“Hey, Maddy!” I called up the stairwell when I walked in. Her car was parked in the driveway so I assumed she was home.

She didn’t answer, so I decided to finish packing. I’d just finished putting away the last of my clothes when I got a text from Colin.

Sorry I didn’t reply earlier. Crazy day. Went well. I have a plan. I’ll fill you in later.

Awesome! It was fun being in on Colin’s secret. It was the first hint at what our grown-up relationship would be. My brother was the only rock in my life, and I really hoped he wouldn’t push me away too.

He texted me again. In case I need to spell it out, don’t tell her. I really want her to be surprised.

I’m not dumb.

That’s questionable, but good. Talk soon.

Sure, but I’m moving today

Today?

Yeah…

Ok, if you need help let me know.

K. Thanks.

I pocketed my phone and walked out to the kitchen. “Maddy?” I called again. I needed my keys if I was going anywhere. Still no answer. I decided to check outside. Sure enough she was sitting out on the deck.

“Hey.”

“Hey.” Her voice was so soft I barely heard her.

I slumped down in the chair next to hers. “How’re you doing?”

“I’m not sure.”

“That doesn’t sound particularly good.” I looked her over. She looked a little pale again. “What’s going on?”

“Life never works out the way you plan.”

“Ok… so what’s going on?” She was moving in with Colin. This was supposed to be a really good day.

“Have you ever found out something good but realized someone else would think it’s really bad?”

“Uh… maybe.” I hadn’t experienced the exact concern, but I was pretty much an expert on worrying about what someone would think. I wasn’t sure where she was going with this conversation though.

“That’s how I feel right now.”

“Care to elaborate?” I leaned back into the slightly uncomfortable chair.

“Yes, but no.”

“You have to be the most confusing person ever today. Just tell me what’s up.” I didn’t want to be pushy, but I had the distinct impression that the person who would find the news bad was my brother.

She turned to me. “If I told you something, would you swear to keep it between us?”

“In other words, I can’t tell Colin?”

“Yes.”

I thought about it. I wouldn’t want to hide something from Colin, but if I wanted to help him, I needed to know what was going on.

“I promise. Whatever it is stays between us.”

She pursed her lips and looked back out at the water. “Do you think your brother wants kids?”

What? What kind of secret was that? “I think so but it’s not like we’ve discussed it a lot.”

“But what’s your gut feeling?” She turned to me. “Would he be excited at the idea, or upset, or—”

“You’re pregnant.” The words flew out of my mouth.

She nodded. “I finally picked up a test after I dropped you off.”

“Wow. Congrats.”

“You didn’t answer me.” She tensed up. “How would he react?”

“He’d be surprised, but then he’d probably get excited. He’d want to get married right away.”

“That’s what I was afraid of.”

“Huh? You didn’t want him to be happy?” Either Maddy was losing her mind or the pregnancy hormones were already kicking in.

“I want him to be, but I don’t want him to marry me because of it. That’s not a good way to start a marriage.”

“Why would you think that’s the only reason he’d marry you? I just meant he’d want to do it sooner.”

“It’s the same thing. I don’t want him being pushed faster than he’d want.”

Seriously? Had Colin just made me promise not to tell Maddy? “He loves you.”

“And I love him.”

“So when are you going to tell him?”

“I’m not sure.”

“So you’re going to hide it?” I tried to keep my anger down, but it was my brother and his unborn child we were talking about.

“Just for a few more weeks. I can’t even see a doctor until next month because I’m not far enough along. Why get him all worked up for nothing?”

“He should still know…”

“And I’ll tell him, when I’m ready.”

“And you don’t know when that will be?”

“Soon. I don’t like keeping things from him, but I need to figure out what I want first.”

“You’re keeping the baby.” I sensed that wasn’t the decision she was trying to make.

“Of course.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Of course. That’s not the question.”

“Then what is it? It can’t be whether Colin gets to be part of it?”

“Carly, calm down. I just moved in with your brother. Do you really think I would have done that if I planned to run off with his child?”

She had a point. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry you’d even think that about me.” She sighed. “Maybe I should just tell him. Get it out there.”

“Secrets never help anything, but then again telling the truth can suck too.” I learned that the hard way with my sister.

“I’m sorry… I know what happened with your brother-in law.”

“Just stop. Let’s stop this negative talk. This is good, You’re going to be a mom. I’m going to be an aunt.”

She laughed. “It is cool… but also terrifying.”

“Well you know I’m here if you need me at all.”

“I know, and I appreciate it.”

“Are you going to tell your parents?” I probably shouldn’t have moved stuff back to a less than easy topic, but I was curious.

“Not until I tell Colin. I need his support.”

She looked out at the water. “You’ve changed my mind.”

“Hmm?”

“I’m not going to wait to tell him, I’m telling him tonight.”

“And how did I change it?”

“You brought up my parents. Nothing will be scarier than that.”

I laughed. “Glad I could help. Will you tell me how he reacts?”

“Won’t he tell you?”

I thought about it. “Eventually.”

She sighed again. “I’ve never been this nervous about telling someone something before.”

“He’ll handle it well.” I really hoped he did. I also hoped he didn’t just propose on the spot… but then again he had the ring. That’s when I came up with a crazy idea that might make everything work. “Don’t tell him tonight.”

“What? You’re the one who told me I shouldn’t keep it from him.”

“Just wait a little while. Enjoy your first few nights officially living together.”

“It’s not like this is my first night staying here or anything.”

“Just give yourself a few nights to enjoy it.” Whatever Colin had planned he needed to work fast, which meant I needed to talk to him without revealing her secret. It wasn’t going to be easy, but I was determined to make it work.

“I guess that will give me the chance to figure out how to tell him. I feel like it’s hard to just say ‘I’m pregnant’ with no lead up.”

“But you also don’t seem like the type to go all cutesy with little hints.”

She leaned back. “Not exactly.”

“You’re going to be such a great mom. I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks. I’m trying to stay calm and excited, but it’s still so early.”

“I understand completely.”

We talked for a little while longer before I went inside to pack the rest of my stuff. After a quick goodbye I headed back over to the condo.

I tried Colin twice on my way back over. He didn’t pick up either time, so I gave up. I didn’t bother with a message. He’d notice the missed calls. I parked in the spot Maddy had used earlier and called Macon. If he’d given me his number, I might as well use it.

“Well, hello there.” Everything the guy said sounded flirtatious.

“Is that offer to lug my bags still on the table?” I unbuckled and got out.

“Better than that. You get two capable helpers.”

I popped the trunk and watched Macon and Brody running down. Was I really going to be living with two guys that looked like that? I’d already gotten the embarrassing towel only incident over with, so hopefully things would be smooth sailing from then on.

“Welcome back, roomie.” Brody grinned. His smile put me at ease. I couldn’t tell how excited he really was to have me as a new roommate. At least on the surface he seemed all right with it.

“Thanks.” I stood back while they pulled out the rest of my bags. I grabbed my backpack and purse myself and locked the car.

Thirty minutes later I was all unpacked. Macon knocked on the doorframe. “Feel like going to a party tonight?”

“Whose party?”

He sat down on the edge of my bed. I was using the same comforter as Maddy so on the surface my room probably didn’t look very different. “Does it matter? Aren’t you the one who knows no one?”

“Well, four people. You corrected me on that already, remember?”

He laughed. “True enough. It’s a friend of a friend. We don’t have to stay long, but I thought it might be worth swinging by.”

I thought about it. “I’m working until ten.”

“What time did you think we were going?”

It was my turn to laugh. “Ok. Sounds good then.” A small part of me wondered if this was some kind of date, but he’d definitely made the wing girl thing clear.

“Enjoy work, I’ll catch you later.” He disappeared through the doorway.