Alex rolls his eyes. “It’s not contagious, but I’ll let her know you were sympathizing.”
“How d’you know she’s not contagious? Has she seen Oliver?”
“No—”
“Then—”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake. She’s pregnant.”
Alex pauses, his eyes flicking from Miles to me and back as a huge grin spreads across his face. He may have rendered Miles speechless, which is something nearly everyone attempts but rarely succeeds.
My arm is still holding Alex’s shoulder, and without thinking I yank him into another hug. “Congratulations. Fuck. That’s amazing news. Does Mum know?”
He shakes his head. “We haven’t told anyone yet. We wanted to wait another few weeks. I’d say keep it toyourself, but now Milo knows...”
The implication is clear, not to mention valid, regardless of Miles’s expression of objection. Miles cannot keep a secret if his life depended on it.
I snort a laugh. “Do you know what you’re having?”
“No, she’s only just at six weeks. We have to wait a bit longer.”
“Max will want a boy.” My son was the least impressed Burlington when Alex’s daughter turned up. The initial excitement of having a cousin wore off quickly when he discovered it was a girl.
“He’ll have to wait like the rest of us.”
My grin widens. “I’m so happy for you both. It’s really wonderful news.”
I can feel his happiness as he glances down at the bundle on his chest. “Me too. I missed the whole of Haven’s pregnancy with Everly, and now I get to be part of this.” His sigh is profound. “Anyway, what are you two doing?”
“Chester had his checkup.” Miles runs his palm along Chester’s face. “He was such a brave boy, weren’t you, darling?”
Alex grins and turns to me. “Hen, how are you doing? Have you seen Story yet?”
Miles snorts, even though he’s still focused on Chester. “You could say that.”
And he wonders why we think he’s got a big mouth.
“Yes, I’ve seen her, but I don’t have anything to report. It is what it is.” I shrug.
I can feel their eyes on me, just in case I have more to add. I don’t. Not right now, and this time Miles stays quiet.
“Al, we’re heading to London to blow off steam, so Hendricks can forget all about Story. Come with us.”
“No offense, but there’s nothing I want to do less than go out with you two.” He laughs at Miles, louder when his face drops with a huff.
“I do take offense.”
“What about the duke?”
“Nope. Lando’s still in the States.” Miles’s eyes widen with a shit-stirring twinkle I know well. “But I did get hashtag hot duke trending on Instagram.”
Alex laughs loudly. “You’re lucky he’s six thousand miles away.”
“Only for another week, because they’re coming back for BAFTA.”
“Excellent, another black-tie event he’ll have to look good for.” Miles rubs his hands together, making Alex laugh enough that Everly stirs.
I’m also laughing enough that none of us immediately notice my phone ringing again. For a second I’m expecting to see Sienna’s name flash across the screen, but it’s a local number I don’t recognize and for that I have to pick up. With Max I don’t have the luxury of not answering a call when he’s not with me.
