Page 95 of The Trouble with Flings

“From what Wells says, it’s very small-town,” Jared says.

“If by that you mean we have close-knit communities where gossip spreads faster than you can shake a stick, then yes, it is,” Fitz says lightly. “But along with that come people who are always there for you and big community events like holiday tree lightings with standing room only and flotillas, and every borough is different.”

“In what way?” my father asks.

“Well, Silver Haven is considered the ritzier part of the island. That’s where the resort is located. Then there’s the artistic community of Chaffee, and the old-school New England fishing towns, Rock Harbor and Seaport.”

“Rock Harbor is where Wells’s restaurant is,” Jared adds.

“It sounds like you love island life,” Jayla says. “Would you ever move to the city?”

Anxiety tears through me. “Jayla, what part of taking it slow do you not understand?”

“It’s okay,” Fitz says, stroking my knuckles with his thumb, then addresses Jayla’s question. “We’re not there yet.”

“So it’s not serious?” Jared asks.

“I didn’t say that,” Fitz says.

“Then what are you saying?” Jace asks, and the table goes quiet.

Fitz looks at me, and I open my mouth to say something deflecting and swiftly change the subject, but “I’m pregnant” barrels out instead.

Fitz

The silence is suffocating.

Jace’s assessing gaze locks on Jennifer. Dixie reaches for her wine with an amused expression. Jayla’s fork stills midair, and Rush sits back slowly, giving the family the floor. Jared’s mouth opens, but for the first time tonight he appears to be speechless. Mia’s gaze skims over everyone, landing on Jennifer, warm and steady, like she’s been bracing for this moment. Her father leans forward, his eyes serious, but his mouth is toying with a smile as he glances at his wife, whose hand covers her heart. She’s looking at Jennifer the way mothers look at their children when the world just got bigger, scarier, and more beautiful all at once.

Jennifer sits pin straight, her chin held high, her expression steady, but I feel the tension rolling off her like it’s my own and tighten my hold on her hand.

“You’re having a baby?” Thane asks enthusiastically, shattering the silence.

“Can we have a girl this time?” Kyleigh exclaims.

“You’re pregnant?” Jayla looks between us, her voice climbing.

Jared shoots a grin at Jennifer and says, “That explains your sudden one-eighty on relationships.”

“Wow, sweetheart. That’s great news,” her mother says carefully, loaded with restrained shock. “How far along are you?”

“Fourteen weeks,” Jennifer says, her voice tight.

Her mother’s eyes bloom wide. “My goodness. That far along? How have you been feeling?”

“Okay. Just tired,” Jennifer says. “I haven’t been sick or anything.”

“You’re lucky you didn’t have morning sickness,” Jayla says. “It’s the worst. You know there are risks at your age.”

“I know. My doctor went over them, but so far, the tests have been clear,” Jennifer says.

“And if there are complications, we’ll deal with them together,” I say firmly.

“Wait a minute,” Jace cuts in, eyeing me. “Are you two a couple, or is this whole thing just a baby arrangement?”

“Way to be supportive, Jace,” Mia challenges.

He squares his shoulder. “I’m not being unsupportive. It’s a valid question.”