Page 42 of Laced With Secrets

“I regret nothing,” Dominic said, his hand tightening on my thigh.

“You cost us millions,” Blake pointed out.

“Worth it,” Dominic said simply, looking at me.

The warmth that spread through my chest at those words, at the absolute certainty in his voice, made my throat tight.

“Jesus Christ,” Penny muttered. “You corporate people are terrifying.”

“I prefer ruthlessly effective,” Blake said.

“There’s a difference?” Penny countered as he smiled sweetly and took a deliberate bite of spring roll.

I pushed my plate away, suddenly feeling like I wanted to tell everyone.

Dominic noticed immediately. “You okay?”

“Yes… just—” I said. “I want to tell them.”

Everyone’s attention swiveled to me. Blake’s expression shifted to that analytical assessment, Jake looked confused, and Penny’s smile intensified.

Dominic’s fingers pressed into my thigh, the pressure reassuring as he met my gaze.

“Tell us what?” Blake asked.

“There’s something else you should know,” I said. I glanced at Dominic, who gave me an encouraging nod. “I’m pregnant. About thirteen weeks.”

The silence that followed was brief.

Jake’s eyes went wide with genuine surprise. Blake, however, simply nodded once, his expression shifting to something like satisfaction.

“I thought so,” Blake said, leaning back in his chair. “The ginger tea every morning. The way your scent has been shifting. The nausea you’ve been trying to hide.”

He glanced at Dominic. “Andyourincreased protectiveness, even by your standards.”

My fingers tangled together in my lap as I cast a sheepish glance toward Dominic. “Apparently I’ve been broadcasting this news without saying a word.”

“I knew!” Penny announced triumphantly. “I figured it out before anyone.”

“You did not,” I protested. “I told you.”

“You confirmed what I already suspected,” Penny corrected. “There’s a difference.”

“I had no idea,” Jake said, his voice soft but sincere. His earlier terror seemed momentarily forgotten, replaced by something warmer. “Congratulations. That’s really wonderful news.”

“It is,” Dominic agreed, his hand moving from my thigh to spread possessively over my stomach.

“Which brings me to my next point,” Blake said, his tone shifting back to business. He looked directly at me. “I want to be this child’s godfather.”

“What?” I blinked at him.

“Godfather,” Blake repeated. “I have the resources to ensure the child is protected and provided for should anything happen to you and Dominic. Having a contingency plan is prudent.”

“Absolutely not!” Penny interrupted, setting down his spring roll with force. “If anyone’s going to be this baby’s godfather, it’s me! I’ve known Leo for years. I helped plan the bachelor auction?—”

“I’m Dominic’s cousin,” Blake pointed out. “We’re practically brothers.”

“That doesn’t mean you get automatic godfather rights!” Penny’s voice rose. “Being a godfather requires emotional connection, not just buying the child a high yield bond!”