Page 97 of Vegas with my Brother’s Best Friends

“I’m sorry,” she says, shrinking into herself like I’m going to lash out at her.

I shake my head. “You don’t have to be. I get it. I just wish you guys found out in a different way.”

I didn’t even really have a solid plan in mind for breaking the news to them. Maybe in a peaceful environment over dinner or coffee? Maybe alcohol would need to be involved to really keep everyone relaxed.

Whatever I would’ve planned would’ve been better than what actually happened.

Sarah nods with a sympathetic look on her face. “I think that would’ve helped Ryan react to all of this a little better.”

“How is he? I haven’t heard from him since he came to my room last night.”

Sarah’s eyes leave mine as she peers back down at her sock. “I’ve been doing my best to calm him down and help him look at the situation differently, but he’s still upset. He’s wounded.”

“Wounded?” I say, nearly getting choked up.

Hearing that he was angry would be easier to swallow.

“He says that he trusted his friends, and they betrayed him by going behind his back,” she replies. “He really takes stuff like that to heart. You’re one of the most important people in his life, and he just wants to protect you.”

“I understand that if it was someone he didn’t know, but he has known all three of them since they were teenagers. He knows that they’re good guys.”

“I believe they are too. I just think that finding out that you’re pregnant too sent him spiraling a little. He never expected one of his best friends to knock up his little sister,” Sarah points out.

“I didn’t expect him to marry my best friend either.”

Her face dims. “I told you that I didn’t plan on falling in love with your brother.”

I reach out to touch her arm. “I know you didn’t. And I didn’t plan any of this either.”

Sarah places her hand over mine and squeezes. “I know. It’s just crazy. You’re pregnant! I thought I’d beat you to it.”

The humor in her voice helps me relax a little, but the tension between us isn’t totally gone. Maybe it’ll never be.

If Ryan asked her not to talk to me anymore, I honestly don’t know what she would choose to do. She loves him so dearly.

“I’m getting used to it more,” I say as I brush my hand over my stomach. I swear I’m starting to see a slight bump form, but maybe I’m just tricking myself into seeing one.

“I never suspected a thing. I feel like a bad friend for not realizing,” she says with a sheepish smile.

I’ve become nauseatingly good at lying lately.

“It has been difficult avoiding alcohol at a resort, but I’ve managed to make up reasons to deny drinks or just pretend that I was drinking them,” I reply, watching her eyes widen in realization. Now, she’s going to start piecing some things together.

“And you’ve been so tired lately. And you haven’t been eating as much as usual because you probably have morning sickness. Of course!” Sarah says, snapping her fingers. “I can’t believe I never noticed any of that. I’ve just been so distracted.”

“It’s your wedding week. That should be your only focus,” I tell her with a small smile.

I’m glad that she was distracted anyway. She probably would’ve noticed if circumstances were different.

“Has it been a difficult pregnancy?” she asks, her expression turning more serious.

“It’s been really hard,” I admit, my voice wavering for a second. “But I’m hoping the second trimester is easier. And maybe everything else will be a little less hectic too.”

Here’s to hoping.

“I didn’t stick around and eavesdrop after I heard you tell the guys that the baby could be theirs,” Sarah tells me. “How did they take the news?”

“Mixed bag,” I reply, my shoulders sinking a little. “Marcus seems like he’s the happiest. Tyler is freaking out.”