asked softly.
“Happy doesn’t begin to cover it,” he replied, his voice thick with emotion. “Summer, this is… I never thought I could feel this way.”
“And we need to call Sean,” Brandon continued, already pulling out his phone. “We need to get you the best doctor, schedule a full checkup, make sure everything is okay.”
“Brandon,” I said, placing my hand over his. “Slow down. We have time for all that tomorrow. Right now, can we just… enjoy this moment?”
He took a deep breath and nodded, his face softening into a smile that made my heart melt. “You’re right.”
I placed my hand on my stomach, marveling at the miracle growing inside me. Despite all the drama with Lyanna, despite all the business challenges, despite everything–this felt right. This felt like the beginning of something beautiful.
“Our baby,” I whispered, looking up at Brandon with tears in my eyes.
“Our baby,” he repeated, his voice filled with wonder. “I love you, Summer. Both of you.”
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