“Um, there’s really no easy way to say this, so I’m just going to spit it out.”
I hesitated, scanning their faces. Most looked amused, like they were waiting for a prank or a bad joke.
Nope. No jokes tonight. Just the most unexpected secret the McKinley’s have ever had.
“I’m pregnant.”
Jace laughed. “Shut up, Molly. You are not,” he said, shaking his head and dismissing my carefully planned dramatic moment.
I reached into my back pocket and pulled out the ultrasound pictures, letting them dangle in the air. “I’m not joking.”
Everyone’s expressions froze as they studied the black-and-white images. Oh yeah—they believed me now.
“Before you ask, the baby’s father has chosen not to be part of its life, and I’m okay with that,” I rushed on. “So please don’t get upset about that part.”
“Who’s the dad?” Colt asked, glancing around the table, confused.
“I really don’t—”
“Me,” a voice added from behind.
I spun around, my heart slamming into my ribs. Liam was standing just inside Jace’s front door.
I spun back around in time to watch Jace’s face shift from shock to rage.
This wasnothow this moment was supposed to go.
Jace shot up from the table, his chair grinding harshly against the floor as he shoved it back.
“Jace, calm down,” Mom said, lifting up partially from her own chair.
“You slept with mysister?” Jace asked, fury dripping from every word.
“Yes,” Liam answered.
Jace rounded the table slowly in Liam’s direction.
“Then you got her pregnant and what? Told her to raise the kid on her own?”
“Yes, but—”
Before Liam could finish, Jace charged at him, like a bull zeroed in on his target. He fisted Liam’s shirt and slammed him backward, his head making a loud thud as it hit the wall.
I watched in horror as Jace drew his arm back, knuckles aimed for Liam’s face.
Before Jace could land a punch, Colt grabbed his arm, trying to restrain him. My dad rushed to Jace’s other side, locking down his shoulder. It took the strength of both men to drag him back.
I stood there, frozen in place, eyes burning as they filled with tears.
“JACE!” Dad thundered, finally breaking the struggle. “Your sister is upset. Stop.”
“It’s his fucking fault.” Jace jerked his chin toward Liam with pure disgust. “How long have you known about this?”
Liam straightened his shirt. “A couple of weeks,” he said quietly.
“So you went to lunch with me the other day and didn’t say a damn thing? You just sat there, lying to my fucking face?”
“I didn’t lie.”
