Total pages in book: 190
Estimated words: 181992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 910(@200wpm)___ 728(@250wpm)___ 607(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 181992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 910(@200wpm)___ 728(@250wpm)___ 607(@300wpm)
“Jeez, sis, take a breath,” he said with a chuckle.
“I can’t, I’m excited. Who else knows?”
“No one. You’re the first to hear of it.”
“Mom and Dad are gonna be psyched. Everyone will be.”
Humor lit Ollie’s eyes. “Not sure ‘psyched’ is a state Dad is familiar with, but he’ll definitely be pleased for me and Marleigh.”
“That he will.”
“I know the original plan was for she and I to get married next year, but I suggested to her that maybe we should do it before the baby is born. She doesn’t want to, though. She likes the idea of the baby being at the wedding, so …”
“Aw, they’ll make the cutest bridesmaid or page boy.” Seeing the pride and elation in his eyes, I couldn’t help but think … This could be me soon. If I said yes to Dax, I could be feeling what he’s feeling right now.
“Listen, don’t say anything about the pregnancy to anyone.”
“I had no intention of doing,” I assured him. “It’s your news to share. I’d never take that from you.”
His mouth curved. “Thanks.” He took a swig of his coffee. “Before I forget to ask, how’s Alicia doing?”
“Okay. She still won’t talk about what happened with Dario except to say that they’re definitely a thing of the past.”
Ollie grunted. “I never liked him.”
“Truthfully, neither did I.” I hadn’t anything to her until recently, respecting that he was her choice. “I felt she could do better.”
“She can,” he firmly declared. “And hopefully, she will.”
“Hopefully.”
We talked about this and that as we finished our coffees. Once done, we headed outside together, said our goodbyes, and parted ways. As I was in my car clicking on my seatbelt, I heard the rumbling of his bike engine as he whizzed by me.
Only then did I let my smile drop. I hadn’t lied to Ollie. I was delighted for him and Marleigh. Delighted. I didn’t feel bitter, and my loss didn’t—couldn’t—take away from the happiness I felt for them. But was hearing someone talk about a pregnancy something of a trigger? Yes. That wasn’t something I could avoid.
Every time it happened, I’d remember how happy I’d been on seeing the word “pregnant” on the test stick. I’d remember the first prenatal scan and how frantic the baby’s heartbeat had sounded. I’d remember the excited reactions of those around me when I’d told them my news.
And I’d remember the incident that had resulted in the miscarriage. Remember the screech of tires, the crunch of metal, the cries of pain, the smell of blood, the civilians who’d tried to help not only me but the passengers from the other cars.
Finally, I’d remember the doctor’s grim expression when he’d confirmed what I’d already known deep down inside before I’d even arrived at the hospital.
A sound snapped me out of the past. Knuckles wrapping on my window, I realized.
I looked up. And there was one of Dax’s brothers, Caelan, staring down at me. I cleared my expression fast, not wanting him to read my emotions. Only then did I press the button to electronically lower the window.
Planting his hands on the car, he bent and poked his head inside, bold as you please, his gaze flitting all over my face. “You all right, Addison?” A careful but loaded question.
I gave him an easy smile. “Yup. Fine.” I’d first met him back when I had my little fling with Dax. He was just as much an alpha as his older brother, not to mention a walking advertisement for sex.
The brothers looked alike in some ways, but Caelan didn’t have Dax’s mismatched eyes—his were a rich brown, and he also had the powerful build of a cage fighter. Probably because he used to be a cage fighter.
Caelan’s eyelids drooped a little. “You didn’t look fine a moment ago.”
“I just got lost in thought, that’s all,” I said with an airy shrug.
His gaze—too perceptive, too knowing—remained locked with mine. I didn’t let my smile falter or allow what I felt to bleed onto my face. But it didn’t appear to be making much of a difference.
He lifted a doubtful brow. “I look like someone you can bullshit?”
“Totally.”
His mouth twitched, but he quickly wiped the almost-smile from his face.
“Caelan?” a voice called out.
Tracking it, I saw an unfamiliar male standing a few car-spaces away.
Caelan inched his head out of my window and lifted it.
“You got a minute?” the stranger asked. “It’s important.”
A rough sigh. “Give me a sec.” Caelan once more inserted his big, nosy head into my car and caught my gaze, his eyes searching mine. “You sure you’re okay to drive right now?”
“Yes,” I replied, tapping my fingers on the steering wheel. “As I said before, I’m fine. And I really have to get going.”
He let out a resigned sigh that was laced with irritation. “All right.”
I forced another easy smile. “Take care.”