Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
As soon as he caught the gesture, Noah’s lips parted, his shock obvious. “Jared’s the father?” he asked in a hushed whisper.
She nodded.
“Jesus.” He ran a hand through his hair as the surprises kept coming.
“What?” she asked. “It’s not like we’re blood-related. God, would you relax?”
“Hey, you startled me. At least now I know why he’s being so generous with the rent,” he said.
She shook her head. “Technically, he was being generous even before he knew about the baby.”
Noah nodded. “Okay, then. That brings me to that advice you want. I know you and I’m sure I know what you’re asking, so here’s my answer. Take the apartment.”
“But—”
He stepped closer and placed a friendly hand on her shoulder. “Put aside your pride and concerns. It’s good for you, good for the girls. The area is beyond safe, there’s a doorman, and I’ll feel better knowing that’s where you’re all sleeping at night.”
As close as she and Noah were, he didn’t know the cause of her insecurities, her past with her parents… they weren’t emotionally connected in any way but through the twins. As for the apartment… “Leo said to take it, too.”
“He’s right.” After all these years, Noah knew her best friend, having met him many times.
She nodded. “And I know that I should be more grateful to you and to Jared. So thank you again for the financial help, Noah. And the advice.”
“Of course. If you need anything, Fallon and I are here for you.” He paused. “I have to tell her, you know that, right?”
“Yeah. I understand. I’ll let Jared know his sister knows. Life really can change in an instant,” she said with a shake of her head.
Noah chuckled. “That it can. In your case, twice.”
She rolled her eyes, mimicking Dakota’s favorite gesture. “Let’s not go there, okay?” Charlie turned toward the kitchen. “Girls, come say bye!”
After getting her hugs, Charlie said so long to Noah and Fallon, and went downstairs to meet the Uber she’d sent for. Next stop, Jared Sterling’s place.
She sat in the back of the car in stop-and-go traffic, the movement of the vehicle combined with her morning sickness working to increase the nausea and dizziness she’d already been feeling. She texted Jared as they turned the corner on which his building was located, as he’d wanted to meet her downstairs and take her up to the apartment.
By the time the driver pulled up to the curb, she was so relieved to be getting out of the vehicle for fresh air, she thought she might cry.
Pulling herself together, she thanked the driver and exited the car. She stepped out of the vehicle as Jared walked through the doors and strode toward her.
She paused and breathed in fresh, though warm and humid, air, fighting the dizziness. Just a few more seconds and she’d be in an air-conditioned space and feel better, she assured herself.
When she recovered enough, she started toward Jared just as another wave of nausea and dizziness assaulted her, black spots circling in front of her eyes. She reached for him but stumbled and fell against his chest, Jared’s strong arms wrapping around her. Without warning, her knees buckled, before everything went black.
* * *
Jared watched Charlotte exit the vehicle and he strode to meet her. She paused and wobbled despite not wearing heels, so he picked up his stride to get to her faster. She suddenly reached for him, staggering and falling into him. His heart skipped a beat, grateful he was close enough to catch her.
He wrapped his arms around her and just as he thought she was safe, her knees buckled and she started to go down. He scooped her into his arms and rushed toward the building.
The doorman held open the entry and Jared strode inside, sitting down with her in his arms.
“Charlotte?” He patted her cheeks, his heart beating too fast in his chest. “Charlie.” He resorted to her nickname. Anything to wake her up. He glanced at the doorman. “Ronald, call an ambulance. Tell them she’s pregnant.”
“Yes, Mr. Sterling.”
“Charlotte,” he said again.
“No ambulance,” she said as she blinked her eyes and began to regain consciousness.
Relief filled him and he took his first full breath since watching her stumble. “Sorry, sweetheart. You fainted and you’re pregnant. That means you’re going to get checked out by a doctor.” He needed to know the baby was fine and so was she.
“They’re on their way,” Ronald said from his position behind the desk.
Given they were in New York City, the sirens sounded fairly quickly and two paramedics rushed into the lobby. They took her pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen levels before they walked out and returned with a stretcher.
“Is this really necessary?” she asked, as she was settled on the gurney.
“We want to make sure the baby is okay,” Jared said.