Page 65 of Ripple Effect

Shoving aside everything I’m feeling, I assure her, “Absolutely. And think of the amazing support system you have backing you up.”

“Aunt Libby,” her watery voice rasps. “I’m going to have a baby. And it’s going to be able to call you that.”

Locking away the anguish her words are causing, I say, “Damn straight they will. How are you going to tell Sam?”

“Oh, God. I didn’t even think about it.”

Sitting down behind my desk, I lean back in my chair. “What made you think you were pregnant?”

“I didn’t. I thought I got some bug from the crap I ate in Germany.”

My ears pick up. Germany? “You were on the last trip with Cal,” I say flatly.

“Well, yeah. It’s a part of my job, Libby.”

I don’t say anything in reply. The silence expands between us.

I can’t help the overwhelming rush of resentment washing over me. There are days like these where it feels like love just doesn’t feel like it’s enough—where I’m pushed out of a major part of my husband’s life despite doing everything possible to be a part of it. Despite the efforts Cal has made to keep more in the loop, what I’ve ended up building is a lovely relationship with his assistant, not a greater intimacy in my marriage.

And I’m not sure how to breach it.

But I know I have to be the one to pick up the pieces; otherwise I’ll just be pushed aside.

“Well, you’ll have to let me know what you end up deciding,” I say lightly.

“Libby,” Iris starts, but she stops. After all, what is there to say.

Nothing. That’s what. My husband is her boss. And without his go-ahead, she can’t tell me a damn thing.

“I’m going to have to fight Aunt Lukie overthrowing your shower, aren’t I?”

She lets out a relieved laugh. “Oh, undoubtedly. The first grandchild on her side of the family? If the estate wasn’t thirty minutes away and we didn’t spend so much time out of the country, it wouldn’t surprise me to find out she’s was poking holes in Sam’s condoms.”

While I’d normally laugh at her impossibly funny truth about my aunt, the reminder that she, my cousin, and my husband spend more time out of the country than in it sends the coffee I’ve already drank churning in my stomach. “Honey, I hate to cut this short, but I have a call with a client in just a few.” It’s in an hour, but I need the time to compose myself.

“Oh, I didn’t realize.” Disappointment laces her voice.

“We’ll have to make plans to talk more when there’s more time.”

“Well.” Her voice is hesitant. “We’re wheels up in a few hours. That’s why I wanted you to know.”

An incoming beep tells me I have a call. After Iris’s last comment, I can just bet who that is. I ignore Cal’s incoming call and focus on wrapping up my conversation. “Is it safe for you to travel?”

“For now. We’ll discuss it again at my next appointment.”

“Well, you be safe anyway. That’s my future niece or nephew you’re carrying.” Another beep in my ear tells me my husband is becoming impatient.

He can just wait. After all, I’m going to have to wait an indeterminate amount of time to see him again, won’t I?

“Absolutely. I’ll call you when we’re home. Have a good call, Libs. Kick some design ass.”

“Always do.” My lips tip up. “Take care of you.”

“Always do.” She hangs up.

Seconds after Iris disconnects, Cal’s ring sounds. I let it go on for a moment before I answer, “How long will you be gone this time?”

“Hi, Cal, how’s your morning?” he drawls sarcastically.