SHE was pregnant. For the second day in a row, Ella took half a day’s leave and left work before she was scheduled. She didn’t go anywhere in particular. Just drove around.Alone.Jason had asked if she wanted company. He’d offered to spend the evening with her. But she had a feeling he was going to be distancing himself from her life fairly quickly.He was a good guy. He’d be a friend.But he didn’t want children of his own, let alone another man’s child.And that other man—the one whose child this was—didn’t want anyone.* * *SHE ENDED UP at the beach. She’d driven by The Lemonade Stand. Needing to go in. To see Chloe. The place was crawling with compassionate women and she needed someone to talk to.She’d even settle for Lila McDaniels. Would prefer the older woman, actually, with her quiet, but firm, motherly way.Ella’s nerves needed a firm talking-to.But she couldn’t tell anyone else until Brett knew.She’d already made an appointment with an obstetrician she knew from the hospital for Monday—having explained her situation.
