You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

 Easton 

We grab some food to—go at a local Mexican restaurant, and then head back to my house.

The minute we're in the kitchen, I’m pouring Harper a giant glass of water to prepare for her peeing on the stick after dinner.

She’s pulling all of the food containers out of the bag, setting them up on the kitchen counter where we’ re going to sit and eat.

“You bought a lot of food,” she says as she cracks open one container, revealing a pile of tortilla chips and a small container of salsa.

“I’m starving,” I admit as I grab a couple of chips and stuff them in my mouth.

“And I wanted to be prepared since you might be eating for two.” She rolls her eyes and socks me in the arm.

Her gaze goes to the cup of water I set in front of her.

“You expect me to drink all that?” “Probably enough for two tests.” “Yeah.” She swallows hard and pushes the container with her food inside away from her.

“I’m freaking out, Easton.

Our lives could change tonight.” “Or it could be no big deal,” I say with a shrug.

“No matter what, we'll figure it out.” “You really think we will? Because I’m scared,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Like—really scared.” I turn to her and pull her off the stool she’s sitting on.

Until she’s standing in between my spread legs and my arms are around her waist.

She wraps her arms loosely around my neck, our gazes never straying.

“I’m scared too.

But you need to know something before we take that damn test, okay?” “What is it?” “I'm in this with you.

For real.” I squeeze her even closer.

“I’m not going anywhere.

I love you, Harper.

And no matter what, we're going to get through this together.” Her eyes are shiny as she stares down at me and I hope to hell she doesn't start crying again.

Her tears do me in every single time.

“I love you too.

You say the best things.” “I mean every fucking word I say.” I grip her nape tighter and pull her down so our lips meet for a brief kiss.

“I’m starving.

Let's eat.” She laughs as she pulls away from me, settling on the barstool she just vacated.

nervous.” “Oh, I'm nervous,”

Fuck, it’s delicious.

gotta eat.” Harper shakes her head and pops open the lid of her container, staring at the two tacos she ordered that are

shiver steals over her and she slams the lid

“I can’t.

Not a

throwing up and tired all the time

is probably

in, I

for making

are going to be so disappointed

about my parents and

will go on a rampage, telling me how I ruined my life all over

my life, so if I'm going down and ruining my life, at least I'm doing

waving at the

test.” She chugs water while I consume my burrito, and I’m glad to see her munch on

been looking

And pale.

chalked it up to

maybe it was

she grabs one of the tests and heads for the guest bathroom that’s

going in.” “Want me to come with?” I

pee,”

you.” Within minutes, she’s calling my name and I head for the bathroom, my steps

few minutes should determine the course of

chest, causing

hard, my mouth is dry, and I sort

Fuck.

at the sink, staring at the test device as it sits on the counter and when she hears me approach, she lifts her head, glancing over her shoulder at

for you, but...” “But what?”

is a glorious sight to

her, staring down at the test, seeing the best word

Negative.

the other one,”

comes up positive?” “It won't,” I say

to the kitchen and I finish my burrito while Harper

She seems lighter.

Happier.

So aml.

and I crack open a beer because, holy fuck, I need it to

not in the clear yet,

Really close.

really take the other one?” she asks once she’s

“Yeah.

I say with