You Were Mine(49)

“We wanted to tell you all at the same time, so we figured this would be an excuse to get together and let you all know our good news. I’m pregnant!”

The room erupted in cheers, and Blaire jumped up to throw her arms around Della, while Woods got pats on the back from the men. I moved in behind Blaire to hug Della and congratulate her.

“I’m so happy for you,” I said.

“Thank you,” she said with a big grin.

Turning around, my eyes caught Tripp’s as he watched me. I wondered if he was thinking about our baby. I wanted him to know the truth. Not that it changed anything for him. I had been the one most affected by it. But still, he should know.

I looked away and walked back to my seat. Thad reached over and took my water glass. “Don’t drink the damn water. It’s contagious. They’re all popping out kids left and right.”

I laughed so hard I laid my head on his shoulder. He was right. I was beginning to think it was in the water. When I could catch my breath, he patted my leg and grinned. “We have to watch out for each other. The domino effect, you know.”

What he didn’t realize was that I wanted that life. The one with the husband who adored me and loved our children. Glancing over at Grant, I watched him kiss Lila Kate’s head as he held her. Then I watched Nate crawl up into Blaire’s lap and wrap his little arms around her neck and squeeze hard.

“You look happier,” Thad said, still looking at me.

I turned my attention to him. “I am. It’s getting better. I’m getting better.”

He nodded and wrapped his arm around my shoulders, then tucked his head toward mine. “We all love you. You know that, right? Even Woods. We all want you happy.”

Tears stung my eyes, and I let him hold me a minute. “I’m very lucky,” I replied.

“Yeah, you are. We’re pretty damn awesome,” he teased.

My happy laughter dried up the tears.

When I pulled into the parking lot of my apartment, the Harley parked under the streetlight and the rider leaning against it caught my attention. It was Tripp. I couldn’t see his face, but his height and the bike gave him away.

What I didn’t know was why he was here and how the heck he’d beaten me home from the barbecue.

After locking up my car, I walked toward him. He moved away from his bike and headed my way.

“What are you doing?” I asked once he was close enough.

“Wanted to talk to you without an audience. Can I come in?”

Tripp in my apartment. Was I ready for that? Right now, I had no fond memories in my apartment. No one had visited; it was just a place where I slept and hid from the world. Bringing Tripp into it would change that. He would be a part of it.

“Please,” he said, his voice pleading.

I gave in. “Sure, OK.”

He fell into step behind me as we walked to the stairs.

“How did you beat me here?” I asked.

“I had Thad take me to my bike and let London go on home in her car. She won’t ride on my bike, so we never take it.”

How did he expect to have a relationship with someone who wouldn’t ride on his bike? “Sounds like a winning combination. No red meat or motorcycles. Y’all have a lot in common,” I said, trying to keep my voice light.

Tripp stopped walking, and I wondered if I had made him angry. We were almost at my door. I turned to look at him, not afraid of a confrontation. If he wanted to be a baby, then fine. I had only been joking. Sort of. “You don’t like London,” he said, watching me.

I could lie. But I wouldn’t. “I didn’t like her eight years ago, either.”

He tilted his head to the side and studied me. “I know why you didn’t like her then. Why don’t you like her now?”

Was he seriously going to do this here? I shrugged and tried to blow it off. Pulling out my keys, I unlocked my door. “She hasn’t changed.”