Lib Novel Page 93
“What? You didn’t threaten him.”
“I know I didn’t. And Jack probably would have just asked me to explain the situation and that would have been that. Except it was one of three. Now he has concerns. He’s worried it’s a pattern.”
“But if none of them are actual problems, it’s just coincidence right? Maybe even…” She paused. “Maybe bad luck?”
“It could be.”
“Bad things often happen in threes. Except…”
“Except what?”
“Nothing. Three makes sense. You had three complaints, so maybe that’s it.”
“I hope that’s it.” I took a deep breath, relishing her scent, and rested my cheek against her head. “I’ve had enough.”
She didn’t reply and there was a stiffness to her body that caught my attention. I’d been so focused on myself and my day, I hadn’t noticed it at first. But when I thought about it, she seemed a little off. There’d been something in her expression when I’d first opened the door. And when I’d kissed her, she’d felt as if she were holding back, not sinking into it the way she usually did.
“Is everything okay?” I tucked her in closer and caressed her arm. “How was your day?”
“It was… interesting.”
“Interesting? What does that mean?” A hint of alarm made my shoulders tighten. “Did Matt come back? Did he do something?”
“No, nothing like that. I ran into Marigold and Audrey at lunch.”
“Oh. That’s… nice?”
“Yeah, it was.”
“Have you met Audrey before?”
“No, but I basically wanted to be her best friend after knowing her for about ten seconds.”
“Sounds about right. Most people like her. She and Josiah are such a contrast, it’s almost funny.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Josiah’s a good guy, but he’s like our dad. Doesn’t exactly show his feelings. And Audrey’s, you know, Audrey.”
“She was really sweet. So is Marigold. You must have such a great family.”
Her voice broke a little on the last word, and I shifted so I could see her face. “Hey. What’s wrong?”
Sniffling, she shook her head. “Nothing.”
“Are you sure?”
“No.”
“Then what is it? I can’t help you fix it if you don’t tell me.”
“I don’t think this is the kind of thing that can be fixed.”
“What are you talking about? Harper, just tell me what’s wrong.”
Her eyes lifted to meet mine and they brimmed with tears. My chest tightened with panic. Who’d hurt her? What had they done? I’d—
“I’m pregnant.”