Applause broke out again as the room erupted in celebration.
Cary turned toward Bert. “I want to acknowledge Tyler’s mom, Michelle. I hope she would’ve approved, sir.”
“More than approved,” Bert said, and her siblings nodded in agreement. “Raise ’em up,” he added, lifting his glass. “To Michelle.”
The room echoed back: “To Michelle!”
“One more thing,” Cary said, handing Tyler a brand-new Jets jersey.
“Thank you.” She kissed his cheek. “I’ve always wanted one in blue.”
“Look at the back.”
She turned it around.
It readmrs. kingston
Pamela burst out laughing. “Samesies!”
When Tyler woke up, every muscle in her body protested. Given the move, the new office, and the past three weeks of working on the OhClaires’ showcase, it was understandable. The guest list was already at capacity, and they still had to invite the press.
A dull ache throbbed behind her eyes. Even shifting beneath the covers made her wince. Lately, exhaustion clung to her no matter how much she slept.
But tonight was Cary’s WAG exhibit opening—she couldn’t stay in bed.
She pressed a hand to her forehead. No fever, just the same lingering queasiness. Maybe stress. Or her period.
Frowning, she grabbed her phone and opened her cycle tracker.
Late. Not by much, but enough.
Her stomach fluttered. Just stress. Probably.
But what if it isn’t?
A little while later Cary arrived home from the WAG where he’d been working since dawn. He was adamant about putting the finishing touches on his exhibit. Everything had to be perfect.
“I’m home!” he said, and Rory sprinted toward the door.
“Cary?” Tyler hollered. “I need a plus one for tonight.”
He walked into the kitchen and kissed her on the cheek. “It’s been sold out for weeks.” He grabbed an apple from the bowl on the island counter. “We’re over capacity as it is.”
She rephrased her statement. “I can’t go without a plus one.”
He frowned. “What do you mean you can’t go?”
“It will be physically impossible to go without a plus one.”
“Well, who is it?” he asked, his voice unsure.
“I don’t know.” She shrugged. “I haven’t met him yet.”
He held her hand and looked at her inquisitively. “You’re not making any sense.”
“My plus one’s in here.” She took his hand and placed it below her stomach.
He widened his eyes and straightened his back. “You’re—?”
