“Thanks.”
“Did you tell Gran?” Emily asked.
“Don’t make me think about it.” She wasn’t a prude or overly judgmental, but she’d worry about me.
“You’ll tell her when you’re ready,” Emily said.
“Is there anything I can do right now to help?” Jamie asked.
When I shook my head no, he left us alone.
“He won’t tell anyone,” Emily said, wrapping her arm around my shoulders.
“I know. This is just... It’s too much.”
For the second time, I broke down and cried.
When I was all cried out, I used half a box of tissues to clean tears and snot off my face.
Thankfully, the lemon tea tasted almost as good cold as it would have hot. I didn’t have the energy to warm it up, and with my luck my trembling hands would spill it when I tried to take a sip, and I’d get burned.
“Thanks.” A million problems occupied my mind, but I was too exhausted to sort through the clutter.
“Of course,” she said. “How far along are you? Has morning sickness started yet?”
“About six weeks, maybe. And no, thank God.” Emily’s morning sickness wasn’t too bad, but poor Meg had it morning, noon, and night. Jack was beyond sweet, taking care of her and making sure she had what she needed. Jamie would take care of Emily the same way, if she needed it.
Who’ll take care of me?
Certainly not Finn. I’d have to do this alone. My hand instinctively went to my belly, ready to protect the new life growing inside me.
Chapter 16
Nathan
Unable to sleep, I relieved Jack early Saturday morning. I’d just finished a protein bar when Jamie called to tell me I’d have the afternoon off because he, Jack, and AJ would be at Ashley’s. Along with their girls, as they liked to call their significant others. Certain he’d chosen video chat to watch my reactions, I put extra effort into maintaining a neutral expression.
Jamie volunteered the reason when I didn’t ask; Ashley was hosting a small gathering. I wasn’t invited. Was that why she’d visited them, to plan the party?
No, she’d looked upset when she left. Enough so that she didn’t see me when she walked to the car or notice me following her.
“Is Ashley okay?” I asked. “She looked upset driving to your house last night.” Ashley had spent several hours at Jamie’s. Which I only knew because I’d parked outside until she left.
He raised an eyebrow.
“What, did you think I’d let her drive around without protection?”
“No, but your assignment is to watch the house.”
“My priority is Ashley.” My tone was rough; my expression, rougher. My actions weren’t earning me any brownie points.
“Good,” he said, with a nod.Or maybe they are. “Ashley came to visit Emily. I wasn’t privy to their conversation.”
“Did she seem upset when she arrived?” I asked, hoping he’d share at least a little, knowing I wanted to keep her safe.
Jamie leaned forward, rested his elbows on his desk, and clasped his hands together. “Nathan, Ashley’s a friend, and I won’t betray her trust.”
I nodded. I appreciated his loyalty but was frustrated by the lack of information.
