Page 9

“That was fast,” Andi said. “How do you feel about it?”

“I thought I’d have mixed feelings,” Riley replied.

“But?”

“I don’t. I’m ready to be rid of the ghosts, Andi.”

“Meaning Liv.”

“God, help me; I’m trying. I think she will pop out from around the corner some days.”

“I understand,” Andi said.

“And I would rather be closer to Ida and you.”

Andi smiled. “Closer proximity for babysitting, huh?”

“It’s a bonus. I know Fallon wants to talk about it—us having a baby.”

“I’m sure she does. What about you?” Andi asked.

“I think Fallon needs a little time to heal. She thinks she’sfine. She’s better. I don’t want our family planning to serve as a distraction from her grief.”

Andi nodded.

“What?”

“I don’t think that’s possible, Riley.”

“You don’t?”

“No. Fallon wanted to have a family with you before this craziness with Liv, and she will want it no matter what else happens. Believe me, I understand how you feel. I wonder if it’s Fallon you’re worried about, though.”

Andi’s observation stirred Riley’s nerves.

“Riley?” Andi urged gently.

“Oh, Andi. I want to have a family with Fallon. It’s just that we’ve barely had time to be a couple. We’ve never just beenus.We have Owen. I don’t know. It’s selfish.”

“No, it’s not.”

“Well, then, maybe it’s crazy,” Riley said. “Part of the reason I love her so much is how she is with Owen—how she is with kids. If anyone was born to be a parent, it’s Fallon.”

“True.”

“But we struggle to set aside time to be alone, even when Owen’s not home. There’s so much noise all the time. What does Owen need? What about the girls? And then there’s Evan and Hope. You know Fallon. She wants to take care of everyone. A baby? God, Andi, a baby takes so much energy. I barely have enough energy for my work right now,” Riley confessed.

“Have you told her any of this?”

“No, of course not.”

“I think you need to,” Andi said, her voice taking on a gentle tone of warning. “Riley, you need to tell Fallon how you feel.”

“I can’t.”

“You need to,” Andi repeated. “I love Fallon, but she can get into such a spin that she forgets which direction she’s headed. We all want to support Barb and Beth. Fallon needs to remember it isn’t her responsibility to fix everything for everyone. Support is one thing. Fallon isn’t responsible for saving everyone.”

“I know. It’s also Dean. Believe me, I’m glad that his visit didn’t blow up the heavens. Fallon has made a few comments about Dean being ready whenever we are.”