Page 115 of Theodore

Mom continued to add the eggs, glancing at me.

“I honestly don’t know. You’re all amazing, and I’m so proud of you. I want nothing from him, nor should you. I know becoming a parent is going to be challenging for you both, but don’t give your dad the time of day, honey.”

“I bet you thought Dad would never leave you,” I mumbled, my stomach rumbling as I made myself a sandwich.

Mom’s shoulders sagged slightly. Her eyes dimmed when she looked at me, but she forced a smile.

“I wouldn’t have had four of his children if I did.”

“You’re amazing, Mom. I’m so sorry you—”

I’m interrupted by the sound of the door opening as Ryan stormed into the kitchen.

“Has she told you?!” Ryan barked, his eyes wild with fury.

“Good afternoon, Ryan. Calm down, please, we use our indoor voices in the house,” Mom said firmly, as Ryan widened his eyes.

“He’s got herpregnant—”

“Hannah is an adult. She knows what she is doing. Pass me the sugar, would you? It saves me getting the stool.”

Ryan gaped at her as she motioned to the cupboard behind him.

“Sugar, please.”

“Hannah, you can’t have ababy! You haven’t finished school—”

“Ryan James Phillips. Donottell your sister how to live her life. What she does now is entirely up to her and Theo.”

“Not if I kill him first,” Ryan growled, flexing his fists.

“Ry, please calm down. I’ve had a full-on day of this with Zane—”

“Good. What sort of life will you have?”

“Ryan.” Mom warned, arching a brow in his direction.

“Where thefuckare you going to live?”

His voice is high pitched now, and I tried to remain calm.

“Hannah and the baby can livehere, Ryan. It makes perfect sense. Theo lives over the road, and there’s always someone here to help Hannah if she needs it. No one is asking you to do anything, Ryan.”

I stared at my mom with shock, tears springing to my eyes as she smiled at me warmly.

“What thefuck,Mom?” Ryan spat with indignation.

“Language!” Mom snapped, glaring at Ryan. “She’s yoursister; show somecompassion!”

Ryan stared at me before mumbling an apology. His eyes fall to my belly as he pales, pushing his hand through his hair.

“When is the baby due?”

I shrugged, reaching for my phone to make an appointment at the doctor’s office.

I need to prepare for being a parent.

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