Her words were swirling around my head. I didn’t want to take away my baby’s chance of knowing and having a relationship with its biological father. Even if I didn’t end up with Sam or Seth, my baby had the right to know its dad, and its father had the right to know his child. I couldn’t make this decision for them. I needed to find out who was the father of my baby.

Annie’s words confirmed my thoughts. “One of those Davis boys is the baby’s real father, and it’s time to find out which one. You need to go to the doctor.”

I knew she was right. I had been putting off going because I was ashamed to admit to anyone else that I had been intimate with identical twins at all, especially in so close of a time frame. It was disgusting and embarrassing. I had already rescheduled my obstetrician appointment twice. It was time to face the music. I needed to know the truth.

My new doctor’s appointment had been scheduled for next Wednesday, but I didn’t want to wait that long. I called the office to see if there had been any cancellations for a sooner appointment. The receptionist told me that I could be seen at 11:30 this morning, so I grabbed the available time before I lost my nerve and hung up the phone. I looked at the clock and saw that I had less than an hour to wait.

I busied myself dusting knick-knacks in the shop, trying to keep my mind off the looming doctor visit and the knowledge that it would bring. Annie was talking quietly on the phone, but I heard her say, “If it’s a problem, I can close the shop.” I turned and walked towards the back of the store, not wanting to eavesdrop on her conversation.

After she hung up the phone, Annie came to find me. “Courtney will be here in a little while to take you to the doctor.” Tears immediately welled in my eyes. I was so relieved that these women cared about me so much, and that I didn’t have to do this alone.

“She has to work the lunch shift today.” I said the words, even though I had already figured out that she was taking off to be with me.

“You are more important than work. Besides, Joe will understand. If he doesn’t, I’ll have a chat with him.” She gave me the grin of a cheshire cat before heading back to the front of the store. I had never seen Annie raise her voice in anger, but I imagined that she could be a firecracker when defending someone she loved. I was sure glad she loved me.