Page 142

Story: Last Call

Riley brushed a strand of hair from Fallon’s face. “Fallon…”

Fallon paused. “Too much?”

“Not too much,” Riley said gently. “Just… too fast.”

Fallon blinked. “Youdon’twant to tell them?”

“I do. I just want you to take a breath.”

Fallon exhaled slowly. “Okay.”

“Before we tell your mom, or Sylvia, or anyone else, I want us to call Jacob.”

Fallon’s eyes softened. “Of course.”

“He deserves to hear it from us. He gave us this."

Fallon nodded, her fingers brushing lightly against Riley’s. “You’re right. He should know first.”

“And then, I think we should tell Andi and Billie,” Riley said.

Fallon grinned. "Andi will try not to cry and fail." She chuckled. "Owen's going to go nuts!”

Riley laughed. “Probably. Let’s just keep it to them—for now. Just the grown-ups."

Fallon’s expression dimmed.

"It’s too early. There’s a lot that can happen.”

Fallon sighed.

“I know,” Riley repeated. “You know Iwantto tell the world."

Fallon nodded. "I know."

They were quiet for a moment, the weight of this new secret settling between them. Fallon rolled onto her side and grinned. “You know my mother’s going to figure it out anyway."

“Probably before we get through TSA,” Riley said, smiling.

Fallon leaned in and kissed her. “Then we better get our story straight.”

Riley laughed.

"Oh! Riley, we can pick up some things at the Space Center while we're there. You know? Baby astronaut!"

Riley closed her eyes and let Fallon hold her.

"And sharks," Fallon said. "Or penguins. Owen loves penguins."

Riley giggled.It's going to be an expensive eight months.

To Be Continued....