Chapter 3

Sitting across from Jenna at a cozy bistro, I nursed a cup of coffee as the conversation turned serious. We hadn't seen each other since after I resigned.

"Des, you've been distant lately," Jenna said gently. "What's going on with you and Walker?"

I shrugged, the only response I could muster. "Nothing's going on. We're just living."

Jenna's eyes widened. "That sounds...Don't you feel like you're just going through the motions?"

I kept my expression impassive, but inside, a storm of emotions swirled. "It's fine. We're comfortable."

Jenna's voice took on a hint of frustration. "You don't sound comfortable at all."

Gazing away, my thoughts drifted to the past. "Losing the baby... You know it changed everything." Jenna's expression softened. "And Walker? How's he doing?"

A familiar numbness settled in. "He's fine, I guess. We don't talk about it."

With gentle urgency, Jenna said, "Don't you think that's the problem? You're both stuck in this emotional limbo. It's very sad to watch."

For a moment, my mask slipped, revealing a glimmer of emotion. "Maybe... there's just no going back."

Jenna reached out, covering my hand with hers. "Des, we both know that you two need to talk about what's going on. Or what has already happened. It's been two years already."

I shook my head. "It's too late."

Jenna's expression turned serious. "No, it's not. It's clear that this lack of communication is harming both of you."

The conversation hung in the air, unresolved. As I finished my coffee, a wave of queasiness washed over me, and I rushed to the women's restroom, the urge to vomit becoming unbearable.

Jenna followed, concern etched on her face. "Are you alright?" I emerged from the stall, still feeling queasy, and washed my face at the sink. Jenna looked at me with concern. "Are you okay?"

Frustrated and scared, I sighed. "I don't know what's going on with me. Ever since I returned, I've been feeling unwell."

Jenna frowned, her brow furrowed with worry. "Shouldn't you go to the hospital, then?" I waved her off, anxiety surging at the thought of going to a hospital. "No."

The hospital was the last place I wanted to be. The antiseptic smell, the beeping of life monitors, and the doctors who always seemed to bring bad news reminded me of a painful memory that I never wanted to recall.

"I'd rather go to a pharmacist for advice," I told Jenna, trying to sound calmer than I felt.

Jenna sighed, understanding the reason for my refusal. "Well, as long as you get medical attention."

*****

Walker's pov

I trudged into the house, exhausted from a long day at the office. My body ached from sitting too long at the multiple meetings I had to attend. All I wanted to do was collapse onto the bed and pass out as soon as my head hit the pillow. I assumed Destiny was already asleep, and I didn't want to disturb her.

As I turned on the light in the study, I was surprised to see Destiny sitting on the couch, staring out the window.

"You scared me," I said, dropping my bag onto the large oak table. "Why are you here? I thought you were asleep."

Destiny didn't respond, and I felt a pang of worry. "Destiny?" I asked again, this time more softly. She looked lost in thought, and my concern grew. I furrowed my brows, sensing something was wrong.

"What's the matter?" I asked, loosening my tie and cuffs as I approached her.

Finally, Destiny looked at me, her eyes glistening with tears. My anxiety spiked. "What's wrong? Are you alright? What happened?" I asked, rushing to her side.

She shook her head. "Nothing happened. It's just... I went for a check-up. I thought it was just a fever or something, but..." she paused.

My worry turned into panic as I squatted in front of her, grabbing her hands. "But what? What's wrong?" I asked frantically.

Destiny looked at our joined hands, and my heart skipped a beat. "I might be pregnant," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

The room fell silent. I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. I closed it again, repeating the motion, my mind reeling with thoughts and emotions.

As I stood there, frozen in shock, Destiny looked at me with a mixture of amusement and concern. I knew I must have looked foolish, but I couldn't help it; the news had caught me off guard.

Then, I let out a sigh and lowered my head. I felt Destiny's hands slip out of mine, and I looked up to see her watching me with a worried expression.

"Why did you... sigh like that?" she asked tensely, her voice breaking a bit.

I sighed again, feeling a little foolish. "I thought it was a terminal disease or something bad," I admitted, feeling a wave of relief wash over me.

But as I looked at Destiny, I saw the fear in her eyes, and my heart squeezed. Maybe I shouldn't have reacted like that. I took her hands again, trying to reassure her. "But I'm so glad. So glad," my voice cracked at the end.

Destiny's expression softened, and she looked at our joined hands. "I said might be pregnant. It's not certain. The pharmacist said I should go to the hospital for a proper check-up," she mumbled. I rubbed her hands feeling a twinge of hope. "Then we'll go first thing in the morning."

The next morning, we drove to the hospital in silence. Destiny stared out the window, her hand clutching her stomach. I glanced at her, noticing her restlessness.

"Destiny," I called out, trying to get her attention.

She didn't respond, so I called her again. When she still didn't answer, my worry deepened.

I grabbed her hand, and she looked at me in shock. "What's wrong?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.

Destiny hesitated, and I could see the unrest in her eyes. "...It's nothing. I'm just tired," she said, but I knew she was lying.

I noticed her rubbing her wrist—a habit she had when she wasn't telling the truth. I felt a pang of hurt, knowing that she still didn't trust me enough to share her true feelings.

I forced a smile, trying to reassure her. "Then try to lean back and rest. I'll roll down the window so you can get some fresh air."

As I rolled down the windows, Destiny adjusted her seat and turned away from me. I prayed silently in my heart, just as I did the night before, that it shouldn't be false news. Please, God.