CHAPTER 22
Two weeks after sentencing
I stared at the pregnancy test.
Still positive. Fifth one I'd taken.
Definitely pregnant.
Eight weeks along, according to the doctor I'd seen yesterday. Due in March.
I'd known for three weeks. But hadn't told Damien.
Not because I didn't want to. But because I wanted the moment to be right.
After everything with Isabella and the k********g and the trial... I wanted this to be pure joy.
Not tainted by trauma or fear or anything else.
Just joy.
"Mommy? What are you doing?"
I jumped. Shoved the test into my pocket.
Liam stood in the bathroom doorway.
"Nothing, baby. Just... checking something."
"Checking what?"
"Grown-up stuff."
"Is it a surprise for Daddy?"
Smart kid.
"Maybe. Can you keep a secret?"
His eyes lit up. "I'm really good
