I laugh. “No, silly.Nine. Well, sort of. I guess it goes by weeks because that’s more accurate. So, forty weeks is full term.”
He smiles, ducking his head. “I’ve never been around babies.”
A wave of emotion rolls over me. “Neither have I.”
“Aren’t you scared?”
“Terrified.” My gaze goes to the TV, but I couldn’t tell you what’s on it. “Nothing has ever been scarier.”
We stay silent for a while, just the soft sounds of people talking on TV. Until he starts talking again, his voice still so soft and caring.
“My brother and his wife… they tried having a baby for years. It’s the only thing they wanted, but it never happened for them.” He takes a deep breath. “Well, it did happen, but they had a miscarriage. Four, actually.”
“My goodness…”
“I know they’re older now and they say there’s like an age you should stop, but I wish they’d keep trying. I wish they wouldn’t give up, you know?”
I nod, carefully thinking of my words. “I think sometimes the happiness of getting what you want is overshadowed by the pain of getting there.”
“I know it’s none of my business…”
I watch him for a moment, and don’t miss the sadness in his eyes. He’s so full of emotion. I scoot closer, linking my fingers with his. “You’re his brother, and I’m sure you’re just worried about him. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
He nods, tightening his grip on my hand.
“They came to live with me recently, and I’m so happy about it. I like having them around. I think it’s good for all of us.”
“I’m sure it is.”
We hold each other’s gaze for a moment, and I wish I knew what he was thinking. Something tells me if I asked, he’d tell me straight out. But he speaks before I can.
“Can I ask you something else?”
“Of course.”
“Areyouhappy here?”
I sigh, running my thumb up and down his, staring at our linked fingers.
When it comes to Kolton, I sugarcoat things. I force myself to be happier than I am because I’m afraid he won’t understand. But Grizz? Something about him is different. Something tells me that with him, I can be honest and I don’t have to worry about what he’ll think of me. That he’ll like me anyway… So I give him my truth.
“I think I forgot what happiness is.”
Chapter Seven
Grizz
I’ve never heard something so sad in all my life. All this talk about babies and thinking about Tommy and Kelsey not being able to have one must have really messed with me.
No, that’s not it. It’s not them.
What Anastacia said is heartbreaking.
Forgot what happiness is?
God. That’s awful.
Yet, I know exactly what she means.
