Read Next to Forever (Never Letting Go) for Free Online Page A

sex. Yes, I had a bad past and Connor knew about it, but I’ve changed. I’m a better person than I used to be and it’s all because of Connor.
    My partying days are over, and my focus is on Connor and our life together. Life is full of surprises, Connor being my first. Now finding out that I’m pregnant is my second surprise.
    After a few more minutes, I make it to Sophia and Adam’s house. The front door is open so I walk inside and head on into the living room. Sophia’s laughing and telling Adam to leave her stomach alone. I hate that I’m going to ruin this moment between the two newlyweds, but I need my best friend more than ever. I take a deep breath and walk to where they’re lying down.
    “Erin?” Sophia sits up, pushing Adam to the side. “Are you okay?” She gets up and runs to me.
    My shoulders slump, and I feel sluggish. There’s a lump in my throat and tears are welling up in my eyes. I throw my arms around Sophia and let out my anguish and fear. “I’m pregnant,” is all I’m able to say before going into a full-blown sob.
    “Oh my God! Erin! This is amazing!” Sophia cries out and kisses my cheek. Why is she so excited? “Did you tell Connor?”
    I hear Adam laughing. “Adam, shut the fuck up! Seriously! You’re not helping.” I walk to the kitchen table and sit down.
    “Adam, babe, can you go get me some ice cream please?”
    “Baby, it’s eight o’clock. I don’t think any ice cream places are open.”
    “So? Go to the store. Now, please.”
    Adam sighs and gives his wife a kiss on her lips before heading out. Sophia sits down and takes my hand. “I’m guessing Connor doesn’t know , and this wasn’t planned?” I nod my head yes and start crying again.
    “I can’t be pregnant , Soph. This isn’t happening! Connor’s going to freak out! I’m only twenty-two.” I never thought about having kids or starting a family. Don’t get me wrong. I love Connor with my whole heart, and one day we’ll have one, but now isn’t the right time. He means everything to me, but we’re so young and still getting to know each other. We’re selfish and spend all of our time together. “What am I going to do?”
    Before Sophia answers, my phone starts ringing. I take it out and see that it’s Connor texting me. I swipe my phone to unlock the screen and read the message.
    Connor: Beautiful where are you? I’m home. Are you at Sophia’s?
    Looking at Sophia and trying not to break down and cry, I show her the message from Connor. She doesn’t say anything but her eyes do the talking. “What do I say?”
    “Answer the question , Erin! Tell him you’re here at my house and see if he wants to come over!”
    Me: Hi! You’re home early. Yeah I’m here. Want me to come home?
    Connor: No, I’ll head over there. See you in a few minutes.
    Me: Ok.
    I put my phone away and my head hangs low. “Connor’s coming over. Should I tell him now?”
    Sophia takes my hand and smiles. “Yes, I think you should. I’ll be upstairs , ok?”
    I nod my head yes and try to steady my breathing. I can do this. I need to do this. I hear the door open and close , and I feel my heart beating faster with each second. My hands start shaking, and I feel the room spinning. This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I don’t want to think anything negative but it’s hard to be positive. I close my eyes and count to one hundred in my head, but there’s no use, he’s here, standing next to me.
    His hands cup my face and his lips gently touch mine. I melt in his arms and fall in love with his smell —my Connor. The burning love between us is strong and will never go away. He’s my reason, and our love will help us get through this obstacle.
    “Babe?” I can hear how nervous he is , and I can’t hold it in any longer. I open my eyes and look at him. He kneels down before me and takes my hand. “Hey, beautiful. Where’s your head at?” He rubs circles on my hand with his thumb, trying to make me