I tilt my head and let out a small laugh.
“So, Brooke,” Ma says after a pause, glancing at her in the rearview mirror, “what do your parents think about the wedding? Or were they there?”
“Ma,” I say quietly, my smile fading. “I told you… her parents passed.”
Ma’s brow furrows as if she’s trying to recall a conversation, then her eyes widen slightly. “Oh. You’re the one whose father kill-”
“Ma.” My voice is sharper this time, cutting through her sentence before it can finish.
The car goes silent. Brooke looks out the window, jaw tight, and my chest tightens with guilt.
I twist around in my seat to face her. “I told her because I wanted her help,” I explain, my voice softer now. “I thought she could help with…not intruding.She’s usually good at this stuff.”
I shoot Ma a look, one that makes it clear she’s crossed a line.
She just shrugs, murmuring, “Sorry,” as if that could undo the sting of her words.
We’re quiet for the rest of the ride. The silence hangs heavy between the three of us, none of us quite knowing what to say after what happened.
Ma pulls up in front of our building and lets Brooke and me out before heading off to find a parking spot, since I don’t have an assigned one.
I slip an arm around Brooke as we climb the steps. She pretends she doesn’t need the help, but she lets me do it anyway.
At the elevator, I press the button and glance over at her. “I’m sorry about Ma,” I say quietly. “I never thought she’d… you know.”
Brooke rests a hand gently on my forearm. “It’s okay. You probably never thought we’d be here.” She rubs her stomach, and her lips curve into a small, tired smile.
“I hoped,” I admit.
Her smile softens a little more, then she exhales. “I’m actually pretty tired. I don’t think I can stay awake for dinner.”
Concern pulls at my chest. “Well, the doctordidsay to rest. I can cancel.” I’m already pulling out my phone when she stops me with a gentle touch.
“Wait. Don’t cancel on your mom,” she says. “Go out for dinner. I’ll just nap.”
“I don’t want to leave you alone,” I protest.
“I’m fine,” she says, smiling faintly. “Besides, with me not working for a while, I’m going to be alone alot.Might as well get used to it.”
“Are you sure?” I ask.
“Yes,” she nods, certain this time. “Go.”
Chapter Twelve
Brooke
I watch as Matthew fusses around me like I’m made of glass. He’s been at it for a solid five minutes, straightening the blanket, adjusting the curtains, now fluffing my pillow like some overprotective mother hen.
“I’m fine,” I laugh, shaking my head.
“Are you sure? Do you need more water?”
I glance at the nightstand, wherethreefull bottles are already lined up like soldiers, and raise an eyebrow. “I think I have enough, thanks.”
“What about the bathroom? Are you sure you don’t want to pee before I go?”
“No,” I say, a little loudly.
