Page 31 of The Addendum

“It won’t break us, Richard. But you need to give me a little time to adjust.”

“You defended me to her. You stood up for me.”

“I always will.”

I crouched down by her chair, reaching for her hands, grateful when she allowed me to clasp them. “I love you, Katy. I love my family. All of you are my world. I don’t know what to do. How to traverse this. How to talk about it.” I swallowed. “How to ask you for help.”

She tilted her head, then ran her hand through my hair, tugging on the strands. As always, her touch soothed me. “Today has been an unpleasant shock for all of us, Richard. We all need a little space to acclimate to it.”

I dropped my head to her legs, wrapping myself around her. “I need you.”

“You have me. But what happened is going to change everything. You know that.”

Her words made my heart stop.

That was exactly what I was afraid of.

11

RICHARD

I barely slept. Neither did Katy. I could feel her awake beside me, the small space between us feeling like miles not inches. I wanted to roll over, draw her close, bask in her scent and warmth, seek comfort from her, but I was afraid of her rejection. She was holding herself back, and although I understood why, I hated it.

I hated everything about this.

I got up at five and went for a jog. Instead of the beach, I hit the road outside the compound and ran until I was exhausted. I pushed myself until I couldn’t run anymore, then realized I had gone too far. Shaking my head, I turned and began the long journey back when a car pulled alongside me.

“Lost?” Jaxson’s voice was amused as he peered across the seat.

“Just out for a run. Went a little far.”

“Hop in, and I’ll drive you back.”

I climbed in, realizing I hadn’t even brought water. “I’m heading to the Hub,” I muttered.

“Sure.”

I looked out the window as the scenery went by, not really noticing any of it. I felt Jaxson’s stare.

“You’re out early,” I said, wanting to fill the silence.

“Gracie wanted a cinnamon bun from a little place in Toronto. I decided to surprise her and pick one up.”

I nodded. If he was already catering to cravings, she had to be pregnant. How would this news affect her? I cleared my throat. “I’m sure she’ll be thrilled.”

“Richard, are you okay?”

“I’m good,” I replied, still looking out the window.

“You don’t seem yourself.”

“Sarcastic and self-centered, you mean?”

He huffed a dry laugh. “I was thinking talkative and telling me what to do. Quizzing me about my trip into Toronto.” He frowned as he turned into the complex. “What’s going on?”

I was quiet until he pulled up to the Hub.

“Nothing,” I said as I climbed out of the car.