In Name Only (Pine Falls #2) - Jennifer Peel Page 0,105
things don’t matter to me.”
“I know. It’s one of the reasons I love you so much. However, I do insist that I take you on a honeymoon.”
“If you insist.” I grinned.
“Turks and Caicos Islands for News Year’s sound good to you?”
“Very good.” I kissed his lips.
He rested his hand on my cheek. “I need to tell you something else before we go in.” His tone became more serious, making me anxious.
“Is everything okay?”
“There’s nothing to worry about. It’s just Jonah called me earlier today and . . . Ariana is pregnant,” he said, gently.
I blinked back the tears. I knew it shouldn’t, but it felt like a punch to my gut. I was happy for my sister, truly I was. But, it was a reminder of the pregnancy I’d lost.
“Ariana has been afraid to tell you.”
That made me feel worse. A few rogue tears escaped.
Brock lovingly wiped them off my cheek. “I know this can’t be easy for you, and this in no way will ever replace Charlotte, but I want you to know that when you feel ready—physically and emotionally—I would love nothing more than to make a baby with you.”
I rubbed my chest and the pearl necklace where it sat under my sweater. For some reason, I couldn’t go a day without wearing it. It was like an amulet, granting me comfort. “I’m happy for Ariana and Jonah,” I responded, numbly. “Any baby would be lucky to have them as parents.”
“Dani,” he tenderly spoke my name. “Our babies will be lucky to call you Mommy.”
“What if I never get pregnant again or I have another miscarriage?” It had been a constant worry ever since I’d lost the baby.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. We’ll adopt a dozen kids and become foster parents, like you’ve always wanted to.”
“Really?”
“Yes. You don’t mind if I want to help you save the world, do you?”
That sounded like a dream to me. “Not at all.”
“One kid at a time, right?”
“Right,” I whispered.
He kissed my nose. “Let’s go wish our best friends well. Then we’ll make plans for our own family, however that’s going to look.”
I wiped my eyes and took a deep breath. “Okay.”
“Are you all right?” he asked so tenderly.
“Yes,” I answered honestly now that the initial shock had worn off. Ariana deserved my happiness. And I loved her for being so sensitive to my feelings, though I felt bad that she felt like she couldn’t tell me herself. I wondered how long she had been keeping it secret. I was going to find out and be there for her, the way she had always been there for me.
Brock and I walked into Jonah and Ariana’s home, hand in hand, to the stares and poorly hidden snickers of our friends and family. Yes, we were late because we were having sex. Finally.
Everyone was gathered around the large fresh-cut pine tree in the great room, already decorating it. I didn’t blame them for not waiting on us. We were quite late.
I left Brock’s side and immediately went to Ariana, who was glowing more than the white Christmas lights strung around her tree. I put my arms around her, and she reciprocated with a fierce kind of hug. Without a word, she knew that I knew, and we both began to cry.
“Congratulations,” I whispered in her ear.
“Thank you.” She seemed reluctant.
“I’m so happy for you.”
She leaned away. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I didn’t want you to—”
“I know.” I didn’t need her to explain. “When are you due?”
She smiled and bit her lip. “July seventh.”
“Perfect.”
Jonah and Brock joined us, both looking tentative. Thankfully, Whitney saved the day. She wiggled her way between us. “I’m going to be a big sister.”
I rested my hand on her head. “The best one ever.”
Whitney held up her pink stained glass brontosaurus. Ariana had been working tirelessly on making custom ornaments for their tree. “Daddy, will you help me put this on the top?”
“Absolutely.” Jonah picked her up with ease and helped her hang her ornament.
Grandma, Grandpa, Kinsley, and Brant gathered near with mugs of Kinsley’s adult wassail in hand. Brant and Kinsley made sure to keep their distance from each other, though Brant’s eyes frequently drifted her way. Regret and longing swam in their depths.
I was grateful when Grandpa patted Brant on the back. “Too few men know you have to lose sight of the path every once in a while to find your way.”