Chapter 688

They ignored the call, letting it drop. Then, the phone rang again. Caden intended to ignore it; he wanted to enjoy a wonderful evening with his future bride, undisturbed. But the incessant ringing continued, until they lost count of the missed calls. Just as they thought it was over, Alicia’s phone rang. Her heart jumped, and she stopped their affectionate wandering, clutching Caden’s hands.

“Maybe it’s important,” she whispered, uneasy. They’d never been called so persistently before. Caden took her hand, leaned over to check the caller ID, and saw it was Hank. A flicker of understanding crossed his eyes; he suspected why Hank was calling. Still, this was their special day—the day Alicia accepted his proposal, the day that marked the beginning of their life together. He couldn't leave her.

He cupped her face, kissing her tenderly. "It's just Gerry," he said, "that rascal. He hates seeing me happy. He's probably trying to ruin our night."

Alicia nearly gasped. Yet, knowing Gerry's mischievous nature, she found Caden's explanation believable. Relaxing, she allowed Caden to undress her. Then, a crimson stain on the fabric caught his eye, making him pause.

"Alicia, is it your time of the month?"

She stared, dumbfounded. After a moment of calculation, she replied, "No, I should have a few days left."

Sitting up, she checked her pants. Bloodstains marred the crotch and backside. How was this possible? Her period was always late, never early.

"Is it the excitement?" she wondered aloud, utterly bewildered. "This is the first time it's come early."

The familiar cramping began almost immediately, confirming her period had arrived.