“No,” I said morosely.
“That’s the spirit.”
The first person we ran into was Theo, who as the guest of honor, really should be mingling with his guests.
“There she is! Congrats, Franky. I couldn’t be happier for you.”
“Thanks, Theo. I promise it wasn’t my intention to steal your thunder.”
“Are you kidding? Hearing about my future niece or nephew is the best news ever. Now how are you? I heard you flew in from Boston this afternoon. My brother really should be making better arrangements for your travel. Private jet or charter.”
“I flew business class, so I was very comfortable.”
Theo’s smirk was that of a man who had not flown business class for a long time.
“Listen, Elle will want to be involved with the baby shower. You might think it’s too soon, but everyone is very excited.”
“Maybe you should throw it,” a voice cut in. “Not sure why your wife should be on the hook.”
My gaze met Jason’s, who was smirking up a storm himself. Beside him stood his mother. I didn’t know Jenny Isner all that well, but right now she was positively buzzing with grandma-to-be energy.
“I am looking for something to do now that I’m retired,” Theo mused. “Okay, I’ll take care of it.”
“You don’t have to—” But he was already gone. I shook my head at Jason. “Is he serious?”
“Don’t worry about it.” He took my hand. “So, Franky, someone wants to say hi in person.”
Mrs. Isner elbowed her son out of the way and threw her arms around me. “I can’t believe I’m only finding out tonight! But I’m so happy for you both. Now don’t worry, Jason’s explained everything, so I know you two aren’t together in that sense. I also know you have a lot of people in your village. I hope you don’t mind one more.”
Tears welled, and I marveled at how lucky I was to have so much love in my future child’s life. I hugged Jason’s mom back, and when I opened my eyes, I couldn’t help noticing how approving her son looked. I did think it odd, though, that he had told Sean, but not his mother. Or anyone else. I had assumed he would share the news with everyone over the last few weeks once the ultrasound gave the all-clear.
“I won’t mind at all, Mrs. Isner. There can never be enough love for our baby.”
She gave a big grin. “Franky, it’s Jenny, and please call on me for anything you need. We’re all here for you.” After a few more moments of excitement, she headed off to the restroom.
Jason took my hand. “Let’s find a quiet spot.”
Here? I didn’t think it likely. But the Rebels knew this bar inside and out. We ended up in a storeroom, which had a cushion on a keg. Jason placed me there.
“You okay?”
“It’s a lot of attention.”
“Yeah, it is. You sure know how to make an entrance, Doc. Sorry, I had my notifications on mute. Conor, specifically.”
“I texted that I was coming, and you didn’t answer, so I did wonder—but you’re okay with this? That everyone knows?” I wanted to ask why he had delayed sharing the news, but part of me feared the answer.
You embarrass him.
“We agreed that we wouldn’t keep the details—well, the daddy details—a secret. Other details, such as sexy ones, shall remain between us.”
As far as everyone was concerned, this was done by artificial insemination. No one would believe we’d gone natural.
“How did Hatch and Conor take it? They looked a bit surprised—well, now that I think of it, Conor didn’t.”
“He knew. Told me a couple of weeks ago that he had it all worked out. That’s Connie for you—nothing gets by him.” He started pacing the room.
“Jason?”
