Turbulence by Elaina John

in a hard breath. “W-what? How do you know?”
    The ramifications of her actions hit her like a ton of
bricks. She invaded Lily’s privacy and blurted out something so dear and
precious. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. I-I can see glimpses into the
future and—”
    “It’s all right, Avalon.” Lily reached down and patted her
hand. “It was going to come out sooner or later. It’s actually a relief that
someone besides me and the stick know.”
    “The stick?”
    “Yeah, it’s… Never mind.”
    “That explains why you’re unwell so often.”
    She made a sound of annoyance. “I don’t get morning
sickness. I get all day sickness. It’s hard keeping the pregnancy from Dex. He
knows something is up.”
    “Why are you keeping it a secret? If that’s not too personal
to ask,” Avalon corrected. Bringing a baby into the world was something to
share, not hide.
    “No. It’s nice having another woman to talk to. With my
friend Noris getting a job, my other friend Tess coaching the cheerleading
squad since I quit, and my sister gone, I’m sort of short on friends at the
moment.”
    Avalon liked the idea of being Lily’s friend. She was short
on those as well.
    Anxiety clouded Lily’s features. “I can’t tell Dex right
now. Before we got married we said we would wait two or three years before we
had children. It’s been less than a year since we tied the knot. What if he’s upset
with me and doesn’t want this child? Things are crazy around here. I can
understand if he’s not ready for that yet.”
    She set out to put Lily’s mind at ease. “I don’t know Dex as
well as you do, but I know he loves you. That child is a result of your love.
You didn’t create it alone. He is going to be as thrilled as any mate would be.”
    She started biting on her fingernail. “I don’t know. I’m
scared.”
    “Don’t be. When I saw your future you were both very happy.”
    “Really? Did you see whether I’m having a boy or a girl?”
    “I did not. Forgive me.”
    Lily sighed. “It’s okay. Well, I guess when Dex gets back
I’ll tell him. I’m still nervous though.” She cocked her head and stared at
Avalon. It was extremely disconcerting. Just like when Greyson did it. “You’re
really pretty.”
    “Oh. Thank you.” It wasn’t often that Avalon received
compliments.
    “Are you seeing anyone right now?”
    Greyson didn’t count. Eating breakfast together each day
meant nothing even though they were learning a lot about each other. “Not
really. No.”
    Lily tapped her chin. A gleam entered her stormy gray eyes.
“I have the perfect guy for you.”
    Avalon waved both hands in front of her. She wasn’t
interested in being set up with anyone. Dating was the least of her concerns.
“Thank you, but no thank you.”
    “Oh come on, Avalon. The guy I’m thinking of is amazing.
He’s sexy and smart and kind. You would love him.”
    Avalon shook her head until she felt dizzy. The guy sounded
great, but she wasn’t ready to dive into the dating pool.
    Lily clasped her hands together and pouted. She was good at
it because it was softening Avalon’s resolve. “Please. Please. Please.”
    “All right. Fine. What’s his name?”
    “Yes! You won’t regret it. He’s my friend actually. His name
is Ross.”
    “The sentry?”
    “Yeah. Do you know him?” Lily asked.
    “Not really. We met briefly, but it was nighttime so I
didn’t get a good look at him.” If she knew she’d have to go out with him, she
would have tried to get a better glimpse of him.
    “Trust me, girl. When you do, you won’t be disappointed. I’m
so excited. He needs a nice woman like you. How does tonight sound for a date? 
I can make a reservation for you at a nice restaurant.”
    “That’s so soon.” It made her stomach somersault.
    “You might be right. We’ll work on the exact date. You have
to do a little shopping in my closet first anyway. Your wardrobe could use a
little diversification.”
    Avalon