Page 27 of Accidentally in Love

My sister rescued me by saying she wanted to drag me out to the mall for Black Friday shopping. I groaned, but she pressed me until I agreed. We said our goodbyes to our family, and when we got into my sister’s car, she drove me to my apartment instead. We carpooled together, but I hadn’t realized ‘Black Friday Shopping’ was a ruse.

“What did Aunt Karen say?” Gemma asked when she parked her car outside my apartment.

I groaned. “I think she knows I’m pregnant.”

“You still don’t want to tell them?”

I shook my head. “Not yet.”

My sister flicked her pink hair behind her shoulder. “You should have invited Nolan.”

“I tried. He’s not interested.”

She pursed her lips. “Is that why you don’t want to tell them yet?”

“I’m afraid of losing the baby.”

Gemma’s face fell. “Oh, Avs. Because of what Mom went through?”

I nodded.

She pulled me into a big hug. “You’re not gonna lose the baby. Everything’s gonna be fine.”

“What if I do?” I cried.

She hugged me tighter. “The doctor said everything’s fine, right?”

I nodded.

“Then stop worrying! I know you’re scared because Mom went through that, but I’m here for you no matter what. Nolan’s here for you, too. Remember that.”

I squeezed her tighter as she hugged me. “Thanks, sis.”

“Hey, I know what will help you get your mind off of this.”

“What?” I asked and pressed a hand against my cheek to wipe away the stray tears. My fears about miscarrying like my mom weren’t helpful when I cried at everything lately.

Gemma clapped her hands excitedly. “Let’s watch those cheesy Hallmark movies you love so much!”

I smiled at my sister; she knew exactly how to cheer me up. I loved Christmas, and one of my favorite things to do as the holidays got around was to melt my brain with those silly movies. Gemma teased me about how predictable they were, but I was a hopeless romantic. I loved a happily ever after.

Gemma nudged me. “Well?”

“You know I do!”

“You can pay me in cookies later.”

I shook my head at her. She knew she would get a whole batch of her favorites, no matter what. “Thanks, sis.”

“Come on! I want to find the most ridiculous one and make fun of it!”

I laughed and got out of the car, following her up to my apartment. Gemma was a lot of things—flighty, eccentric, and excitable—but when I needed her, she knew when to show up. It was okay if things with Nolan were off because I knew I had my sister to lean on.

Chapter Eight

NOLAN

“Go get the other keg. This one’s kicked,” I barked at Gemma.