Page 85 of Made for Wilde

“Koda!” Dana launches herself at me, throwing her arms around my neck in a tight hug that nearly knocks me off balance. “I’m going to be an aunt!”

When she pulls back, her eyes are bright with unshed tears.

“This is incredible.” She grips my shoulders, searching my face. “How are you feeling? Is Charlotte doing okay? Have you told Jason yet?”

The questions come rapid-fire, each one requiring its own complicated answer.

I hold up a hand to slow her down.

“Charlotte’s doing great. Morning sickness is finally easing up. We haven’t told Jason yet, but we’re planning to tell him soon.” I run a hand through my hair, reality intruding momentarily on my happiness. “That conversation’s going to be rough.”

Dana grimaces in sympathy.

“He’s going to blow a gasket.”

“That’s putting it mildly.” I lean against the wall, feeling the weight of that upcoming confrontation. “I’m preparing for the very real possibility that I might lose my oldest friend over this.”

“He’ll come around eventually.” Dana squeezes my arm reassuringly. “Once the initial shock wears off.”

I’m not so sure, but I appreciate her optimism.

“Maybe.”

“So that’s why you’ve been so distracted lately.” She pokes me in the chest accusingly. “I thought something was up when you missed that budget meeting last week.”

I chuckle.

“Hard to focus on financials when you just found out you’re going to be a dad.”

Dana’s expression softens.

“After everything with Vanessa... this must feel like getting a second chance.”

The simple observation hits me right in the chest.

Dana’s always had a knack for cutting straight to the heart of things.

“Yeah. Exactly that.”

“So, when do I get to meet her?” Dana’s eyes light up with excitement.

I quirk a brow at her. “Meet who?”

Dana slaps me on the chest. “Charlotte, silly! It’s about time I meet the woman who’s going to be family.”

I can’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm.

“What kind of meeting did you have in mind?”

“I want to have the two of you over for dinner.” Her voice carries that decisive tone she uses in board meetings. “Nothing fancy, just a chance to get to know Charlotte better.”

Something in my chest tightens at the thought. Dana can be... intense when she wants to be. The last thing I need is for her to overwhelm Charlotte with questions or make her feel like she’s being interviewed.

“Dana...”

“I’ll be on my best behavior, I promise,” she interrupts, reading my hesitation perfectly. “No interrogations. Just a nice dinner between family.”

I study her face, looking for any sign that she’s planning to grill Charlotte about everything from her intentions to her five-year plan. But Dana’s expression is sincere.