“Well, yeah—” She grinned. “You’re pregnant. I hear that’s a common symptom.”
I glared at her.
“Okay. Okay.” She held up her hands. “Jeez. I was just trying to make you laugh. Clearly, pregnancy-related jokes are off the table.”
I rolled my eyes and pulled her into a hug. “Thank you for this week. Thanks for always being there for me.” I could already feel a tear threatening to leak out.Damn it.“I love you, Al.”
“Love you too, Brynnie.” She pulled back, placing her hand to my stomach, though it didn’t look much different from normal. “And I love you too, baby.”
I smiled, softening. “You’re going to be the best auntie.” She grinned, and I felt compelled to add, “And a bad influence even if I know you’ll love this kid like crazy.”
She elbowed me. “Hey.”
“You made us all play truth or dare at your wedding.”
“And you totally enjoyed yourself. You know—” she looped her arm through mine “—you should be thanking me for making you play.”
“How do you figure?” I asked.
“Because I’m pretty sure that little burlesque number has something to do with your current situation.” She gave my stomach a pointed glance.
I squeezed my eyes shut, though she might not be entirely wrong. I was only ten weeks along, but it was funny to think that a game of truth or dare had been the catalyst for, well, everything.
I’d embraced my confidence, rediscovering myself and my love for dance. I’d ended the dance by suggesting we kiss. It had forced me to admit that I’d wanted Frasier. And then when we’d played our own private game of truth or dare… I nearly had to fan myself just thinking about it.
I took myself back to those moments, to the feeling of freedom and empowerment I’d experienced. Both from the burlesque dance to the cliff diving and everything that had led up to those moments. Every step of the way, Frasier had been by my side, supporting me, loving me.
I’d promised “together,” and I’d meant it. Deep down, I knew we were better, stronger, together. Yet I’d distanced myself the past few weeks, freaking out alone.
No more.
Yes, I’d needed time to process. But I should’ve trusted him with my feelings. He’d been there for me all along.
I smoothed my fingers over my tattoo, smiling.Derek. Frasier. Me. All of us.
Allie took my hand in hers. “You’re going to be a great mom. Now, go catch your flight so you can surprise your man.”
My conference had ended sooner than expected, and I’d been able to switch to an earlier flight. Frasier had spent all weekshowing me how much he loved me, sending me surprises. Now it was my turn to show him.
I took a deep breath, hoping I could pull this off. Hoping it would all go over as well as I hoped. “Fingers crossed.”
“He’s totally going to rail you after.” An older woman passing by shot Allie a scandalized look, which my sister ignored.
I laughed, grabbing my bag and rolling it toward the security line. “Never change, Al. Never change.”
“You’ve got this!” She gave me two thumbs up.
“You are so cheesy.” I rolled my eyes, but I was smiling the entire time. “But I know.”
Because I did. I had faith in myself. And I knew that with Frasier by my side, we could handle anything—together.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
“How was your trip?” Georgia asked, hugging me.
“Good.” I smiled. Allie had really shown up for me this past week. “Thanks again for picking me up a day early. And keeping it a secret from Frasier.”
“No problem. So, I’m dying to know. What’s this big surprise you have planned?” She waggled her brows.
