“Kiara, I’m glad we have a moment to speak,” Duncan said when it was just the three of them.
She looked up at him, concern growing inside her. “Um… okay?”
Duncan glanced at Elizabeth, whose brow furrowed. “We’ve been concerned with your recent illness. Are you feeling better?”
Kiara didn’t want to lie. “A bit.”
“Is there any chance you could be pregnant?” Elizabeth asked, her voice gentle. “Because the way you’ve been sick lines up with how I felt when I was pregnant with Benji.”
Kiara’s heart pounded as she was faced with having to reveal her secret. She wished that Angie was still there. But she was on her own, and it was a secret that was going to come out eventually. So maybe this was the best way.
“Yes. I am pregnant.”
The older pair exchanged a look, apparently able to communicate with just a meeting of the eyes.
Duncan looked back at her, his gaze unreadable. “If you don’t mind me asking, who is the father?”
“I’d rather not say,” Kiara replied. She had no idea if that was a secret she’d keep forever, or if she’d talk to Julian about it eventually.
“Is it Julian?”
Kiara hoped her shock didn’t show on her face. Why would Duncan come to that conclusion? There were other men on the estate that she’d been around. Derrick, who had helped her at the shooting range, as well as other security guards.
Was there something in particular that had led him to that conclusion?
“I’d rather not say.”
For a moment, Duncan’s expression tightened, but then it relaxed. “I know the two of you were spending a lot of time together in the evenings. I thought perhaps it had led to something more.”
Kiara just stared at him, not sure what to say to that. “Yes. We did spend time talking.”
“I hope you know that we would welcome any child that becomes part of our family,” Elizabeth said. “And we’d like to support you as best as we can.”
“Have you seen a doctor?” Duncan asked.
“Yes. I went to the clinic in Serenity Point. Apparently, the doctor I saw is married to Cole’s brother.”
Duncan nodded. “However, if you want a different doctor, let us know, and we’ll find one for you.”
“I’m happy with her,” Kiara told him.
“That’s good,” Elizabeth said. “It’s important to feel comfortable with your doctor.”
Kiara was a bit surprised that neither of them asked her if she wanted to keep the baby. She appreciated that, especially now that she’d made up her mind to do just that.
“I do feel that the father bears some responsibility for this baby,” Duncan said. “So keep that in mind.”
Kiara nodded, because what else could she do?
She took another bite of her dessert, wondering how much time needed to pass until she could make her escape. Thankfully, distraction came as Benji, who had stayed at school to work out with some of his friends, arrived and sat down at the table to eat a late dinner.
Once she’d greeted him, she excused herself and hurried upstairs to her bedroom, afraid that the emotional turmoil that had resulted from the conversation she’d just had would cause physical turmoil. And she didn’t want to be anywhere but her bathroom should that happen.
In the sanctuary of her room, Kiara sank down on her bed and took several deep breaths. What would happen if Duncan approached Julian to ask him about the likelihood of his being the father of her baby?
The best-case scenario would be if Julian didn’t remember that night—which seemed to be the case—and then denied there being any chance of that being true. If that happened, then she could make the decisions she needed to in order to figure out the future for her and her baby.
CHAPTER TWO
