Krista clenched her teeth. “Yes, Mum, I do. We’re living together.”
Her exhale of relief traveled through the phone, only to send the hair up on the back of Krista’s neck. “When are you due?”
“Early June.”
“And you’re happy about this?”
She couldn’t get a read on her mother’s tone. “It was a shock at first, for sure. Not exactly planned, seeing as I’m a rookie and all. But we’re happyabout it now. Brock comes from a big family, three brothers, and his mother is wonderful. This baby is already very loved. And that’s what’s important, right?”
More silence.
“Mum?”
“All I want is for you to be happy, Krista. And I don’t think you would have been if you’d stayed here.”
Well holy hell, where was this coming from?
“Um … thanks?”
“Are you and this … Brock getting married?”
Too good to be true. Here we go. Get ready to be called a screwup.
Krista let out a weighted sigh.
“Not at the moment. We’ve got some things to sort out first.”
“But he makes you happy?”
Well, now, that was a loaded question if she’d ever heard one.She really had to stop and think about her answer.
Did he make her happy?
Sure, whenever she saw the man, butterflies went bat-shit crazy in her belly, and her body got all warm and tingly. The way he looked at her, the way he smelled drove her wild. His voice, deep and throaty like a diesel truck coming to life, was music to her ears. And the way he unequivocally loved their baby, having jumped in and embraced fatherhood with both feet, made her heart swell. Was that happiness?
But then the man could be so infuriating as well. She could blame her mood swings on hormones and exhaustion, what was his excuse? The man had borderline personality disorder or something, and she was getting mighty tired of not knowing which Brock Hart she was going to wake up to each morning.
But her mother didn’t need to know any of that, so instead, she gave her the short answer. “Yes, Mum. He makes me happy.” She was still trying to figure out the long answer.
“That’s all that matters. As long as you and baby are happy and healthy.”
Krista wiped away the sudden tear that had sprinted its way down the crease of her nose. “Thanks, Mum. That means a lot.”
“How do you feel?”
Krista caught herself smiling in the side mirror of her car. “I’m feeling pretty good. The first trimester sucked. I was exhausted all the time, barfed most mornings as many women do. But now that I’m into my second trimester, things are good.”
“The ‘Golden Trimester,’ ” her mother said with a chuckle. “Enjoy it. The third trimester is usually rough.”
Krista half snorted, half laughed. “I’ll try to remember that, thanks.”
She tittered quietly on the other end, but then her tone sobered quickly. “Would you like to tell your father, or should I?”
Oh, crap, she’d forgotten about her dad.Her lip wedged its way between her teeth in thought. The image of Wendy’s car pulling into the parking lot filled her rearview mirror. “You can tell dad,” she quickly said. “It was hard enough telling you. I was really worried about your reaction.”
Was that a gasp on the other end? “Never be afraid to talk to me, sweetie. I know we’ve had our differences, but no matter what, I’ll always love and support you. Your father and I are very proud of the amazing woman you’ve grown up to be. We couldn’t be prouder. A college graduate, world traveler, and now a respected police officer. And I’m certain you’re going to make an incredible mother. I just wish you were closer so I could help you out.”
Another tear. This time Krista let it fall. “Wow, thanks, Mum. I love you too.”
