Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 103109 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 516(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 344(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103109 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 516(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 344(@300wpm)
“Why is that your shame to carry if you didn’t know?” She leans forward in her seat and pulls me into her arms, rocking me back and forth gently. “I could never be disappointed in you. You make me proud every day.”
I give myself three deep breaths before I say, “I didn’t want to be like Ann. Tearing apart families.”
“Ann Friedman?” Mom releases me and gives me her patented I thought I told you to say no to drugs look. “What about this situation makes you like her?”
“Easton said Dad was in love with her.”
Mom snorts. “In her dreams. Don’t you remember Ann?”
“A little.”
“Do you remember the time she told everyone—including the police—that she was held up by Santa Claus at the bank? And then security footage showed her giving the money to that homeless guy right outside?”
I nod. “I’d forgotten that.”
“Or the time she told you that you wouldn’t get your period if you never wore red?”
Oh, wow. I’d forgotten that too. “She was a little nuts, wasn’t she?”
“She just marched to her own drummer. She had a thing for your dad and”—She points to her head—”trust me, the comments she made that implied her feelings were reciprocated were the reason for all this gray hair. But she never threatened our family, because your father wasn’t interested.”
“What’s happening over there?” Levi asks from across the table. “Are you two okay?”
“We’re fine,” I say quickly. I’m so glad I didn’t share that story with anyone else in the last seven years, but I wish I’d asked Mom.
Mom lifts a brow then nods meaningfully toward my brothers. I nod too, giving her the permission I know she’s looking for. “Shay’s expecting a baby. We’re just happy about a new blessing for this family.”
“You’re pregnant?” Levi says, and Brayden says, “What the fuck? I didn’t even know you were seeing anyone.” And at right about the same time, Jake says, “Is it Easton’s?”
“I’m not the baby’s father.” The soft, achingly familiar voice has me tearing my gaze off my brothers and whipping around to look at Easton. I don’t know when he walked into the bar, but he looks about as tired as I feel. He’s wearing a loose white button-up with sleeves rolled up to his elbows and khaki slacks. “But I’ll be the dad if Shayleigh will let me.”
I didn’t think it was possible, but those words seem to stun my entire family to silence. Especially me. Even Mom’s quiet, though she is smirking beside me.
“What did you just say?” I ask softly.
Easton smiles. “I said it’ll depend on you, but I’ve made my choice.” His intense gaze slides from my eyes down to my shoes, and something inside me shimmies in response. His nearness sends an electric current of energy through me every time. “You look . . .” He swallows hard and attempts a smile. “Just beautiful.”
I glance down at the simple blue dress I borrowed from Teagan. It’s fitted through the body and stops at the knees. I won’t be able to wear dresses like this much longer . . . at least not if I don’t want to advertise my pregnancy. “Thank you.”
“Can we talk?” he asks. He casts a glance over his shoulder and toward the exit. “I have some things I’d like to say. In private, if that’s okay.”
I nod, grab my purse, and lead the way out to the back. I don’t look to make sure he’s following me as I head through the kitchen, but I don’t have to. I feel him there.
I hesitate outside Jake’s office. The last time we were in there . . .
“I thought maybe we could talk down on the beach,” Easton says. “It’s a nice night.”
“I’d like that.” I’m in heels, but we’re only a couple of blocks away, and I can kick them off as soon as we get to the sand.
We’re quiet as we walk toward Lakeshore Drive, neither in a hurry to start this conversation. I don’t know why he’s waiting to say what he has to say, but I know why I am. I want what he offered in the restaurant, but I’m afraid he’s not offering it for the right reasons. I want Easton to be my family, my partner, and my baby’s dad—even if he’ll never be its genetic father. But I also know how honorable Easton is. I know why he offered what he did.
“I won’t ask if you meant what you just said to my family,” I say, mustering my courage. “Because I know you did.” His face is guarded as he waits for me to say more. “Easton, I would never ask that of you. I couldn’t. It’s too much.”
The light turns at Lakeshore Drive, and he takes my hand as we cross. His touch is everything I’ve spent the last forty-eight hours telling myself it isn’t. It’s comfort and peace and home.