“Oh, my god, that’s awesome!” I said and hugged her. “Congratulations.”
“So, why are you cryin’?” Orion asked again.
“She’s worried y’all are gonna hate her,” Dad shared.
“You’re dead, big man,” she threatened with a groan, dropping her face into her hands.
“Why would we hate you?” Drake asked.
“Because of Mom,” Orion deduced.
I wrapped an arm around her and gave her a hug. “Oh, my god, we loved our Mom, Wyatt, but we love you too. If Dad’s happy, we’re happy. I mean, if you were a total cunt, we’d say something, but you’re awesome. I can’t wait to meet the baby.”
She glanced at Dad who gave her a look of smug triumph.
“You’re still in trouble,” she warned.
He grinned. “Can’t wait to find what kind of punishment you’re gonna dish out.”
“Gross, Dad,” I hissed.
“Over the line, Dad,” Drake complained, even as he hugged her. “Congrats, Wyatt. We’re happy. Don’t worry. I gotta reheat a couple of things.”
“Sorry, Drake.”
“It’s all good,” he said, and I followed him out of the room.
I forced myself to be present at dinner, but it was hard to focus when all I wanted to do was crawl back into bed with Aero.
I was really glad Dad and Wyatt were happy, I just needed to figure out how to get there myself. Aero was gaining the brothers’ trust, but I didn’t know if that would change when our secret got out.
“Letti,” Dad called.
“Huh? Sorry.”
“You okay?”
I forced a smile. “I’m great. Just distracted. Sorry. With Ellie and classes starting, I’m in another world.”
“Last semester, baby girl,” Dad said proudly.
“No pressure.”
“You got this,” my brother encouraged.
“I just can’t wait for it to all be done.”
“Amen to that,” Raquel said. “It’s the best thing ever.”
I chuckled. “You would know.”
Raquel had just graduated. She was one semester ahead of me, and graduated with a molecular biology degree and was now working with Dad’s company to create different strains of CBD and THC products to help adults with developmental delays and difficult behaviors. It had really helped Wyatt’s brother, Teddy, who had a lot fewer outbursts and seemed happier overall.
I managed to keep my wits about me for the rest of dinner, but I couldn’t help noticing my father watching me closely. I just had to keep things quiet until Aero got his patch. Then we could reveal our secret.
Ifwe could keep things quiet.
* * *
