Page 117 of Pretend You Love Me

I feel my lip quivering. Good Lord, am I just going to spend the next eight and a half month crying?

“Hey.” Will sits beside me so he can hug me. “We’re here for you. All of us. You have the biggest support system possible. Whatever you decide to do, we’re going to help you.”

“I’ll move in with you,” Declan says.

I blink a few times. “What?”

“If you wanted, I’d move in with you and help you.”

I shake my head. “Wouldn’t that ruin your carefree bachelor lifestyle?”

“This is more important.”

Shit, I’m really crying now. “Thank you. I don’t think that will be necessary.”

“It’s a real offer. I mean it.” He hands me another tissue.

After I clean up, I say, “Juno and Keene will be here soon to see Ansley. We should probably go.”

I take the pregnancy tests into the kitchen and throw them away in the trash can, burying them under two days’ worth of trash. Will hands me the prenatal vitamins as we’re walking out the door, and I slip them into my purse. He leans forward and kisses my cheek.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“I promise. Everything will be okay.”

I nod in agreement, but inside I’m reeling.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Brooklyn

I pull on my Christmas sweater and matching leggings and look in the mirror. I’m starting to show just a tiny bit, and this is perfect. The oversized sweater falls to the middle of my thighs, and the pants are super stretchy. I pull up my sweater and turn to the side so I can see my stomach. I don’t look pregnant. I look like I just ate a huge meal, but all my pants are fitting tighter around the waist, and I’ve had to go up a bra size twice already.

I sigh. No one knows but Will and Declan. I’m debating telling everyone over Christmas. On one hand, everyone will be here - all together. On the other hand, I’m just not sure if I’m ready to share, so for now I’m keeping this under wraps.

I pull on a Santa hat and head downstairs. I came to the cabin with Elizabeth and James. Traveling with them is the best because you get to fly on Airforce One. No waiting in the airport or in long security lines. Will and Olivia are arriving any minute. Zadie and Ethan came yesterday, and the other three arrived earlier today with Elizabeth’s sisters, Celeste and Maggie.

I hear a car pull up, and I make my way downstairs to greet them. I can’t wait to see Ansley again. I’ve spent all morning holding Micah. He’s grown so much already. I pull on my coat and hat. It’s snowing outside, the freezing wind whipping flurries everywhere.

MarryMe about knocks me over as she bounds toward the door. Elizabeth opens it, and MarryMe jumps out into the snow. I follow James, Elizabeth, and Vivi outside.

I smile and wave as I see Olivia get out of the car.

“Merry Christmas!” I call.

My smile fades as I see what I never thought I’d see. I gasp, and Elizabeth turns back and looks at me with a frown.

“What’s wrong?” she asks.

I haven’t taken my eyes off him. She follows my gaze until she sees him.

“Oh.” She looks back at me. “You didn’t know Kip was coming?”

I shake my head. “Did you?”

“Yes. Will told me you knew he was coming.”