Page 129 of The Merger

“Oh, my God, honey …” She sniffles. “Congratulations. I’m … speechless.”

I know she wants to ask who the father is but doesn’t out of respect. I appreciate that more than she’ll ever know.

“Do you know Tate’s brother, Gannon?” I ask. “We saw him briefly the day we stopped at Brewer Group so I could take Tate a coffee. Gannon came into the parking lot.”

“Tall. Beautiful. A jawline to die for?”

I laugh. “That’s him.”

“That’s Gannon or ….”

“That’s Gannon, the baby’s dad.”

She gasps. “This baby is going to be gorgeous. Goodness gracious, Carys.”

“I know.” I laugh, finally able to breathe. “He wants to meet you, and I know you have lots of questions. Care if we pop by this evening?”

“Do I care? Stop it. Come over anytime. If you let me know a bit before you arrive, I’ll get some food. Do you need anything? Gosh, I don’t even remember what I needed when I was pregnant. What can I get for you?”

I sit back in the chair and watch as the storm clouds break. Sun shines onto the lawn through the mist and fog. There’s something really beautiful about it.

“I can honestly tell you that Gannon has ensured I don’t need anything,” I say. “He’s almost obsessive with it.”

“As he should. Can I tell the girls in the office?”

“Yeah. He’s telling his family now so it’s fine.”

She laughs. “But have you told Tate?”

“Yes, and it went just like you’re imagining.”

“He’s a good boy.Okay. Let me make some calls and spread the news that I’m going to be a grandma!” She shrieks again. “I love you. I love you so much and I can’t wait to hug you and see your tummy and meet that man of yours.”

“I’ll see you soon. Bye, Mom.”

“Bye, sweetheart.”

I’m no more than ending the call when another one flashes on the screen.Aurora?

I stare at her name, my stomach tightening. I haven’t talked to her since she tried to apologize for Kent. And, honestly, I don’t have anything else to say. I start to decline the call but think twice.

Just answer it. You can block her later if you need to.

“Hello,” I say, holding my breath.

“Hi, Carys. Is this a bad time?”

“No, not really. What’s up?”

She pauses. “I want to tell you again that I’m sorry. I didn’t understand the situation, and I shouldn’t have put you in such a precarious spot. I feel really bad about it.”

“You shouldn’t.Yourheart was in the right place.”

“Speaking of that …” She clears her throat. “I left Kent.”

Her voice doesn’t waver, but she sounds nervous, nonetheless. She also sounds lonely and hurt. But that makes sense considering who she was married to. And I hate that for her.

“May I ask why?”