“I mean, don’t get me wrong, I loved her too, but not enough to keep those ugly things.”
“Too late. I’m going to have them boxed up and shipped to your place. Consider it a belated wedding gift.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Wouldn’t I?” Oscar challenges, but the twinkle of amusement in his eyes gives him away.
It’s enough to ease the tension, and soon enough we’re genuinely laughing as we share old stories of our parents from our childhood.
I sip my tea. “I hate to say it, but I’ve missed this, being able to just reminisce about stuff.”
“Yeah, me too. Things felt a lot simpler back then.”
“Back when all we had to worry about was whether Dad would catch us sneaking out?”
Oscar chuckles. “Exactly. And even then, half the time he’d just ground you and give me a high five.”
“Because you were the favorite.” I roll my eyes.
“Obviously.” Oscar’s smile is boyish, and for a moment, it’s like we’re teenagers again.
It’s familiar and comforting, and it almost makes me forget why I’m here.
Almost.
My phone buzzes on the table as the appointment reminder flashes on the screen, and my heart gives a sharp, painful thud.
It’s almost time.
“Oscar… I need a favor.”
My brother’s eyes narrow with suspicion. “What kind of favor?”
“The kind you’re not going to like.” I set down my cup of tea. “I need to go somewhere, and I need you to cover for me if Kieran’s men ask where I am.”
Oscar’s entire demeanor changes in an instant. His back straightens, and the amusement vanishes from his eyes.
“Why?”
“It’s a long story. I don’t really have time to explain.” I glance out of the window.
Leo is leaning against the hood of the car, surveying the street, while Wesley takes the rear. But they are the least of myproblems when Jace is the one standing right outside the door to the bistro.
“Are you in trouble?”
“Oh my god, no, nothing like that!” The word bursts out of me louder than I intend it to, drawing a few curious glances from nearby tables. “No. I’m not in trouble. It’s just… complicated.”
“Then uncomplicate it. I’m not lying for you unless you tell me what’s going on.”
I stare out of the window as my pulse pounds in my ears.
I hadn’t planned on telling Oscar the truth of my situation, but it looks like if I don’t, there’s no way he’ll agree to help me, and Ineedhis help.
“I’m pregnant.”
Oscar blinks, but then his expression hardens, and my last thread of hope starts to slip through my fingers.
“Pregnant? As in…you and Kieran are having a baby?”
