Prologue

Alexa POV

I glanced at the clock as I finished my last patient summary for the day. I wanted to hurry home in order to get dinner started before Bryce arrived. He had been gone for three weeks this time and I could not wait to tell him the good news. I glanced down at my tummy and internally smiled to myself.  As I placed my hand over my stomach I sighed expecting a kick of some sort but knew that it was too soon for that. I was startled by the voice of my fellow co-worker David as he stood by the door. “Getting ready to head out," he asked. 

I nodded and quickly finished typing my last sentence then shut down for the day. I grabbed my belongings and followed him towards the door. “Thanks for waiting for me, I told him.” He nodded and opened the door allowing me to walk out first. David was always the gentleman and while I appreciated the gestures, it made it difficult to be around him. I knew what his true intentions were but no matter how many time I told him I was happy with Bryce he still persisted.

 As we approached the elevator bank I could see her impatient face glaring at us. “It took you dorks long enough. What took so long," she asked with a smug smile on her face.  Karsyn was always vocal but she was my best friend. I shrugged as David smiled then we piled into the elevator to start our long deserved weekend. As we walked to our vehicles Karsyn gushed about going on a date Saturday night and how she was looking forward to having some fun. 

David harassed her about needing to settle down as her time clock was slowing down. She glared at him then spat, “Well if my time clock is slowing down yours is dead.” I laughed at their banter but the thought of Karsyn settling down with a husband, a house and a white picket fence was simply not who she was. She was more of a free spirit, one who lived in the moment. She was full of life and vowed she would be single forever.

“Let’s go have a drink? We have not done that in so long. Come on it’ll be fun,” she gushed. As she spoke, she stopped in the middle of the parking lot looking at us with a wide grin hoping we would say yes. I sighed, shaking my head and explained that I needed to get home to fix dinner. “Fix dinner? For who,” she asked while being annoyed at my response. I smiled as I thought of Bryce coming home to a cooked meal and sharing my news with him during dessert. David declined the invitation and made his way to his car and left.

I opened my car door and dropped my bags in the passenger seat, then turned to face her. “Karsyn I can’t go drinking tonight. I have plans, besides it wouldn’t be good for the baby.” It took her a minute to catch exactly what I had said. She blinked and I allowed the information  to register. With a smile and a frown at the same time she said, “Oh my god, you’re pregnant? Are you sure?” I was surprised by her tone as I had hoped she would understand and be happy for me.

Of course, if I were being honest with myself, I would know better than most that this would not make her happy in the least. “Yes, I’m sure. I plan on telling Bryce tonight.” Her frown deepened, then as quick, as it came it vanished. She awkwardly hugged me to show her support, but I knew she was not happy about the news. “Geez, Karsyn I thought that you of all people would be happy for me?” She sighed heavily then dropped her bag on the floor trying to find the right words. Karsyn was never one to mince words gently; she was usually quick and to the point.

I could see her hesitation, almost as if she was struggling to find the right thing to say. I sighed and crossed by arms, “Let’s hear it. You obviously have something to say. By all means please say what is on your mind.” She sighed, looked down at the floor then without hesitation blurted out what she wanted to say, “Alexa, are you sure you want to have this child with him? He hasn’t even proposed and already you want to have a baby?” I knew she had a point and to be honest this was not how I had imagined my happily ever after would turn out. I dreamed of my father walking me down the aisle but that was no longer an option. It had been a year since my father's death and all I had left of him was the memories.

My dream of a big wedding faded long ago, now all I had left is Bryce and this baby. This baby growing inside me was a gift and no matter what anyone said I truly believed this baby would make things between me and Bryce so much better. It had to make it better than it was. This baby was going to save what was left of our relationship. “Alexa, your silence isn’t making any of this sound better. Are you sure this is best thing for you?” I quickly snapped out of my thoughts and showed her my distaste for her comment. “Look, I know you don’t like Bryce but this is happening whether you like it or not. I’m not getting rid of this baby so just be happy for me.”

Karsyn hugged me tight and whispered, “If this is what you want then I’m happy for you. I just worry about you.” I hugged her back and reassured her that this was what I wanted. “Don’t worry about me Karsyn. I am going to be fine. Everything will be much better once I tell him.” She released me and quietly responded, “I hope so.” I could see the concern on her face. She was deeply worried about me and the baby. I knew she never cared for Bryce and our relationship and while I admit our relationship has had its troubles it is all I have. Karsyn and I exchanged good-byes and I got into my car and made my way home.