“Janet is definitely not old,” Luna announced.
Janet rolled her eyes. “I’m not young, but it’s okay. I appreciate every year of my life. I’ve earned each one.”
Griffin was already haggling with Luna over donuts. She put a hand on her hip and narrowed her eyes. “It’s early. I need time to make more. You can only have one dozen. It’s just me. I’m the only one here making them,” she added pointedly.
Griffin chuckled. “Fine. I’ll come back later.”
Tori and Tish were talking quietly nearby, and Janet’s gaze bounced toward them as she slid coffees across the counter. “Okay, what is it, ladies?” she asked, eyes narrowing in playful suspicion.
Tori looked nervous. Her eyes darted to me for a beat before she blurted out, “I’m pregnant.”
Janet’s brows hitched high before a wide smile cracked across her face. Within seconds, she was bustling around the counter, arms open for a hug. Tori laughed as Janet pulled her in and gave her a squeeze. When she stepped back, Janet’s gaze arced to me. “I assume Kincaid is the father?”
“Yes,” Tori said quickly. “Absolutely. We weren’t planning it,” she added, her voice even but a little breathy. “And, well, it’s happening.” She glanced around at the small group gathered near the counter. “We were obsessing over—or rather, I was obsessing over—when we should tell people. But I decided there was no sense in keeping it a secret.”
“How far along are you?” Luna asked.
Tori paused. “I think... about twelve weeks now.”
“Wow, congratulations,” Griffin said.
“Maybe we weren’t planning it,” Tori added with a smile, “but we’re rolling with it, and we feel good about it.”
My lips tugged into a smile, my heart feeling cleaved open. Maybe I hadn’t expected any of this, but it felt like a slice of joy. We would have to roll with it because I had no idea how to be a father, but I was ready to face it. With Tori.
Tori and Tish continued talking by the display case. Meanwhile, Griffin caught my gaze. His brows hitched up ever so slightly, the silent question clear in his eyes.
“I feel good about it,” I said quietly, answering him.
He nodded. “Good. Sometimes curve balls are the best ones to catch.”
I chuckled. “That’s one way to put it.”
I let my gaze slide over to Tori, who was now laughing at something Tish had said.
Bringing my focus back to Griffin, I added, “It just feels...” I paused, searching for the words. “I don’t know, I guess, ready. I have no illusions. I know it won’t be easy.”
“But you love her,” Griffin said, his voice low.
“I do,” I said simply. “I really do.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Tori
Kincaid and I were chatting at the counter when I heard his name. He glanced over his shoulder. “Oh, Mom, good to see you.” He gestured to me. “You can meet Tori.”
Oh, my God. This was fine, totally fine. I could meet his mom. I kind of needed to get this over with, but anxiety kicked up like an unexpected gust of wind swirling in my chest.
Kincaid’s mom—his mom!—stopped beside him. Her eyes were kind, and I did my best to ignore my anxiety.
“I’m Tori.” My voice came out like a croak. I cleared my throat. “It’s so nice to meet you,” I added as I extended my hand.
Claudia smiled warmly. “You as well.”
Her eyes twinkled, and I had no idea what Kincaid might have already said about me. Before I knew it, he had somehow herded us over to a table.
“Are you glad to be back in Alaska?” I asked politely.
