Reclaimed (Powell Sanctuary #5)

Chapter 2

2

Isla

“This would look so cute on you!”

Juniper holds up a pastel pink top, cropped with long sleeves, and a slash cut out above the boobs. I smile and take the hanger from her outstretched hand.

“It would look great on the girls.” With the top flush to my chest, I give them a little bounce.

“I have boob envy,” she pouts, returning her attention to the rack separating us. The clink of hangers accompanies her eager search.

“Babe, I’m sure Lee is more than happy with what you have to offer.” I grin through the guilt souring my stomach and return my attention to the clothes.

What am I doing here?

When Juniper called me to go shopping this morning, I was all in, as per usual for our friendship. I’m an impulsive gal. I never learned how to make plans, preferring to go with the flow. After three years without my favorite person on the planet, it’d take a historical blizzard to keep me away from her. And I love shopping. I love finding new clothes to dress up my body. In fact, the only thing I love more than dressing my body is undressing it.

But I haven’t told my best friend my biggest secret yet. She doesn’t know I’m pregnant. Not only am I pregnant, but I’m about to be a single mother, so the last thing I need to do right now is spend money on clothes that aren’t going to fit properly in three months.

But I couldn’t say no to her. Not when it’s been so long since we’ve had a proper hang out. That doesn’t stop this excursion from feeling wrong.

Wrong because I’m lying to her.

Wrong because I’m spending money I should be saving for my baby.

I swallow down the emotional bubble welling inside me.

“Isla?”

“Hm?”

“I asked if you liked that shirt. You’ve been staring at it for a solid minute.”

I glance down at the red fabric clenched in my fist. I drop the shirt. “Ew, no. Red is for harlots.”

Juniper bursts into laughter. “Weren’t you just going on about the new red set you just got for XO’s?”

“That’s different.”

“How so?”

“Because at work I’m pretending to be a harlot.” I grin. “I’m done here. Let’s go somewhere else.”

We pay for our purchases and walk down the street to the local coffee shop.

The smell of freshly ground beans stops me beneath the tinkering bell. My mouth waters, and I can practically feel the jolt of caffeine rushing through my veins. I follow behind Juniper to the counter.

“My treat,” she says, turning to me and indicating I should order.

“I’ll get a decaf americano with a shot of caramel and a splash of heavy cream.”

Juniper studies me from the corner of her eye, reciting her own order before handing over her credit card.

I have to hand it to her. She makes it all the way to the secluded table in the far corner before she goes on the offensive.

“Since when do you drink decaf?” She blows on the rim of her mug before taking a cautious sip.

“Since I found out I’m pregnant,” I reply.

She must mistake my nerves for a monotone punchline because she laughs. “Yeah, right.”

I swallow a small sip and avert my gaze out the window.

“Oh my god, you’re serious.”

“I miss real coffee.” I gaze at my cup sadly as tears well in my eyes.

She pushes her cup across the table. “Have a drink of mine.”

I blow out a forceful breath. “No. It’s okay. It’s not good for the baby.”

“I’m sure one drink will be fine.”

I shake my head. “I can’t. If I start making concessions now, who knows what I’ll be doing toward the end of my pregnancy when I’m truly miserable. It’s a gateway drug.”

“I don’t think coffee is going to be a catalyst for poor decision making.”

“I have to stay strong.” I pick up my weak cup of decaf and sigh wistfully.

Her warm palm covers mine. “Are you okay?”

“I think so.”

“Is it safe to assume with this lifestyle change that you want to keep the baby?”

I blink away the remaining wetness on my lashes. “I do.” I lay a palm flat on my nonexistent bump.

She gazes at me with sincere brown eyes. “I wouldn’t be your best friend if I didn’t tell you that you do have options, and there’s zero judgment from me no matter what you choose. I’m here for you no matter what.”

“I know. Trust me, I considered all the options. Would you believe me if I said I’m a little bit excited?”

“Of course I would.”

I smile down at my stomach. “I always wanted to be a mom, but I wasn’t sure if it would happen for me. Then a condom broke or something.” I grimace and bring my mug to my lips.

Juniper wears a similar expression. “And the dad?”

“He’s not ready. That’s okay. I can do this without him.” I lick my lips to chase away the sour feeling in my stomach. I knew hooking up with a bartender at my work was a terrible idea, but I couldn’t have predicted he’d be the type to go straight to our boss when I told him I was pregnant. The minute before I clocked in for my next shift, the misogynistic ass fired me on the spot while the father got to keep his job.

Doing the walk of shame was bad enough, but getting the texts from my coworkers that he told everyone I tried to baby trap him really drove home the message that neither the baby nor I were wanted. I hightailed it back to Fairview Valley as soon as I could break my lease and reauditioned for my old job.

But I don’t tell Juniper any of that. The story is too fresh. My heart is too raw. I don’t need to actually burst into tears with residual embarrassment over my cup of shitty coffee.

“You can, and you aren’t alone.”

I look up into her sincere eyes.

“Does that mean I can give you a congratulations?”

I nod, the motion gaining momentum as she rounds the table to wrap me in her arms.

“I get to be an auntie?” she squeaks.

“You’re already an auntie,” I mumble around a knot in my throat. “From what I hear, Lee’s siblings keep popping out kids.”

“This is different.” She pulls back. “You’re like my sister. I’m going to spoil this baby rotten.”

“You spoil all the babies rotten.”

“This is true,” she hums.

“Thank you for being here for me. I was nervous to tell you.”

“Why on earth would you be nervous?” She scoops up her mug in one hand and resumes her seat.

“You don’t talk about having your own kids. I’ve wondered if that’s by choice or design.”

Juniper smiles gently. “Lee and I are happy with just the two of us. We have Lincoln, and teenage boys come with their own challenges.”

Lincoln is Juniper’s younger brother. She worked her ass off to get out from under their alcoholic father, and she refused to leave him behind.

“Maybe that’s for the best. I’m not sure if the world is ready for a mini Lee Powell.”

Juniper snorts then sighs. “Aw, but the thought of a mini grumpy Lee would be so cute.”

“Oh god, no. Drink some coffee. Cool your loins, woman. You’re contracting the baby fever. You need to think of mountains of dirty diapers, stat.”

“Yep, that does it.” She wrinkles her nose. “You’ll have lots of fun with that.”

“I’m tackling this one hurdle at a time. Dirty diapers are far down the list of things I currently need to worry about.”

“I’m here to help. And the Powell women are a force when there’s a cause. I’m sure they’d be happy to round up any extra baby clothes or supplies currently not in use.”

“How many are there now?”

“Let’s see.” Her attention floats to the ceiling as she ticks off her fingers. “Since you left, Corjan’s wife, Bree, came back and they reconciled. Jack met Whitney during that blizzard two years ago. Cortney got engaged to a guy named Sebastian. They’re getting married soon,” she makes a face that I interpret as displeasure but it could be indigestion, “And Jude recently fell in love with a woman he found wandering the woods behind the Sanctuary.”

The Powell family owns a dog sanctuary here in town. Juniper’s husband, Lee, is the owner, and his siblings all help out in some capacity. Jude has always lived alone on site but it sounds like he’s no longer isolated with all those dogs.

“So that just leaves Aiden.”

“Yep. We’re all waiting for some beautiful girl to stumble her way into town and straight into his arms. Though he doesn’t seem too receptive these days.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“You remember how I told you he got shot protecting Jude’s fiancée a few months ago.”

I nod.

“He just hasn’t been the same. The brothers are really frustrated trying to find a way to help him. They’re worried.”

Memories flash through my mind. Aiden, front and center while I dance, his intense gaze tracking me across the stage. Aiden, leaning against the brick outside of XO’s. His reddish blonde hair peeking out beneath a black ballcap, a reluctant grin sliding onto his face.

“Maybe he just needs time to heal.”

“The doctor said his wound should be all better now.”

“I don’t mean physically.”

She gives me a sad smile and shakes off the heaviness. “Yeah. You’re right. We need to give him time.”

I drain my cup. “And who knows? Maybe that pretty newcomer is closer than you think she is.”