I can’t think of anything that would warrant him being this excited.” Drawing in a shaky breath, I pace back and forth. “He mentioned applying for a promotion at his job, but that’s something that could have waited ‘til later.” I swallow the lump forming in my throat. “My dad’s always wanted a big family. When my mom died and my sister—” Pausing, I look at Jace. “If he expects me to be happy about the spawn of Savannah, he’s out of his mind.”
“I don’t blame you.” Reaching for me, he pulls me into his arms. “But it won’t be all hers. Considering you have half your dad’s genes too, there’s a fifty percent chance this kid will turn out awesome, just like their big sister.”
No one has the ability to talk me off the ledge like he does.
“You’re right.” I rest my head against his chest. “I hate change.”
“Sometimes change is good.” He kisses the top of my head. “I know you’re worried, but having siblings isn’t that bad. Sure, they get on your nerves, but the positives outweigh the negatives. It’s like having a best friend for life.” His expression borders on pain. “Someone who always has your back.”
I tilt his face. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I just have to talk…” He shakes his head. “Everything’s fine.” He juts his chin toward the door. “You should go before your dad gets mad.”
After fastening the button on my dress, I give him a quick kiss. “If I can feign enough excitement about the baby, I should be at your house by nine-thirty the latest. If not, keep your window open.”
Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he blows out a breath. “Sounds like a plan.”
Something’s definitely going on with him. “Are you—”
My dad’s ringtone cuts me off again.
Jesus. He’s never been this annoying before.
“I’m coming out now,” I yell before I hang up and focus on Jace. “I’ll text you in a little while.” I stop short when I realize. “Tell your brother I’m sorry I left early.”
“Yeah.” He squeezes the back of his neck. “I’ll tell him.”
I blow him a kiss and hustle out the door.
“So, what’s the big news?” I ask as I climb into the back seat of my dad’s car.
Of course, Savannah’s sitting in the passenger seat, like the succubus she is.
My dad smiles from ear to ear as he shifts the car into drive. “Remember how I told you I was gunning for a promotion at work?”
I nod as I fasten my seatbelt. “Yeah, did you get it?”
He shakes his head. “No, they gave it to Jim.” Reaching over, he kisses Savannah’s hand. “But Savannah here—incredible goddess she is—found out that her friend Brandi’s husband, who happens to be the CEO of Flash Corp, had to fire his CFO due to some financial discrepancies and needed a replacement ASAP.”
Savannah smirks as she looks over her seat. “Guess who they hired to fill the position?”
Gee, I have no idea.
It’s all I can do not to tug on her cheap hair extensions, but I don’t want to ruin my dad’s good mood. “Congrats. That’s awesome.”
“Told you tator tot would be happy.” Before I can ask why he thought I wouldn’t, he adds, “I know I sprung this on you last minute, but Savannah has everything covered. She was able to find a full-service moving company on short notice, and they’re coming to pack up the house tomorrow.” He makes a face. “We’ll be staying at a hotel for the time being, but you and Savannah can start house hunting tomorrow while I’m at the office getting settled.”
Record. Freaking. Skip.
“Wait…what? Why are we moving? What’s wrong with the house we live in now?”
The home I grew up in.
The home my mother loved.
“Come on, Dylan. I thought you were smart,” Savannah chirps as she flicks down the visor and peers into the mirror. I’m surprised it shows her reflection and not some demon witch. “Flash Corp is in Orange County.”
“Orange County?” If it wasn’t the first week of June, I’d think this was a sick April Fool’s joke. “That’s over five hours away.”
Turning the steering wheel, he nods. “I know it will take some adjusting, kiddo, but opportunities like this are rare and you have to strike while the iron is hot. Flash Corp is the biggest up-and-coming software company since Microsoft. My starting salary is triple what I was making at Mayer Inc.”
My heart is pounding so fast I’m certain this is what having a heart attack must feel