That’s a massive question. “Because I want my son to grow up somewhere that I’m happy, and I need to figure out where that is.” I set my hand on my abdomen, and something flutters in my belly. “It can’t be.” Tears form in my eyes. “It can’t be.”
“What can’t be?”
“He’s alive. My son is alive. I just felt him move for the first time.”
“Really? Can I feel?” The excitement on his face is hard to ignore.
“Sure, why not.” I take his hand in mine and place it over the spot where the little flutters are.
Creed closes his eyes and concentrates. “I don’t feel anything.”
“That’s because it’s too soon. The first few flutters are only felt by the pregnant woman. As the baby gets older, you’ll be able to feel it,” Havoc says from the door.
Too bad Creed will have to find another pregnant woman by then.
“Leech is on his way. He should be here in a few minutes. I brought you another towel.” He’s so formal, so detached.
“Thank you.”
He walks over and replaces it without touching me and barely even looking at me.
It’s so tempting to laugh at how he’s acting over a simple but wrong assumption, but there’s nothing funny about this. Strangers assuming things that aren’t true is one thing, but a man who kisses you…who might mean something…no. He might be done, but so am I.
“Is there anything else you need?”
“No, thank you. If I think of something, I’m sure Creed would be able to get it for me.”
Havoc nods. “I’ll just go wait for Leech to arrive.”
“Dad is hurting. You know that, right?” Creed says as soon as he’s out of the room.
“Yes, I know. Your father seems to be hurt often.”
“Why did you say it like that?”
“Because it’s the truth. Excuse me, I need to make another phone call.” There’s no point in hiding this, since I’m sure eventually Bram will explain things.
“Greer, it’s nice to hear from you. How did you fare through this wild storm?”
“Pretty good. I was just sitting down, enjoying a cup of tea and getting some things in order.”
“Things? Did something happen? I don’t like the way you said things.”
“Everything is fine. I just wanted to let you know I won’t be able to finish planning your gang’s winter festival.”
“What? Why? Did something happen? You told Havoc, didn’t you? You’ve got to give him some time to react. Sometimes men say stupid things before their minds process things.”
“Actually, I didn’t have to tell him about the baby. He found out on his own.” More like he barged into my house and found out for himself, but close enough.
“And? Don’t keep me in suspense. Are you two a couple now? Is that why you won’t have time to work on the winter festival?”
“There’s no suspense to be had. And no, we aren’t a couple. I won’t be able to finish because I’ve decided to move. You don’t need to worry, though. I have a friend who will take care of everything. She’s even better at this than I am. My friend Cordelia, The Cake Lady.”
“What happened? He did something stupid, didn’t he? I’ll go talk to him.”
“There’s nothing to correct or fix. Havoc made a choice, and so did I. How about we have brunch once more before I move?”
“Where will you go?”
