Page 58 of Happily Ever After

When Sophie finally appeared in the living room, she was barefoot, her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail that looked hastily done. Her face was scrubbed free of makeup, making her lash extensions look more out of place than usual.

She leaned against the side of the couch, phone in hand, her shoulders slumped in a way Essie had seen before. It was another indicator that Sophie was moping and wanted to be left alone.

The thing was, this was Essie’s house, first and foremost. And while Sophie might be Frank’s daughter, she was still technically a guest. Okay, a pregnant guest. And Essie did feel an increase in responsibility because of that, but this whole thing where Sophie preferred being left alone was getting old.

“You okay?” Essie asked gently.

Sophie shrugged without looking up. “Not really.”

Essie dried her hands and crossed the room, stopping a few feet away. Close enough to be there but not so close that Sophie would feel crowded. “What doesn’t feel great?”

“My stomach,” Sophie said. “And everything else.” She gave a small, humorless snort. “I thought people exaggerated the whole morning sickness thing.”

“It doesn’t only happen in the morning,” Essie said.

“So I’m learning.” Sophie dropped onto the couch and leaned her head back, eyes closed. “I don’t know how I’m supposed to travel like this tomorrow.”

Essie sat in the chair across from her. They’d already discussed this and she’d thought it was settled. “You know you don’t have to.”

Sophie opened one eye. “I do.”

“You don’t,” Essie repeated calmly. “You can stay another day. Or two. Or longer. You’re not on a clock. We talked about this. Your dad and I are happy for you to stay here as long as you need.”

Sophie pressed her lips together. “I can’t just put everything on hold.”

Essie didn’t argue, but honestly, what did Sophie have to put on hold? She didn’t have a job. And her TikToking could be done from anywhere. But Essie tried to be understanding. “You’re welcome to make videos here.”

Sophie didn’t reply, just focused on her phone.

Silence settled between them, the television murmuring softly in the background. Essie had put on something forgettable earlier—people renovating houses in some city she’d probably never visit. It was background noise, nothing more.

Essie tried a different approach. “Are you hungry? Do you want some dinner?” Sophie hadn’t done much but nap today.

Sophie shifted and sat up straighter. “Maybe. I should probably try to eat something.”

“I can make soup,” Essie said. “Or toast. Or get you some crackers. Whatever sounds tolerable.”

“Toast,” Sophie said after a moment. “Dry. No butter.”

“Coming right up.” Essie moved into the kitchen and went to work. She popped two slices of sourdough into the toaster and leaned against the counter while it did its thing. The renovation show people were now touring an old Victorian house that had been divided up into apartments. They were planning on restoring it to a single residence. Essie liked that idea.

When the toast popped up, she set it on a plate and brought it into the living room, along with a glass of ginger ale she’d poured without being asked. Maple watched from her bed, curious.

Sophie took the plate and a glass with a small nod of thanks.

Essie went back to her chair, now more interested in the show.

Sophie managed a few bites before setting the plate aside. “I’m sorry,” she said unnecessarily. “I really did want to eat it.”

Essie shook her head. “That’s all right. I totally understand. I had terrible morning sickness with Albie.”

Sophie took a sip of ginger ale and grimaced slightly. “This is going to make driving miserable.”

Essie pursed her lips but didn’t say anything. Sophie knew the offer was there. Or was she trying to get Essie to bring it up again? She couldn’t figure Sophie out.

“I’ll be fine,” Sophie added quickly. “I just…don’t want to deal with people tomorrow. Or having to stop constantly. Or pretending everything’s normal.”

Essie felt that familiar tug, the urge to help, to offer solutions, to remind Sophie again that she could stay. Instead, Essie took a breath and asked, “What would help tonight?”