Chapter 144

• After dinner, as Leo drew abstract shapes with his crayons on the living room floor, Charlotte felt as though her heart was beating out of her chest. It was now or never. Taking a deep breath, she turned to Damien, her voice steadier than she felt. “Can you do me a favor?”
• “Anything,” Damien replied, his gaze sharp and attentive. He paused, setting down the playful banter about Leo’s drawings. “What is it?”
• “Could you… could you pick up a pregnancy test from the corner store?” Charlotte's voice trembled slightly, and the words hung heavy in the space between them.