“Might as well get it over with and say it in front of Poppy,” Jasmine said.

  “Good point.”

  She moved out of the flower shop, then down the hall to the retail shop and into the back where she heard voices. Just as she figured, Ivy was talking with Poppy, but Rose and Daisy were there too.

  “What’s going on, Dahlia?” Ivy asked.

  “You ran out so fast I didn’t have a chance to tell you something.”

  “Oh,” Ivy said. “I’m sorry. What is it?”

  “That Hugh and I love each other.”

  She turned to walk out of the room on that statement. There was laughter and her sister yelling at her to get back there.

  She wasn’t returning though and Ivy was hot on her tail like a cat chasing a mouse and following her into her office.

  “How can you say that and walk away from me?” Ivy said.

  “I wanted you to hear it from me,” she said.

  “Did you have makeup sex with Hugh and then said you loved each other?” Ivy asked. She was all but dancing in the small office.

  “We said it before the sex,” she said.

  “Look at you all smiles and talking like the rest of us in here. I said he was good for you and now I know it.”

  “He is good for me,” she said. “Now go back to work. I’ve got things to do.”

  “Fine,” Ivy said. “But everyone wants to meet him. Maybe Jasmine can have a summer party or something and all the couples can get together. It’s funny how we are all hooking up now. I’ll tell her to have an engagement party for me.”

  “No,” she said. “Now that she is pregnant, she doesn’t need to be doing that. If you want a party, you can throw one yourself at Brooks’s house.”

  Her baby sister pouted. “I don’t think he will be on board with that. He’s not a big fan of people.”

  “Then figure it out. Otherwise, my coworkers will meet Hugh at Heather’s wedding.”

  “Nope,” Ivy said. “I’ll make sure he comes into the office to see you again when we are all here.”

  She wouldn’t put it past her sister.

  “Bye, Ivy.”

  “Bye, lovebird.”

  She snorted and pulled her laptop out to get to work. Maybe things would calm down now.

  30

  SEEN IT ALL

  Hugh couldn’t remember the last time he’d driven as fast as he was just a few miles to Dahlia’s apartment a week later.

  He parked and opened up the door of his SUV before it was even off and dashed up the stairs to her apartment, then threw the door open.

  “Why did you call him?” Dahlia said from the couch.

  She was lying down scowling at her sisters.

  “Because you passed out,” Ivy said. “You scared the crap out of me and Jasmine. We couldn’t even catch you before you hit the floor.”

  “She crumpled gracefully,” Jasmine corrected. “Don’t scare Hugh.”

  “Hugh doesn’t scare easily,” Dahlia said. “Though the way he just barged in here, I might think twice.”

  “Not funny, Dahlia. You know why I did.”

  He watched the two sisters looking at his pregnant girlfriend.

  “What is going on?” Jasmine said. “She wouldn’t let us call an ambulance. I want her to go to the ER or at least urgent care.”

  “She’s going to call her doctor with no arguments,” he said firmly.

  “Why don’t you seem shocked over this?” Jasmine asked. “Either of you.”

  “Tell them, Dahlia, or I will.”

  She let out a big huff. “Fine. I’m pregnant.”

  “What?” Jasmine asked.

  Ivy just burst out laughing.

  “Stop it, Ivy,” she said.

  “I can’t. Really? You’re pregnant. The strait-laced one of us. The one that organizes and plans everything and you’re pregnant? You haven’t even been together for three months. How far along are you?”

  “She’s nine weeks,” he said.

  Ivy laughed even harder. “Stop it, Ivy,” Jasmine said this time. But Jasmine was grinning too. Maybe Dahlia needed this reaction to the news.

  “I’m the one everyone thought would get knocked up before I was married and yet it was you two,” Ivy said, pointing at both of her sisters. “You both always lectured me about dating and having sex. That I rushed into things. Maybe if you two had sex more like I did, you’d be on a backup form of birth control like me. You know, like when Brooks’s condom leaked, he was nervous and I wasn’t. I had it covered. Looks like I’m the smart one of us.”

  Hugh grinned. He hadn’t known Jasmine had gotten pregnant before she was married. It wasn’t something that came up and he didn’t even care.

  “Yeah, well, shit happens,” Dahlia said.

  “I have to know,” Ivy said. “Was it like the first time you guys had sex?”

  “That’s intrusive and personal,” Jasmine said.

  “Does it matter?” Dahlia asked. “It happened.”

  “When are you due?” Jasmine asked. “Since you know all this information, you’ve been to the doctor. Which means the doctor knows you are having issues. Fill us in, please.”

  “Yes,” Ivy said. “Tell us what is going on. And I’m mad you kept this from us too.”

  “You know I’ve got a weak stomach. I’ve been throwing up on and off. I’ve passed out a few times. Just lightheaded. They said it’s normal.”

  “You could get hurt falling,” Ivy said.

  “As Jasmine said, I was graceful.”

  “This isn’t a joke,” Hugh said.

  “No,” Ivy said. “Maybe I need to move back home. You shouldn’t be alone. What if you fell and hit your head?”

  “Dahlia and I will be having this exact conversation ourselves. I think you need to move in with me. For the reason your sister just said.”

  “Come on,” she said. “I haven’t passed out in weeks. When I get lightheaded, I sit down. I catch it. This time I had nowhere to sit and was going to try to sit on the floor, which is why I was so graceful.”

  “We aren’t arguing about this,” he said. “For your safety and the baby’s. And you’re still calling the doctor.”

  “I was going to talk to her at my next appointment. It’s next week.”

  “Don’t care,” he said, crossing his arms. “I’m bigger and stronger than you and if you don’t call right now, then I’m going to pick your ass up and drive you to urgent care. Those are your only two choices.”

  “Oh man,” Ivy said, giggling. “I love you, Hugh. You give it to her. You’re the best thing ever for her and I’m so glad you’re in love so when she yells at you, you’ll make up.”

  “I don’t yell,” she snapped.

  “Dahlia doesn’t. That is the closest she gets,” Jasmine said.

  “Decide, Dahlia.”

  “Give me my phone, please.”

  Ivy grabbed her purse from the kitchen counter and brought it over and they waited while she called, then talked to the nurse. It sounded as if they wanted to see her.

  “Well?” he asked.

  “They asked me to come in in an hour,” she said.

  “I’ll take you,” he said.

  She looked as if she was going to argue but nodded her head.

  “We can leave, Ivy,” Jasmine said. “I’m assuming this is still private? You know Poppy and Rose are going to question us.”

  He knew Lily was out of work at this point. The baby was due in a few weeks, but Dahlia had said her boss was working from home.

  “Just tell them that I’ve had a cold or something and I’m going to the doctor,” she said. “I’m not ready for everyone to know. I wanted to wait another few weeks until I was out of the first trimester.”

  “We are only a month apart,” Jasmine said.

  “Yeah. Imagine that,” she said.

  “We’ll talk more after your appointment. Maybe you and Hugh can come to dinner one night this weekend. You might have some questions.”

  Dahlia sighed. “I do. I’ve been researching things. It’d be nice to talk to someone. You don’t get sick like me, but I remember a lot of what Rose did and am trying that.”

  Ivy moved over to hug her. “I’m so happy. And you’ll be back in shape for the wedding too. Mom and Dad said they were coming. I talked to them last night. I was going to tell you guys today before Dahlia passed out.”

  “I’m so happy they are coming,” Dahlia said. “I know how much that means to you.”

  “I asked Dad to please arrange it,” Ivy said. “I want him to give me away.”

  “And he missed my wedding so he’ll be looking forward to it,” Jasmine said.

  “He’ll have two more grandkids when they come too,” Ivy said. “Maybe you can get married while they are here too, Dahlia. Then Dad won’t miss yours.”

  “Out, Ivy,” she said, pointing her finger.

  Ivy laughed and Jasmine pulled her out. It was probably for the best. He knew he had his work cut out for him getting Dahlia to live with him; the topic of marriage was a long way off.

  The two of them were left alone. “I’m sorry you were called and pulled away from work.”

  “It’s fine,” he said. “How are you feeling?”

  “Embarrassed. Not the way I wanted my sisters to find out. Figures Ivy would laugh.”

  “It could have been worse,” he said. “They seem happy about it.”

  “Yeah,” she said, smiling. “They did. Not sure why I didn’t think they would be.”

  “Are you going to tell your parents?”

  “Not yet,” she said.

  He knew she talked to her parents once a week, most times. It was usually a few emails here and there. Her parents did know the two of them were dating. Dahlia had said Ivy told them. He wasn’t sure how he felt about that either but not much he could do about it now.

  “My parents are coming in a few weeks,” he said. “You know that. I’d like to tell them in person. It will be close to the end of your first trimester.”

  “We’ll talk about it more,” she said. “Though I don’t see a reason not to tell them.”

  He was glad she was being reasonable. “Can I get you anything before we go?”

  “No,” she said. “I feel fine. We need to leave in a few minutes anyway. It’s fifteen minutes away and they want me to have blood work first, so I’ve got to be there earlier.”

  “Then let's get what you need and go.”

  She swung her legs off the couch, sat there for a minute and then stood up. He moved closer to her.

  “I’m all right. I just do that to make sure that I am. I’m going to pee and get a bottle of water. I was sick a lot this morning for some reason and I think that might be part of it.”

  He sighed. “Why didn’t you tell me that?”

  “Because you don’t need to know every time I throw up,” she said.

  “I will once you move in with me,” he said.

  She turned to look at him. “You’re not going to let me tell you no, are you?”

  “No,” he said. “This can’t be up for debate.”

  “Let’s see what the doctor says.”

  “I don’t care what the doctor says,” he said. “I love you. You’re carrying my child. I think it’s natural to want you with me so I can help you when you need it.”

  “We’ll talk about it more,” she said and walked to the bathroom.

  He got her a bottle of water and then waited longer than necessary. He thought maybe she was getting sick again, but he’d heard the door open a few minutes ago.

  When she walked out in shorts and a T-shirt, he realized she’d changed.

  “You’re not going back to work?” he asked.

  “No. There will be too many questions. I’ve got my laptop and can work from home.”

  “Good decision,” he said.

  He drove her to the doctor, she checked in, got her blood drawn and then they waited another twenty minutes before she was called in.

  “Do you want to come in?” she asked.

  “It was my plan, but if you’d prefer I don’t, I understand.”

  “You should come in,” she said. “I’m not seeing the doctor. Just the physician assistant.”

  He stood back while she was weighed, then once in the room, her blood pressure was taken which was low. Not surprising.

  “If you can take your bottom half off,” the nurse said. “You gave a urine sample already, correct?” Dahlia nodded. “Then Kathleen will be right in.”

  He sat in the chair in the corner of the exam room while Dahlia was in the attached bathroom. She came out with a sheet wrapped around her bottom half.

  “This is embarrassing.”

  “Why?” he asked. “I’ve seen it all.”

  He was grinning. “Then when we get home you can walk around with a sheet around your bottom half.”

  The door opened when she was saying that. He assumed it was the PA. “Do you want me to leave so he can do it now and put his feet in the stirrups? I believe the fathers should experience it all.”

  “Maybe Hugh can do that when I’m done.”

  “Not a chance,” he said.

  “I’m Kathleen,” the woman said, shaking their hands. “Sounds like you had an exciting morning. Want to tell me what is going on?”

  He listened while Dahlia explained the vomiting the past few days. She’d been lightheaded a bit more than normal and would sit down when it happened, but everything else seemed fine.

  “I’ve got your blood results and urine test already. You’re dehydrated which isn’t surprising with the amount of vomiting you’ve been doing the past few days. You’re also anemic which will cause dizziness, lightheadedness and passing out. Are you taking your prenatal vitamins?”

  “I am,” she said. “They make me gag, but I do it at night.”

  “I’m going to prescribe you iron supplements. If we get this under control, that will help with the passing out I believe. It looks as if your iron was low the last time you were here, but you were still in range. Now you’re not. I’m going to give you a script for nausea meds to take as needed. But be aware, they can dehydrate you too.”

  “I know,” she said. “I’ve taken them before. I’ll try some natural remedies for now. I think I just ate too much last night. If I do that it doesn’t settle right. I’ve never been this hungry.”

  “More frequent smaller meals are the key,” Kathleen said.

  “I can do that.”

  “Why don’t you lie back and let me examine you and check the baby’s heartbeat?”

  He stayed where he was, out of the way so that he couldn’t see anything. He was keeping quiet for the moment and knew Dahlia would appreciate that.

  When the monitor was put on Dahlia’s flat stomach and he heard the heartbeat of his child, he felt his eyes fill up. Dahlia turned to look at him, her eyes glossy like his.

  “Isn’t that wonderful?” she asked.

  “Yeah,” he said.

  “It’s our child.”

  “It is,” he said.

  “I’ll pack when we get home,” she said softly.

  He nodded his head back at her.

  31

  THE RIGHT DECISION

  The last thing Dahlia thought she’d be doing was putting clothes in a bag to bring to Hugh’s for the next few days. They’d figure out the rest this weekend. It just wasn’t worth arguing at this point and as much as she didn’t want to do it, she couldn’t be stupid either.

  Maybe it was hearing the heartbeat of their child with Hugh.

  Seeing his reaction to it.

  The love in his eyes as much as was in hers.

  It was the right decision to make. She knew that now.

  “Do you need me to help you with anything?” Hugh asked, walking into her room. “That’s a small bag.”

  “Just work clothes for the next two days and casual clothes.” He lifted an eyebrow at her. “I’ll pack more this weekend. I’ve got work to do and we only need to deal with it now.”

  He nodded. “Anything in the fridge you want me to get? I know you. You’ll get all anxious with things spoiling and costing money.”

  She laughed. No one else would think practically like her.

  “My grocery bags are tucked next to the door if you want to grab milk and creamer. Any leftovers. Just put in anything you think that is cooked or needs to be cooked. I’ll deal with the rest later.”

  “I can do that,” he said.

  She watched him walk out in his suit, her eyes trying to look at his butt, but she couldn’t see much with his jacket on. She knew his gun was still on him. It was at the doctor’s office too. She supposed he wasn’t thinking enough to take it off.

  Or maybe he couldn’t since he was still working. She’d tell him to go back to work. She had stuff to do. It wasn’t even noon yet. What a crazy morning.

  She walked to her closet and pulled out two pairs of pants, black and brown. Then she grabbed her black printed flats. There was some brown in them and they’d work for both pants. Easy.

  Shirts were next. One solid light blue silky shirt, another peach one. Yeah, her wardrobe was boring, but it did make packing easier.

  Underclothes, shorts and T-shirts went in next. Then tank tops to sleep.

  All she could think about was the fact most of this wouldn’t fit her in several months. The idea of buying clothes for a short period of time was annoying. It’s not like she could even borrow them from Jasmine. Her sister was going to be wearing her maternity clothes too.

  She zipped her bag and carried it to the living room. Setting it down, she then went to the bathroom with another bag and just threw everything in there that was hers. Might as well, as it was going to stay at Hugh’s anyway.

  Her laptop was next and her chargers. If she forgot anything, she’d get it tomorrow on her way to work or before going to Hugh’s. It wasn’t on the way, but at least her commute to work from Hugh’s was the same distance from her house, just in the opposite direction.

  There were two bags of food on the counter.

  “I’ll go load these bags in the car. Is that all you’ve got?”

  “For now,” she said. “I can carry some of it down. These aren’t heavy.”