New Beginnings by Lori Maguire Page B

asked who Carline was. When I told him she was just a friend, he said she wasn’t your type. He couldn’t see you being attracted to someone like that when you are attracted to someone like me, because I was such an incredible woman. His compliment embarrassed me. He just leaned over and asked if he was making me uncomfortable.” I paused for another moment. “Truth is he was making me uncomfortable,” I admitted.
    “He’s attracted to you, Ella. I keep telling you that you are such a beautiful woman. Then when people get to know you, they soon find out how beautiful you are on the inside, too. I can’t say that I blame him,” he said sadly.
    “Well, he’s shit out of luck.” Xavier raised his eyebrows at me. “You own me completely. Body and soul, but you already know that.”
    “Come here,” he said gruffly.
    I straddled his legs. He ran his hands through my wet hair then dragged me to him for a long, deep kiss. We both pulled away breathing heavily.
    “Hey! I thought we were supposed to be getting clean,” I said breathlessly.
    “Later,” he growled.

 
     
    Saturday afternoon Xavier had to run to the Fairmont Olympic to meet with the staff to finalize all the plans for the party this evening. I took advantage of my alone time.
    The last several days I had been nauseous in the morning. While Marissa and I were out yesterday, I asked her to stop at a drug store for me. I was now locked in the bathroom staring at the pregnancy test box in my hand. I knew what I had to do, but for whatever reason, I just wasn’t sure if I was ready to know what the result was.
    The first time I found out I was pregnant it was so unexpected. It was such a shock. Then that run-in with Stephen happened. Hell, I never really did have a chance to think about and appreciate what it meant for me to be pregnant. Now that I was faced with the possibility of being pregnant again, I found myself scared to death. Was I ready to be a mother? Could I handle being a mother? Xavier and I aren’t even married. Maybe we should have waited. I chuckled to myself. It very well may be too late for waiting now.
    I ripped the box open and took out the pee stick. It looked innocent enough. The result would be clear. If the plus symbol appeared, you were pregnant. If the minus appeared, you weren’t. I took a deep breath and administered the test. Within two minutes, I was staring dumbfounded at a little plus sign. I’m pregnant? Holy shit! I’m pregnant!
    I sat on the edge of the tub. My heart was pounding in my chest. What the hell do I do now? Should I tell Xavier right away? Maybe I should wait to tell him until after the doctor confirms the pregnancy. No, I knew exactly when I wanted to tell him and it wasn’t going to be today. I had some shopping to do first.
    I also needed to call Dr. Ellington to schedule an appointment. I didn’t know how far along I was. My hand floated down to my abdomen. Already this pregnancy seemed different. I haven’t had any bleeding, and no upset stomach, other than a few mornings of feeling nauseous. There’s been no cramping or pains. Actually, I felt pretty good. The differences I noted filled me with hope. Hope that this little mystery guest would one day be revealed.
    Putting the cap back on the pregnancy test stick, I placed both the stick and wrapper back in the box. I then hid the box in an empty make-up bag that was under my sink. I was pretty sure Xavier didn’t snoop around in my stuff, but I didn’t want him to accidentally come across it. That would ruin the surprise I had planned. The biggest challenge was going to be keeping my mouth shut.
    I suddenly ached for my best friend. Tom and Renatta were due back from their honeymoon in Hawaii this evening. I could share the news with her. Actually, I’d have to since she’ll most likely be with me when I go to the doctor. It’s something I’ll have to do during the week. Shit, Marissa will also be with me. There will be no getting around