“They’re saying investigators have stronger evidence this time,” she added. “Financial records. Trafficking charges. Organized crime connections.”
“You okay?” I asked her.
She hesitated. “I think so,” she said softly. “It just feels strange. Like something that’s been hanging over my life for years might actually be ending.”
I looked out toward the rows of apple trees as I pulled into the property.
“Maybe it is,” I said.
For the first time since the news broke that morning, the thought felt possible.
“I haven’t gotten my period yet, Asher,” she said carefully.
I sighed. “So, we wait.”
“I don’t want you worrying before the fight. I need you to have a clear head,” she said. “Maybe I should take a pregnancy test.”
“If that’s what you want, then okay. I just pulled into Maple Valley. I can pick you up and drive you to the pharmacy,” I offered.
“Thanks, Asher,” her voice had turned soft.
“We’re in this together. You don’t need to thank me,” I assured.
A moment later, I saw her standing on the sidewalk, and she walked up to my truck. I parked and unlocked the doors. She got in.
“Hi, beautiful.” I leaned in and kissed her. She tasted sweet.
“Sorry, I just ate an apple,” she said.
“I hope you didn’t skip lunch,” I said.
“No, I went to the bakery and got a scone,” she said. She looked at me and sighed. “This is such bad timing.”
“No such thing. Everything is just as it’s meant to be,” I smirked and took her hand in mine, and drove to the pharmacy.
When we arrived out front, I felt Claire tense beside me. “It’s going to be okay.”
“You’ve been very supportive and…”
“What?” I asked.
“I’m kinda shocked you aren’t freaking out about this. I am,” she was radiating nerves. One of us needed to be calm.
“I spent a lot of time running in my life. Now I don’t feel the need. I’m happy at the orchard, I’m happy with you.” I kissed the back of her hand. “We never actually discussed what your plans would be once summer ends.”
“I know,” she blinked. “I wasn’t planning on feeling this way about you.”
I smiled. “You’ve caught me off guard too, but I’m not sorry.”
“Neither am I, Asher,” she said, which felt semi reassuring. “I’m going to drop out of my program. There’s no point in me staying in it. This case with Sophie was personal, but I don’t see myself doing it the rest of my life. I’ll need to apply to an environmental science program. I mean, that’s if I’m not pregnant. If I am, that changes things…”
“Where does it leave us?” I asked, feeling more vulnerable than I ever have.
Her eyes softened. “Asher, I want us to stay together. I…”
I didn’t know what she was going to say, but I had actual flutters in my stomach.
“Whatever it is, say it,” I encouraged.