Part of me knew that. Knew it last night while wrapped up in Amber, in how much I loved her…but we’d been safe. We’d used two kinds of protection to prevent an outcome like this.

“Yes, of course he does,” she said, snapping me out of it.

“And?”

“And he’s amazing, Dean. You’d know that, if you gave him half a chance.” She sighed. “He wants to keep it. He wants to marry me when I turn eighteen. Wants to take care of me.”

“He loves you.”

“Yes.”

“Good,” I said. That was something, at least. “And you?”

“Me what?”

“What do you want?”

She swiped at the tears running down her cheeks. “I wanted to marry him, thought about our lives together beyond college. Someday, making babies and having SUVs and all that stuff.”

“And now?”

“I love him. I do. But I’m scared, Dean. I’m so freaking terrified. I don’t know how to be a mom,” she cried. “How can I be good? How can I do this and not ruin the baby for life?”

I wrapped my arms around her and let her sob into my chest. “We’ll figure it out,” I said. “Together. You have people who love you, Tessa. No matter what. I promise. You won’t be in this alone.”

A heavy weight sank to the bottom of my lungs, cutting off my air supply.

My baby sister was going to have a baby.

Way sooner than I ever imagined, if I even imagined it at all.

A buzzing in my pocket had me fishing out my cell while Tessa still dumped buckets on my shoulder.

Tanner.

Demanding I come in today. On a Saturday. To finish what I’d started.

To find the source of Ask Me Anything.

I typed out a fast text and coaxed Tessa back to her bed. I placed a glass of ice water on her nightstand and tucked her in like she was seven years old and having nightmares after Sean and I made her watch Jurassic Park with us. Grabbing the trash can from the bathroom, I set it next to her bed.

“Thanks,” she said, curling on her side.

I pushed a few strands of hair off her face and kissed her forehead. “I love you, Tessa,” I said. “Somehow, this will all work out. For now, just rest.” I headed to her door. “Call me if you need anything. I’ll be back in a few hours.”

“Okay,” she said, her eyes already falling closed in exhaustion.

…

“You got here quick,” Tanner said as I stepped into his office. “And with no resistance about it being a Saturday?” He tilted his head. “Perhaps you’re finally understanding that this is best for everyone.”

“Sure,” I said, half mumbling as I set my gear up.

Couldn’t be further from the truth.