“Are you still battling morning sickness? You don’t look so good.”

“I kissed the toilet twice before I even left for work. It’s usually over by lunch, so I have that to look forward to.”

“Just let me know if you need anything,” she says as she walks away. I almost wish she could stay so I could avoid the inevitable.

After yet another trip to the bathroom, I head to Pierce’s office. The door is open a crack so I knock lightly, pushing it open in the process.

He immediately stands from his desk, giving me all his attention. “You’re back.”

“We drove back yesterday. You can’t avoid real life forever.”

“It would be nice, wouldn’t it?”

I smile, shutting the door behind me. “It would. Look, Pierce, I need to talk to you about something.”

“Take a seat.”

I do, mostly because my stomach is already turning again. Add some nerves to morning sickness, and it’s a whole new ball game. “First, I want to say thank you.”

“For what?” He comes around the desk, sitting along the edge with his arms crossed over his chest.

“For helping Blake find me. I know how hard that must have been for you.”

He shrugs like it was nothing. “It was the right thing to do.”

I nod, leaving it at that. “Today is going to be my last day here. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, but it’s not fair to Blake. The more I think about it, I’d hate to be in his shoes given everything that you and I’ve been through.”

“I know how he feels, but is there any way I can change your mind? You may be one of my newest designers, but you’re also one of the best.”

Shaking my head, I say, “No, I think I’m going to start something small from home. Something I can continue after the baby comes.”

He smiles sadly. “I’m going to miss you.”

“I’ll miss you, too,” I admit on the verge of losing it. Pierce was the first person I met in Chicago. A lot has happened between us that I’ll never forget, but sometimes, you even have to let good people go.

“I told him if he hurts you again, I’m going to kick his ass. Hold him to the promise he made me.”

“Trust me, if he leaves again, there won’t be any need to. I’ll kick his butt first.”

I stand, needing to make my escape before I turn into a mess. He surprises me, pulling me in for a hug. “If there’s anything you need, don’t be afraid to call me. You’ll always have a special place in my heart.”

“You’ll always be in mine. Someday, I hope you find someone who will love you the way you deserve to be loved. You deserve that.”

“I thought I had, but I had to let her go.”

“There’s still someone out there for you. I truly believe that. It wasn’t me.”

“Only time will tell,” he remarks, letting his arms fall away from me.

“Bye, Pierce,” I say, putting a couple feet of space between us.

“Bye, Ms. Fields.”

When I look up, he has the look of sorrow. This is a forever goodbye, and we both know it.

I hurry out, running back to the same bathroom I’d been in before stepping into Pierce’s office. I cry for a few minutes because in some ways I just lost my best friend.

In another time, he could have been the one, but my heart belongs to Blake. It always will.

After straightening myself out, I head to Reece’s desk to break the news to her. It’s not going to be easy, but I’ll still get to see her after I leave here.

She’s staring at a drawing on her computer and doesn’t see me coming. “Reece.” My voice is quiet in an attempt to not scare her.

“Jesus, Lila. I’m supposed to be the one scaring you.”

“Sorry, I was wondering if you could come over tonight before your date for a little bit? Mallory will be back, and I’d like you to meet her.” And there’s something else I need to tell you, I think to myself.

“I should be able to. I don’t think our dinner reservation is until 7:30. Do you want me to bring anything?”

“No, I’ll have a bottle of wine chilled, though.”

“Now you’re talking. Do you want me to ride home with you?” she asks.

“No. I mean … I’m going to leave early today because I have a few things I have to take care of.”

“You’re okay, though, right?”

“More than,” I say, smiling. There’s a lot to look forward to.

“Does six work?”

“Perfect. I’ll see you then.”

I head to my desk next, throwing the few personal belongings I have into my bag. As I walk away, I glance back at my desk one last time, putting it into memory. I always thought this was my dream, but it wasn’t really. My dream was to be happy, and I’m finally there.

I drop an envelope off to Jane with Pierce’s name on it that holds my keys and passwords inside. For the last time, I step in the elevator and ride to the lobby. It’s just another moment where I hope I’m making the right decision. Another one of those darn forks in the road.

Blake isn’t home when I open the door, but Mallory is standing in the kitchen making cupcakes. I feel like we’re right back in college again. She drops her mixer and pulls me in for her signature bear hug.

“I haven’t done that in over a year.”

I laugh. “I hope you didn’t break my ribs.”

“Are you hungry?”

“What are you making?”

She practically skips back to the kitchen, pouring chocolate chips into her bowl. “Chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese, chocolate chip filling and a ganache on top.”

My stomach growls. Nothing has stayed down yet today. “I’ll have a few crackers and some ginger ale while they bake. I’ll be more than ready by the time they’re done.”

She grimaces. “Is that a new diet I haven’t heard about?”

I clear my throat and take a deep breath. Might as well just get it over with. “No, I’m pregnant.”

The spoon literally clanks against the metal bowl as she looks up at me. “What?”

“I’m going to have a baby. I just found out last week.”

She grasps the edge of the counter, mouth hanging open. “Who—”

“It’s Blake’s. I had an ultrasound last week when I went back home. There’s no question about that.”

“How did he react? You told him, right?” she asks, shoulders falling forward.

I nod. “We’re fine. More than fine actually.”

“You’re talking about Blake Stone, right? My Blake Stone.”

“Of course. The jerk I fell in love with because you neglected to tell me I was going to have a roommate when I moved here.”

She stirs frantically. “Do you know where he is? I got in a little after noon and haven’t seen him.”

“He was heading to the studio today to work on a few things. I’m actually going to run over there if you want to join me.”

“I’d love to, but I’m so tired of traveling. Besides, I think I need a few minutes to process all this before he comes home. I don’t know if I want to hug him or kill him.”

I give her my evil eyes. “Don’t kill him. He’s my baby daddy.”

“Gross,” she gags, stirring even faster.

“By the way, my friend Reece is coming over at 6:00, and I’m going to call my friend Dana, too. Want to join us for a few minutes? I kind of had something I wanted to tell everyone all at once.”

Her eyes widen. “There’s more?”

“It’s not a big deal … not compared to the other news.”

“Do I get my bed tonight?” she asks.

“It’s all yours. I’m curling up with Blake.”

“You can go now.”

“I feel so loved!” I yell as I walk out the door to hail a cab.

I find a ride easily since it’s only two o’clock on a Monday afternoon. When I came to Chicago, I was running from my emotions—from the past. I found a new home, but it had nothing to do with where I’m at, but everything to do with the people I met. They could go anywhere with me, and it would be home.

As we continue down the familiar city streets, I call Dana, asking if she can meet us at the apartment tonight. Not much to my surprise, Charlie agrees to give her the night off because it’s Monday and all. I mention the baby because I want her to hear it from me before she steps into the apartment tonight. She’s surprised, but like everyone else, she’s supportive, telling me she’ll do whatever I need. Her kindness makes leaving even harder.