“How is it you are not totally freaking out right now?" Leah asks as she stands beside me in the bathroom and both of us are staring down at the not one, not two, but three positive pregnancy tests sitting on the counter. Shrugging my shoulders, I answer. "Because freaking out is not going to change anything. And I know it’s crazy, but I’m not that upset."

"Well, what are you going to do now?" Leah questions. Isn’t that the million-dollar question. I turn to my friend and calmly reply.

"I’m going to take one day at a time, because that’s all I can do. Right now, I don’t know about anything. No way am I going to have everything all figured out in this moment."

"I’ll support you know matter what happens, Alba." She says squeezing my hand with a soft smile and no judgment in her tone.

"Thanks, Leah." I’m thankful that she’s not asking more questions. She never pries. I suspect it has to do with the fact she doesn’t want people asking her questions about her life. Either way, I’m relieved. Maybe once I get my head wrapped around this news I’d be able to talk about it. It might even do me some good, to get some things off my chest, to finally talk to someone. I’ve got to let go of the bitterness inside me. The anger I’m carrying is not healthy for me, and it’s certainly not healthy for my baby. Baby… at that thought, I bring my hand to my stomach and finally let my tears fall.

What I wouldn’t give to have Gabriel wrap his strong arms around me and whisper in my ear that everything is going to be okay. Just like he did the night he carried me out of that house after I was kidnapped. When I close my eyes, I can feel his warm breath on my ear and feel the roughness of his beard on my cheek. Being in Gabriel’s arms feels like home, and I’d give anything to go back.

I hear the soft click of the bathroom door, letting me know Leah has left, giving me the privacy I need. Resting my back against the wall, I stare at my reflection in the mirror. I can do this.

"Damn straight I can do this." I say out loud.

* * *

The next morning, I wake with new determination. The first thing I do is schedule a doctor’s appointment. I’m thankful Logan added me to his health insurance. I don’t have to worry about money.

My designs are selling like crazy. Requests started coming in left and right ever since I sold my first two. Now I’m booked solid for the next two months. I can use my own money to pay for what I need. No way am I ready to explain any of this to Bella. I’m not ready for her to know. I don’t think I could take her disappointment. All my sister has ever wanted for me was to finish high school and go to college. I couldn’t tell her I never really wanted to go away to school. I like being home—with her. Every time she would bring me a new college application to fill out, she would get so excited. How could I tell my sister I didn’t want to leave home and that I was content with going to community college. Bella worked so hard and sacrificed so much for me. I owe it to her to make her proud. Besides, school isn’t so bad. I have Leah and Sam. The only problem is it’s not where my heart is. I need to prove to Bella and myself that I can handle things on my own.

I’m going to be a mother. I’m going to work my butt off. Everything I do will be for me and my baby. Gabriel is a dream I have to let go of. My baby is all that matters now.

The ping of my phone brings me out of my thoughts. Pulling it out of my bag, I see a text from Sam asking if I want to meet him over by the campus promenade for a quick lunch. I reply yes and begin to make my way in his direction. The promenade is a short walk from my dorm. Walking across the campus lawn, I spot Sam sitting on a bench holding a takeout bag and a couple of drinks.

"How’s my favorite girl?" He asks when I sit down next to him.

Returning his smile, "I’m doing okay, Sam."

"Are you sure? You look like you haven’t slept in days."

God, he’s so perceptive. Reminds me a lot of Quinn. Blowing out a breath I blurt out, "I’m pregnant." I have no idea where I found the courage to say that out loud, or why I decided to tell Sam now. My confession causes Sam to choke on the bite of food he has in his mouth.

"What!" He wheezes out and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. "Jesus, Alba, are you sure?"

"Yeah. The three pregnancy tests I took said yes," I sigh. "I have a doctor’s appointment next week to confirm."

"What are your plans? You keeping it?"

Narrowing my eyes at Sam I snap, "Of course, I’m keeping my baby."

"Hey, sweetie, I’m on your side here. It was only a question." He says holding his hands up in surrender. "Do you mind me asking who the father is? I’m assuming he’s someone from back home. I’ve not seen you with anyone here at school."

When I cut my eyes over to Sam I see no judgment on his face—only concern. "Yes. There was someone back home. It was just the one time."

"Was? As in you two are not together anymore?"

"We were never together." I confess looking at the ground and willing myself not to cry. I promised myself no more tears. Feeling a finger lift my chin, Sam forces me to look at him.

"Come here." He urges me with his arm held out. Accepting, I throw myself into his waiting arms and ignore the stares we are getting. I don’t care. They can all think what they want. After a few minutes, Sam kisses me on top of my head. "So, who’s ass do I need to go to Polson and kick?" Sam jokes, lightening the mood and I snort. Bless his heart. He has no idea what he’d be up against.

"Ah, no offense, but you wouldn’t stand a chance against Gabriel."

"Alba, the guy’s name is Gabriel. How tough can he be?" At Sam’s question, I throw my head back and laugh. After I get my laughing under control, I look over to my friend and he has a scowl on his face. "I’m not liking your lack of confidence in my attempt to defend your honor." He says in mock irritation.

"Sam, Gabriel Martinez is six-foot-four and has about fifty pounds of muscle on you." I watch his eyes go big before he asks.

"Christ, Alba, where did you find a guy like that?"

Deciding I can trust Sam with the truth, I tell him.

"Gabriel is a part of a motorcycle club called The Kings of Retribution." I confess.

"Are you shittin’ me?" I shake my head no.

"My sister and I met them over a year ago. Bella is engaged to the club’s Vice President. His name is Logan."

"This Gabriel, what’s his role in the club?"

"Gabriel is the club’s Enforcer." I tell him.

"Jesus fucking Christ, Alba. That’s like some Sons of Anarchy shit. That man would straight up murder me, wouldn’t he?" I roll my eyes.

"Relax, he’s hours away. Plus, he could care less about me. I promise, you have nothing to worry about."

"Do you plan on telling him?"

"I will eventually. But right now, I’m still trying to wrap my head around it all. And like I said—Gabriel could care less. Whether I tell him today, tomorrow, or months from now, it won’t change a thing."

"You sure about that, sweetie?"

Gabriel’s words ’just sex’ come to mind, causing my stomach to twist into knots.

"Yeah, I’m sure."

After a beat, Sam chimes in again breaking another intense moment.

"So, want someone to go to the doctor with you?"

"No. I’ll be okay on my own. Besides we don’t want to fuel the rumor mill. Someone is bound to see us. I don’t want people to get the wrong idea about you."

"I don’t give a fuck what people will assume Alba. You’re my friend. Whatever you need, I’m there." Leaning my head on his shoulder.

"Thanks, Sam. You truly are an amazing friend." Putting his arm around me he gives my shoulders a light squeeze.

"You’re not so bad yourself, little momma." His nickname making me smile.

I head back to my dorm after my lunch with Sam. I’m standing at the door to my room fishing my keys from my bag. Sliding my key into the lock, I realize it’s already unlocked. Leah must be back. Walking in, I drop my bag on the floor by the door and toss my keys on my desk. I don’t see her. Maybe she’s in the bathroom. Walking over, I knock on the door.

"Leah, you in there?" Nothing. Turning the knob, I open the bathroom door—empty. Turning back around, I glance over to her side of the room and I don’t see her bookbag, so I know she’s not been back since she left for class. I suddenly get an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. I was the last to leave the room. I am positive I locked the door. Running my sweaty palms down my pant legs, I begin to scan the room. Nothing seems out of place. Except one thing. The top drawer to my dresser is half open.

Walking over to my dresser, I pull the drawer the rest of the way open and find it a mess. All my bras and panties have been rummaged through. I know this because I am a neat freak. I keep my things folded and organized by color. Don’t judge. That’s just the way I am. Being unorganized stresses me out.

I feel like I’m going to be sick, and it’s not morning sickness that has me feeling this way. No, what has the bile rising in my throat is the fact that someone was in my room, and the sicko was in my underwear drawer. The hairs on my arm stand, and I know in the pit of my stomach something is off. The flowers, the note left on my truck, and now this. Okay Alba, deep breaths. Maybe I’m over thinking this. There could be reasonable explanations for all these things. Only I know there’s not. The only people I know at school are Leah and Sam. Neither of them would do this.

My phone ringing causes me to jump.

"Shit." I rasp, clutching my hand to my chest. Picking my cell up off my desk, I smile when I see Bella calling.

"Hello."

"Hey, whatcha doin’?"

"Nothing at the moment, what’s up?" I ask Bella.

"I wanted to see if you can come home this weekend."

"Um… I don’t—” Cutting me off Bella adds.

"Please, Alba. All the guys are going to be gone on club business this weekend. Plus, I miss you. Come on Alba, don’t make me beg."

After thinking for a moment, I agree maybe I should get away for a couple of days. Considering I’m a little freaked out right now, home sounds like a good idea. And Bella did say the guys would be gone. I won’t have to worry about running into Gabriel.

"Fine, I’ll come home. I can leave after my class tomorrow. I should be there around 5:00pm."

"Yes!" Bella exclaims. "See you tomorrow, sis."

Chuckling, I reply, "I’ll see you tomorrow."