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“Are you going to marry her?”
“Eventually. Yes.”
“Why not now?”
I’m not about to tell her Allie is requiring her approval. She may never give it.
“We have a lot to do. Moving across the country is a big deal.”
“She’s going to live with us, isn’t she?”
“Yes. That’s the plan.”
“And you don’t think that’s going to corrupt me?”
I laugh. “Bug, you’re old enough to know how babies are made. You understand the situation. And like I said, Allie and I are in love. People who are in love want to be together.”
“When would we move?”
“After the school year is over. When is Mel moving?”
“June thirtieth.”
“Then that’s what we’ll shoot for. That gives us a month to sell this house.”
“I want my own room. A bigger one. Preferably with an attached bathroom. And a theater room. Mel’s parents bought a house with a theater room. And…” She thinks on it. “A pool.”
“Are you blackmailing me?”
“You said I could help pick the house.”
I snort laughter. “I did indeed.” I go to the living room and get my laptop. “Come on, let me show you what I’ve found.” I turn to her. “But Darla, you ever pull that shit again, taking an Uber like you did today, and you’ll be grounded for six months. Got it?”
She nods. But she also grins just a little. Just for a second. Like she’s amused I’m not going to just roll over and capitulate in order to make her happy. I’m still her dad. I’m still going to protect her. Punish her. But mostly, I’m going to love her.
Chapter Twenty-three
Allie
There isn’t a dry eye in the room. All my friends are here. And with the exception of Mia, they’re all shocked to the core at my admission.
Telling them about Christopher has been difficult. But I’ve had a bit of practice breaking the news. I told my brothers and their wives a few days ago when Asher was here.
Marti was beside herself. She had no idea she and I shared such similar experiences. While Marti didn’t know she was going to lose her infant girl, it still hit her just as hard as my loss hit me. Somehow, it’s strengthened our sisterly bond. She’s been calling usdouble sistersas we’re marrying each other’s brothers.
At least I hope that’s how it turns out. So much is riding on Bug’s acceptance of this whole situation, which so far, hasn’t been what we’d hoped. It is, however, what I expected.
“So that’s why you never wanted to talk about your time in Australia,” Ren says.
I nod. “Never set foot on the continent.”
Maddie and Ava are speechless as they grip each other’s hands.
Sophie is sitting silently, still in tears, shaking her head in disbelief. This happened before she moved to town to become the nanny for Quinn and Amber’s kids, but it’s still hitting her hard. As it is all my friends.
Regan and Ellie already knew, having heard my news the other night along with Marti, but that doesn’t mean their eyes are any drier.
Addison McQuaid pulls me in for a long hug. “You underestimate your friends, Allie. I hope you know we’re here to support you through thick and thin.”