“Please.”
“No way.”
“Please, Seth.”
“But why?” he asks, mystified. “Luke, he’s gonna be so goddamned happy. You gotta know that. “
She inhales shakily. “I know that. I do. It’s just so early.” Hot tears fill her eyes. “I don’t want to get his hopes up again.”
Seth leans back and evaluates her. “So you’re what? Gonna tell him when the baby’s five?”
She laughs, loving Seth. Only he can make her laugh when she feels close to breaking.
Seth continues, shaking his head. “I don’t know, Sal. What about you? You’re doin’ this alone.”
“No, I’m not. I have you.”
He rolls his eyes. “Great.”
“I know it’s a lot to ask to hide it from Luke, but I have to be sure. Just one more week and then I’ll tell him.” The minute she says it, she’s hit by a rush of excitement. To tell Luke. Lacey. Everyone in their family.
Seth rips a hand through his sandy-blond hair. “Fine. I don’t like keepin’ things from Luke, but I also really fuckin’ hate that look on your face.”
Her shoulders sag in relief at his agreement to keep mum. “Thanks. I owe you.”
His intent, frustrated gaze holds hers. “You know he’s gonna be pissed as hell at us for keepin’ it from him.”
She laughs. “At least we’ll get bitched out together.”
Seth grunts, but his expression softens.
Feeling spent, Sal leans back against the couch. Unbidden, almost unconsciously, her hands drift to her stomach. “I just want it to stick, you know?”
“I know. And it will.”
Sal’s lips tremble and Seth reaches out, taking her hand in his. He squeezes, his calloused fingers curling around hers as he pulls her in for a hug. Sal closes her eyes, leaning into him, his warmth, and his friendship.
Seth’s soft rumbling drawl sweeps over her like a soothing breeze. “Everything’s gonna be alright.”