Page 105 of Pinch

Her shoulders fall, and she exhales a breath, going to the door. “I’d thought I might go to Japan to visit the team there, see the institute in person. Now I think that’s off the table.”

My throat tightens at the thought of her going to Japan, but I also don’t like the idea of her giving up something that’s so important to her.

“I’ve always wanted to visit Japan. Maybe we could go together.”

Her nose wrinkles. “Why do I get the feeling you just made that up on the spot?”

She looks up at me as she hangs her long cardigan on the coat rack. With that garment gone, her baby bump stretches the front of her long-sleeved black shirt and leggings.

It does funny things to my insides, and I can’t help reaching out to slide a protective hand over them both.

“Alwaysmight be a stretch, but now that I think about it, Japan sounds like a cool trip.” My eyes meet hers. “I don’t want you to give up your dreams because you need help. It’s important for our baby’s mom to follow her passion.”

Her expression changes to something I can’t quite read, but it looks positive. “But how could you go with me with your schedule?”

My brow furrows, and I think about what’s coming this summer. “If we could fit it in before October, I could make it work.”

Haddy’s still looking up at me like she’s seeing something new when Gigi skips into the room holding Spanky’s leash.

“Hey, Little Mama! Hey, Big D!” She gives her cousin a squeeze. “What do you think about the whole clan descending on us in a few weeks?”

Haddy glances up at me once more, and she smiles. I don’t think it’s my imagination, but she seems less stressed and maybe a little more inclined to lean on me like I’ve wanted her to do since we found out about our little grapefruit.

She turns to her cousin. “I think we’ll just have to make them swear on their lives.”

“Haddeee, Yay!” Gigi bounces on her toes. “Kimmie is going to be so excited, and Aunt Deedee, and… oh.” Her expression turns suddenly serious. “You’d better tell your mom before they get here or she’ll be pisssed.”

Haddy bites her lip. “I know. I’ve been putting it off.”

Shit. I don’t know why she’s afraid to tell her mom, but I’ve got to tell her dad without her finding out… and without him grabbing that 45 and shovel. Talk about keeping secrets.

“I’ll go with you.” I put my hand on her shoulder. “We don’t have a game Wednesday.”

She inhales slowly, looking from me to Gina. “Looks like we’re telling them on Wednesday.”

29

Haddy

My hand is clasped in Gavin’s as we drive to my parents’ house in the hills. Mav let us use his Rover, because Gavin looks cartoonish all packed into my tiny Honda Fit.

Mom is thrilled we’re coming for dinner, and I think it’s interesting she didn’t even question Gavin’s joining us. It was almost like she expected it, and I wonder if it’s because of his surprise Christmas visit.

I hope he doesn’t think he fooled anybody by showing up like that and claiming it was to see the infamous Cooters & Shooters. Our family restaurant is great, but it’s not “leave your family home on Christmas Day” great.

Gigi

Stop being nervous. Bradfords love babies

“Gigi,” I murmur, lifting my phone. I show the screen to Gav before quickly tapping a reply.

Haddy

I know, but I’m trying to be responsible.

Gigi

You do know the story of your conception, right? Drunken hotel hookup after Aunt Deedee’s wedding? Irresponsible is not a word they would dare to utter.