With Gabe’s paranormal hearing, he was able to hear the conversation, even through the closed window.
“Well, you did. I can’t believe you would hurt him like that. I love him, you jerk.”
Parker hung his head. “I don’t think I really hurt him. He got right up and managed to carry you upstairs with no problem.”
“And then you hit him again. I heard the crash. Where is he now?”
“Gone,” Parker said. “I threw him out.”
“You can apologize later. That was the first he’d heard it, and he probably needs some time to process the news. I know I did.”
“Didn’t you use protection?”
Misty glared at her brother. “Not that it’s any of your business, but yes. Of course we did.”
Parker’s posture sagged. “I don’t really want the details, but was he… Is he… Never mind.” He shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. What’s done is done.”
Misty rolled toward the window. She seemed to be staring right at Gabe’s bird form and blinked a couple of times.
He flew onto the roof, where he could still listen but not be seen.
“I hate to ask you this, but have you thought about what you’re going to do now?” Parker asked.
“I’ve thought about it, but I haven’t decided anything. I really need to talk to Gabe before I make any plans.”
“I don’t want you marrying him.”
“I don’t think he wants to marry me, so you’re in luck.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means he doesn’t want to marry anybody.”
“He told you that?”
“Yeah. I wasn’t pregnant at the time, or I didn’t know I was, anyway. He’s always been honest with me about that. No wife. No kids. That’s how he wants it.”
“All right. Try not to get mad, but if you want help paying for a procedure, I can—”
“Don’t! I don’t want to discuss this with you. This is not your fault or your problem. I need to talk to Gabe. AndonlyGabe,” she said, strengthening her voice.
Gabe imagined Julie was probably listening with her ear against the door.
There was some rustling, and she spoke again, this time in an assertive tone, but without anger. “I know I’m in trouble. I know you’re worried about me. But don’t. Whatever happens, I’ll be fine. After I got over the shock, I realized I’d love to have Gabe’s baby. Even if I raise the child on my own… And don’t think I can’t. Mothers figure out how to take care of their kids in all kinds of difficult circumstances. I imagine I can too.”
Gabe was full of emotion. He wanted to fly through the window, shift, and take her in his arms. But that would only make things worse, since neither Misty nor Parker had any idea what he really was.
He could fly down to where his clothes were, change, and go knock on the door again. But he knew that was not a good idea, either. Not yet. He needed to give brother and sister some alone time to process. He could use some time to figure out the whole mess too. Especially why his best friend was so against her marrying him. Did Parker really think he’d be bad for her?
He flitted to the ground, shifted into his human form again, brushed the dirt off his backside, and dressed quickly.
He strode past the house to where he’d left the Zipcar he’d rented. Jumping in, he decided to visit his brother Jayce a little sooner than expected.
