Several days later, I was waiting for the test results after visiting my brother at his office. It wasn't that bad. Javier and I spent the afternoon talking and laughing. Sure I had to get some test done on my heart, but even that didn't put a damper on the afternoon. Dare I say I actually enjoyed the time in the clinic?

That's why I love having my brother as my doctor. I never truly felt like I'm visiting a doctor, just my brother. It's a blessing and one that I'm reminded of every time I go for a check-up. I pushed the thought of my visit with Javier to the back of my mind and focused on the present.

The packed mall was screaming Easter and Spring the moment we stepped in. The mall shop windows were decorated with much Easter cheer. Bunnies, jumbo eggs, flowers, and other signs of spring hit from every angle. The biggest attraction was the Easter and Spring Mashup display, which attracted many young and older people.

Weaving past a couple of shoppers and stands that were out, I saw the indoor play area. Not surprisingly, it was decorated for Easter, complete with guard bunnies holding a sign in the shape of an egg at the entrance and a white picket fence with flowers around the area. The area was packed with children enjoying the changes as their parents watched nearby.

Rowan spotted me and waved me over to their table. I waved back and let Melody loose in the play structure before joining them. They both stood, hugging me as they greeted me.

"The malls are really going all out this year," Rowan commented, pushing a drink toward me. "Vanilla Frapp extra whipped cream."

I thanked her as I removed the cover on the straw. "Mmmmm, still amazing and just what I needed. You know, it seems like every year the malls either try to outdo each other or outdo last year."

"Yeah, it all just seems like a lot," Maya agreed, taking a sip of her drink. "Anyway, did you get your test back yet?"

"Not yet," I answered quickly and took another sip of my drink. My eyes darted away, avoiding their gaze.

Rowan and Maya exchanged looks before saying anything. "OK, what happened?" Maya asked.

"What couldn't Javy tell me because of doctor-patient confidentiality?" Rowan put in.

Javier and Rowan are best friends who grew up together. They'd never had any secrets between them because they were one of those rare couples that could read each other's minds. The only reason they even had any secrets between them was because of Javier's job. Our family says it's because they're soul mates, and their love is true. That's why they knew each other so well. Twisting the ring on my finger, I wondered if Trey was my soul mate.

"It's not that he couldn't tell you," I corrected, pushing the thoughts of soul mates out of my mind, "After I visited Javy, I started getting minor dizzy spells."

Maya and Rowan narrowed their brows into a straight line. Their forehead wrinkled, and their smiles flipped to a frow. I didn't need the test results to know something was wrong, and they knew that. I grew up with health challenges because of my heart defect.

Growing up, I'd been in the hospital more times than I cared to count. Over the years, I have come to terms with the fact that I was different. I have learned to deal with the good and bad of my heart defect. I knew the best and worse case scenarios. I also knew enough to know when there was something wrong. None of that helps with the reality of it, though.

Rowan took my hand in hers. "Hey, miss smarty, you may know when something is wrong, but it may not be so bad. So chin up, and keep a positive attitude. That's half the battle for any illness."

"Rosie's right." Maya agreed, squeezing my hand, "until those test results come back, none of us will know how bad it all is."

I flashed a fake smile at them. "That's a start," Rowan wrapped me in a side hug. "You'll be fine. Your health didn't take you down before, and it won't now."

The corner of my lips curved into a genuine smile. I felt better now, and somehow I knew they were right. No matter what happened, I had never let my health take me down before, and there was no way I was starting now.

Needing more of a sugar fix, I snatched one of the cookies on the plate. "So what are your guy's plans for Easter besides the family lunch?" I asked between bites of the cookie.

"Javy's going to be on call. So, we're just planning to enjoy the day and time with our family." Rowan wrinkled her nose. "Maybe planting some flowers with True in the yard or some sort of craft before the family lunch."

"So, no Easter Bunny, huh," I noted.

Rowan shook her head with a chuckle. "Not unless we want to traumatize True."

I winced, "yeah, probably not the best idea. What about you, Maya? I doubt our six old niece will settle for a simple craft."

"And you would be right." Maya nodded, looking in Olyvya's direction. "This year, her class had an Easter party the day before spring break. They did crafts, made baskets, and even had a scavenger hunt in the classroom."

We couldn't hold back our laughter. "Don't tell us; she asked you for her own easter party."

Maya nodded, "yup, complete with an egg hunt and like her entire class."

We nearly spit out our drinks. "You didn't agree to that, did you?" Rowan asked when she swallowed the sip of coffee she took.

Maya shook her head. "No way, no how. I love Lulu and hate saying no to her, but I'm not that crazy."

"Good," I praised, "so what was the compromise?"

Maya blew out a raspberry, and I knew there was something she wasn't telling me. "The last day of Spring Break, a new friend she met at basketball practice is throwing an Easter/welcome spring party. It's a small party of five kids, and she really wants to go. Of course, the parents are in charge, and I told her I'd consider it. But I'm not sure it's a good idea to let her go." Maya whispered the last bit as she fiddled with the charm bracelet Miguel gifted her, their first Christmas together.

I couldn't shake the feeling that there was a catch that Maya didn't tell us. Whatever this catch had to be the reason, she didn't say yes to Olyvyy's request.

"Why not?" Rowan tried.

Maya shrugged, "because Lulu's friend is Aspen….Bolton."

It took a moment before we put two and two together. I thought the universe had to be playing some joke on me when it finally sank in. I wasn't ready for Troy's family to know my secrets, certainly not Troy.

I blew out a breath looking in my nieces' direction. There was no avoiding this. We could hope they didn't realize that Olyvya was my niece, but there wasn't much more we could do.

"You should say yes." I encouraged her. "I understand why you're hesitant to say yes, and I appreciate it. "But it's not like not letting her go will stop her from being friends with Aspen. They'll see each other at practice unless you draw her out. Which I don't think you could without Lulu feeling like she did something or should."

Maya tilted her head with a crooked brow, "are you sure you're ready to face them again if you have to? Especially Troy?"

"Honestly, no, But it's not the first time life has thrown something at me that I'm not prepared for," I sighed with a shrug. "I've learned to deal."

"Speaking of surprises, have you and Trey talked since the big surprise at Blakely's wedding?" Rowan asked as she checked her phone.

I swirled my straw around before taking another sip of my drink. "No, I've been busy."

Maya narrowed her brow at me. "So, you're avoiding him."

"More like trying to avoid confrontation and frustration." I corrected, hanging my head. "And questioning my decisions," I added as an afterthought.

That got both of their attention. "Gabby, why did you say yes if you have doubts?"

Maya shifted in her chair. "I thought things were going better."

I played with the engagement ring on my finger. "We've been going out for almost a year. I've known Trey for even longer. Marriage is only a matter of time."

"Sounds to us like you're forcing yourself to accept him," Rowan noted.

"You do realize that there's such a thing as breaking up, right?" Maya asked.

"I'm not forcing myself to accept him. Every couple has their difference that they need to work out; I'm just hopeful we can." I wasn't sure if I was trying to convince them or myself.

Maya threw her hand up like she was giving up. "If you say so and are happy, that's all that matters."

My phone went off with Trey's name flashing on the screen. "Speaking of Trey." I swiped to answer the call.

I listened as he spoke with a voice that masked how upset he was. My expression fell the more I heard about the situation. I shut my eyes when I realized that Lainey got what she wanted. Ray, our biggest client, was threatening to leave. Many of our other clients were right behind him. He only hasn't because he wants to talk to me.

I started gathering my stuff before I finished the call. Rowan and Maya offered to keep Melody for the afternoon. I thanked them before taking off and reminded them I'd be on my phone if they needed anything.

Everyone was busy doing damage control when I came dashing in. Owen and Anna were on the phone trying to salvage their clients. I had a feeling that Lainey did some pretty good damage to the company. Anna gave me a death glare as she ended her call. She was about to start something, but Owen stopped her, reminding her they needed their jobs.

I let the issue drop and headed for the conference room. I cracked the door open just enough to hear the conversation inside. Leaning in closer, I picked up bits and pieces of the conversation between Trey and Ray. Lainey was quiet, and I shook at the thought.

My grip tightened on the door handle, could she be planning more, I thought, holding my breath. Lainey was sneaky, and I wouldn't put it past her to keep dragging the company down until there was quite literally nothing left.

I cleared my throat, entering the room, "sorry I'm late. Date off and all."

All eyes in the room turned to me. Ray's expression lightened when he saw me. There was something about the way he was looking at me. It was almost as if he knew me. But I was sure that I didn't know him.

Ray finally stood, and as soon as he was up, so was Trey. Both had a smile on their face. Lainey was the only one who didn't seem to care what was happening. Her death glare made it clear that she didn't want me there.

"Ray this is my fiancée Gabriella." Ray introduced us. "I believe she's the one you wanted to speak with."

"Ray, we have plenty of other planners here." Lainey decided to speak. "She does the small stuff here. She doesn't know how to plan a birthday party, much less something as big as your gala event."

I rolled my eyes. "Fantastic, now she decides to join in," I mutter.

Ray turned to me. "May I have a word with you, alone?"

I nodded as Trey ushered Lainey out. "Please fix this," He pleaded in a whisper as he passed me.

I shut the door behind him and turned back to Ray. He was smiling with a business look on his face. This could either go really well, or it could go downhill. "Please, let's sit and talk," I gestured toward the table.

He nodded, following me. "Sorry to call you in on your day off."

I shook my head. "Don't be; you're our client. It's our job to serve you. I should apologize for all the mistakes and clearly not giving you our best."

He chuckled and nodded. "I knew I trusted the right person. So here is my proposal. If you could be my event planner, I'll keep using Fantasy Event Planning."

I was stunned, speechless. This was not what I was expecting. For someone like Ray to ask for me specifically was a dream. Why he trusted me was beyond me, though. "You want me; can I ask why?"

"I prefer to work with people I know I can trust," He shrugged. "And as I said, I knew I could trust you."

I was still confused. "But you don't know me," I pointed out. "How do you know you can trust me?"

"I may not know you, but I know of you," He explained. "The Evens family has mentioned you countless times before. And Derby and Vance have shown me your pictures with their kids before."

I tried following what he said. "Evans," I whispered to myself. It took a minute for it to click. Memories of my junior and senior years of high school came rushing back. "You don't mean Ryan and Sharpay Evan's, do you?"

He nodded, "Yes, I've known Sharpay and Ryan since they were babies. I've known their parents even longer. Anyway, I know you can get the Gala Events back on track. So, do we have a deal?"

I bit my lip, hesitant to agree. Million things race around my mind. How was I going to break it to Trey? He was not going to like this. What about Ryan and Sharpay? What if they found out I was the one helping Ray? I haven't seen or heard from them in over two years. What would happen if I saw them again? I can't imagine.

This would be so much easier if I could just turn him down. But if I did that, we'd be losing more than Ray. We may be losing what few clients we have left. Then we would really be in trouble.

I was between a rock and a hard place. No matter what I chose, I would still lose. What was I going to do?

I blew out a breath, mentally preparing for the worse. "I appreciate your confidence in me, but can you give me like five minutes to run this by Trey?"

Ray agreed, and I rushed out to find Trey in his office. Owen and Lainey were in Trey's office talking to him. The room grew silent when I entered.

"So, how did it go?" Trey asked, "were you able to talk Ray into letting us fix the Gala Event?"

"He did have one request if he was to keep using Fantasy Event Planning." I started to say.

Owen threw his hands up in defeat. "I knew it. Rich guys like him always want something. What did he want us to work with a new budget? Or is he paying less, and we have to do more?"

Trey cleared his throat. "Look, even if we have to operate at a loss, we need this account. Ray's account has brought us many new clients. We lose Ray, our reputation is shot, and our door will close for good."

"Guys," I shouted to grab their attention. "He doesn't want more work for less, and we don't have a new budget. He requests that I plan his event."

Lainey let out a laugh as she stood up and slowly approached me. "He wants you?" She didn't bother to hide her amusement.

Owen joined her in her laughter and jokes. "I've never seen you plan anything. You do odds and ends. You don't know how to plan the simplest party; you can't plan something like the Gala."

Lainey was laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes. "Planning a party isn't as simple as making a call or two and taking notes." She chuckled out between her laughter.

Hurt and anger boiled in me as I watched and listened to them. I wasn't that incompetent around here. It hurt even more that Trey wasn't doing anything. He was just listening to their jokes.

"Guys, can we have a minute?" Trey asked when they had their attention.

They left, still giggling from their jokes as I shut the door behind them. "What was that?" I folded my arm across my chest, anger burning in me. "Why didn't you say something?"

He sat back down. "What was I supposed to say? My fiancée knows how to plan better than any of you. So don't just give her the easy work and forget about her health. I'm not going to put your health at risk; you know that."

I took a couple of giant strides across the room until I stood across the table from him. "So, we're back to that, are we?"

I didn't bother to hide how annoyed and upset I was. This tug-of-war between us was honestly starting to get old. If I gave in, I felt like I was losing a part of myself. If only I knew how to fix it. Then maybe there'd be some real peace between us.

"I guess we are," He agreed, folding his arm across his chest. "And I'm not going to agree to Ray's request. That's where I'm drawing the line."

I sighed, "then I guess we're at a stalemate if neither of us is willing to give."

A knock at the door caused both of our attention to turn. I blew out a grateful breath for a way to avoid another confrontation, even if it was not for long. It was something we needed, so we could both cool off.

Anna came in with different files in her hands. "Ray said he has to leave and wants to know our answer."

"Tell him no," Trey answered without hesitation.

I turned to him in disbelief. "Tell him yes," I stated, not taking my eyes off him.

Trey sat up and unfolded his arms. There was anger and a hint of something I never saw in his eyes before. I questioned if I should let this one go as I took a step back. The thought of losing the company made me sad. But if I didn't back off, there would be an actual confrontation between Trey and me. The idea of that made my heart well up with sadness.

Anna was still standing by the door waiting for final orders. I dropped my head, putting my hands on my hip, "Did he need an answer today?"

Anna shook her head. "No, he said if we needed more time and didn't mind him looking into other planners, he will give us till Monday for a final answer."

Trey sighed, "fine, tell him we'll call him by Monday either way. And tell Lainey to come back in."

The silence was awkward between us after Anna left. Neither of us dared to look at each other, much less say a single word. Fidgeting with my ring, I remembered what my sisters had said earlier.

Why did I say yes?

I felt the vibration of my phone and fished it from my pocket. My stomach drops seeing Javier's text message.

Javy: Test results consult ASAP

Blowing out a tired breath, I put on my best fake smile. Letting Trey know I needed to take care of something, I raced out before he could object. I called Javier's office as soon as I was in the car.

I sat on the exam table of the colorfully decorated exam room, listening to the clock go tick tock tick tock. It was the only thing I could find to distract myself from thinking about my blood test results. I blew out a shaky breath, hoping to settle the butterflies in my stomach. I was in here for my test results yesterday and ended up doing a blood test to do further testing. This morning Javier called me with some of the blood work results.

It felt like I'd waited years as the butterflies in my stomach started making me nauseous. Keeping my head low, I did my best to stay focused. Fumbling with the charms on the bracelet from my dad, I went into my own little bubble.

I jumped when the door to the exam opened. Picking my head up, I saw Javier with my file in his hand and a sour face. My heart immediately dropped into my stomach. I knew from his face that it was what we both had feared.

He nodded slightly to confirm as he shut the door behind him. In my heart, I had known the results would be positive. It didn't make me feel any better, though. I was still a basket of confused emotions. I dropped my head again, fumbling with my charm bracelet again.

He set my file on the exam table's far end and hopped up beside me. "We won't know any details until an ultrasound is done. The good news is that your heart arrhythmia isn't too bad, so most likely, your meds are still working."

"That's good, I guess," I whispered absent-mindedly.

Javier's attempt to look on the bright side wasn't helping much. I could only think of Trey's reaction when he finds out. Trey is already so worried about everything I did; if he knew I was pregnant, that would make things that much harder between us. I could see the horror movie now. He would probably want to control my every move, and I'd refuse to totally give in-like always. I'd end up doing what he didn't like behind his back-like before. In the end, we'd both lose.

He placed his hand on my arm to stop me from fumbling with my bracelet. "Hey, it's not your fault if he choices to leave, and things can't work out between you two. Trey is a grown man who makes his own choices, and he will be the one who loses out, not you."

He brushed a strand of hair behind my ear, trying to cheer me up. I shut my eyes. "I just feel so confused. Every couple has problems, and I want us to work through ours."

He nodded, "yet, you feel like you can't. And that this may be the breaking point."

Now it was my turn to nod, "I really want things to work, to have that forever love that you and everyone else has."

He pulled me closer, wrapping me in a tight hug. "And you will find it. Whether it's with Trey or someone else."

"How can you be so sure?"

He smiled a bright smile, "because when I was little, my Yeye and Nana would tell me stories about people finding their soul mates all the time. And he would always say that we all have a soulmate waiting for us. We'll know who that soulmate is when the time is right, and it's worked for our family so far."

I scrunched my nose. "Even me?"

He shrugged, "you'll know when the time is right. In the meantime, keep your chin up. Everything will work out."

The exam room door opened again. Javier and I looked up to see Antonio coming in. "Hey, I heard someone in here needs an OB."

I smiled, reaching out my hands for a hug. "Tony, I should have known I'd be seeing you."

He chuckled, wrapping me in a hug. We caught up for a bit before he started checking me over. After he gave me an ultrasound, we headed back to Javier's place while we talked about the results. I loved how casual the afternoon was, and it definitely helped with my nerves.

The next several days passed with little event. Trey and I still haven't agreed on Ray's Gala Events. I've tried and failed to talk to him on several occasions. No surprise. Not only were we still at odds about the Gala, I still hadn't been able to speak with him about being pregnant either.

On this particular afternoon, Trey came by my place for lunch. I hadn't been feeling too well this morning, so Trey insisted I stay home to get some rest. Somehow I felt like we were completely back to square on, and I once again wondered why I wanted this to work.

"Are you feeling better?" He asked me as he helped me prep dinner.

I nodded, starting a pot of boiling water for the pasta. "Yeah, I probably just needed some rest."

He dropped the vegetables he was chopping and gave me a hand reaching the top cupboard shelf. Our eyes locked, causing my stomach to tighten. Taking a step back, I wobbled at the edge of the step stool I was on. Trey caught me in his arms in one swoop. Our hearts were racing as we stood inches from each other lips.

Why do I keep finding myself in these situations with Trey, I thought with a pounding heart in my chest. I could feel the attraction and heat pulling us closer together with each hot breath I felt on my skin. Giving in to his kisses again, I melted in his arms.

"Mommy," Melody's voice rang over the monitor, causing us to pull apart.

"I better get her," I whispered, turning away.

He stopped me with a gentle tug. "Let me."

Not in the mood for a fight, I nodded. Blowing out a breath, I poured the pasta into the water and finished chopping the vegetables. I was just finishing up when I heard a knock at the door.

Who could it be, I wondered while I wiped my hands on a towel.

"Tony," I greeted him with a surprised smile.

I invited him once we pulled away from our hug. "I came by to give you this," He handed me a business card. "And to see how you're feeling."

I was sure that confusion was all over my face. I took the card and glanced it over. "Dr. Josie Lopeze." I read aloud.

"She's an excellent friend of mine. We went to med school and practiced together. I've talked to her, and she'd agreed to…." Antonio started to explain, and I realized where this was going. Antonio's speech slowed, but I couldn't stop him. "keep track of your pregnancy while I'm at the conference."

Trey emerged with Melody from Melody's nursery. My head dropped at the thought of the fight I knew was coming. I just hope I knew the dance well enough to de-escalate the situation.

Melody reached out with a bright smile, "Unky Towe."

Antonio took Melody from Trey. "Clearly, you guys need some time. I'll drop Melody off with Javy and give you two a chance to talk."

Neither of us objected to the idea. I shut the door behind me and headed for the couch. Trey was right behind me. We were both silent, waiting for the other to speak. Trey finally gave in and broke the silence.

"You're pregnant," I couldn't tell if Trey was stating it or if he was asking me.

I nodded, "eight weeks," I confirmed.

"What did your brother say?"

"I have a heart arrhythmia, but the meds are working. I can't be taken off my meds, but they should be safe. They'll give me weekly checks to ensure I'm on track for the goal of 30-32 weeks." My voice was just above a whisper.

"And they're sure you can get to 30 weeks?" He wondered.

I shrugged, "I was further along with Melody before they started noticing trouble with my heart, but they're hopeful."

There was silence again. "Is the baby…"

I knew what he was going to ask. "It's too early to tell, but the possibility is there."

I finally picked my head to take a look at him. I can't tell if he was upset, happy, or worried. Maybe it was a mixture of everything.

More silence.

Trey cleared his throat and stood. I stood with him. "I….uuhh…I need some air," He whispered, heading for the door.

I shut my eyes, trying to hide the hurt and sadness I felt as I watched him leave. I couldn't be sure if I were hurting because I loved him or if there was another reason. Will he be back, I wondered, watching the door shut behind him. The thought that my relationship could fail again made me feel worse.

My life just got a lot more complicated. A single tear rolled down my cheek as I placed a hand over my stomach. Glancing around my nearly packed apartment, waves of memories hit hard. The most prominent one was eight weeks ago on Valentine's Day. Trey had come by to give me a surprise. That night one thing led to another, and now eight weeks later, I'm not sure if I even have a fiance.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I picked myself up. My phone went off with a text from Javier asking if I was OK. I swear Javier has some psychic vision or something. My finger hovered over the thumbs-up emoji.

Was I OK? What's left of my relationship is hanging by a thin thread. Did I still want to make this relationship work? Would I be OK if it was over?

I text him back.

Not sure, Trey walked out

We may be done 4 good