Page 130 of The Merger

“Honestly, I couldn’t handle the way he treated you. If he can treat his child that way …” She exhales. “He might’ve been great to me most of the time, but he showed me who he was by mistreating you. There’s no justification for that.”

“Wow. I really don’t know what to say.”

“Congratulations would be in order.” She laughs softly. “I assume he hasn’t told you that he’s moving to Japan.”

“Japan? That seems random.”

“Yeah. He got a call a few days after his birthday with an offer out of the blue. He couldn’t refuse it. Honestly, I’m thrilled he’ll be so far away. There’s some peace in knowing we aren’t going to run into each other at the grocery, if that makes sense.”

I chuckle, nodding my head. “It does.”

“Would you want to meet for drinks sometime? Or would that be weird?”

“It would only be weird because I can’t drink. I’m pregnant.”

“Now that calls for a congratulations! That’s amazing, Carys. You’re going to be a wonderful mother. And once again, your father is going to miss out on something amazing. The way you stood up to him? Seriously amazing.”

That’s a sobering thought. This baby won’t have a grandfather. But, then again, I think about all of the amazing people in my life, and in Gannon’s life.This baby will be so loved.

I watch the sky continue to open and the sun grow brighter as the storms ease. Maybe there’s room in my life for Aurora. After all, she’s shown me kindness and made an effort to reach out to me. There’s no reason to push her away.

“How about we meet for tacos soon?” I ask.

“I’d love that.”

“I’ll call you next week and we’ll set something up.”

“I’ll be looking forward to it. Goodbye, Carys. And congratulations again.”

“Thank you. Bye, Aurora.”

Gannon is standing alone in the kitchen when I enter. His smile makes me melt.

“Tate left,” he says. “I think he’s probably going to tell Ripley.”

“Does that bother you?”

“Nah. I like that he’s excited. It’s better than wanting to fight me.”

I laugh, falling into his arms. “Hey, I have a question.”

“Go for it.”

“What do you know about Japan?”

His smirk is immediate and deep. “I know nothing about Japan. Why do you ask?”

“Liar.”

He chuckles as he picks me up. “All I know about Japan is that it’s very far from here. I have a friend of a friend who owns a business there. I heard they’re hiring.”

I laugh, bringing my lips to his.

I knew it. But why am I not surprised?

Chapter Thirty-Two

Gannon