demand warily.
“Don’t judge me. It’s not what you think.”
“He has a girlfriend,” I conclude easily, my heart sinking.
“They’re over. They have been for a long time. It’s … complicated. But he’s ending it; he promised. They almost never see each other. And she isn’t any fun at all. Besides, he’ll definitely choose me now that I’m having his baby. He and I will have the most amazing life together.”
“When are you going to tell him? What about traveling? Have you told your mother?” I ask in a rush, all of my concerns flooding out of my mouth.
“You’re the first person I’ve told,” she confesses. “I was bursting to tell someone, and I know you can keep a secret. Also … I wanted you to hear it from me first … before I tell him. I need you to understand that we’re in love, so you’ll forgive me.”
“Forgive you?” I ask, my chest tightening. “Why? What have you done?”
“I just mean … I know how much you believe in love, and, well … with him being in a relationship, I thought you might not get it. But I do love him, so much.”
“And he feels the same?” I ask, still not understanding why she’d be worried about my judgment, to the point of asking forgiveness.
“Of … of course,” she answers, stumbling over her words.
I’m doubting he’s ever said it to her, but I’m not going to make her admit that. I’m scared for her. For her future and that of her baby. I’m not convinced he’s going to choose her when she tells him.
“And his family has a house in Europe somewhere, so I’ll move there. I’ll still get to travel. They’re loaded. We can hire someone to help with the baby. It’s going to be so amazing!” She twirls with glee. I force a smile, but she notices my apprehension. “Don’t worry, Faye. My life is going to be perfect!”
“I’m happy for you,” I say, opening my arms to hug her. When she steps into them, I embrace her tightly with my eyes squeezed shut, silently hoping that I can forgive her when she breaks my heart. Because I have a feeling I won’t want to know who the father is when she finally tells me. Some things you can’t unknow.
Maggie races up the stairs ahead of me. At the top landing, Nick has a camera with a long lens focused out at the roaring ocean. I turn to take in what has him so fascinated. The waves are more volatile than usual, in contrast to the sun shining overhead.
“We’re supposed to get a storm tonight,” Nick tells me, lowering his camera. “If the ocean’s any indication, it’s going to be a bad one.”
I peer out once again. There’s an ominous energy in the air, sending a shiver down my spine.
“She’s pregnant, you know,” Nick says out of nowhere.
I spin, my pulse racing. My huge eyes an indication that he caught me by surprise. “You’re the father?”
He laughs humorlessly. “I think so. Not exactly sure after this weekend. But why else would she be marrying me?”
“Cassandra?” I ask, utterly confused.
Nick narrows his eyes, just as confounded. “Who did you think I was talking about?”
I shake my head apologetically. “Sorry. It’s been a strange two minutes.” Now Olivia’s concerns over Cassandra drinking wine make complete sense. “Do you love her?” When I realize how that sounds, I quickly correct, “That’s not my business. I’m sorry.”
“I did. When we first met. But … people aren’t always who they appear to be. And now … I don’t know. I try. But I do love this baby.” His dark green eyes are focused on the waves, his mind elsewhere. “And I want to be there for her—I’m her father. She’ll need me to protect her. Make her feel safe.”
“You’re having a daughter?”
“I don’t know for sure,” he says with a serene expression. “But I hope so.”
“You’re staying with Cassandra for your daughter?” I confirm, my lips pressing into a comforting smile.
“It may be her choice to have this child, but it’s mine to be in her life. You must think I’m the biggest pushover, letting her treat me like she does. Not arguing with her when she’s being a brat. But … I can’t risk her ending it, cutting me out of my child’s life. Because she can do that too easily, and it would kill me.”
“That’s extremely selfless of you. And admirable. Your daughter’s lucky to have you.”
“Thank you,” he says, his eyes