Chapter 170: Lonely

ALISON

Alison

"Hey, Dr. Wakely. Are you feeling okay?"

I straightened from where I'd bent over a file drawer. It was only with the greatest of effort that I kept from rolling my eyes as my office manager called out her question.

Earlier today, I'd had a brief meeting with my staff and announced my pregnancy. I knew it was time; so far, I'd avoided morning sickness, but the fatigue was definitely real, and I didn't want to have to make up excuses for why I'd be going home right after my last appointment of the day.

Plus, of course, there was the fact that before too long, the bump that was beginning to emerge wouldn't be easily hidden under my clothes.

To say that they were shocked was an understatement. Mariana, my office manager, Gina, the assistant manager, and Cathy, my new nurse practitioner, weren't quite sure what to say or ask first.

I'd forestalled some obvious questions with a blanket statement. "As far as the baby's father-he's no one you know. He's not local. I'd