“I’m sure it is because that’s all Rose has been talking about these days.” Kristy’s eyes twinkle as she smiles before perching on a chair opposite of me and placing her handbag beside her.
“She is in love with it. She even asked me if we can live there while restoration is in progress. I had to think of twenty different reasons until I could fully convince her that living amongst the construction chaos is a bad idea.”
“But why don’t I see you in our office more often?” She arches an eyebrow at me, and my smile slips, causing her to sit straight. When I don’t reply, she tries again. “You’re mostly only there to pick up Rose. All okay?”
“I don’t want to overwhelm her by breathing down her neck every minute of the day.” My words are frustrated.
Kristy has become such a good friend over the past few months, and she helped me a great deal in convincing Rose to take a chance on us during our early dating days.
“Did she say something?” She raises her eyebrow in suspicion.
“Not in so many words.” I grab the planner on my table just so I have something to keep my hands busy. “I think I’m reading too much into it. It’s most likely nothing.” I drop that stupid planner and grab my neck, looking up at the ceiling. “But when we were at the property with Henry and he showed us the kids’ bedroom, she got…all cold and rock solid. You know, like when she’s about to get a panic attack.”
My gaze lands on Kristy, who stays uncharacteristically quiet, playing with the straps of her handbag.
“I’m reading too much into it, right?”
“Most likely. Rosie is still coming to terms with the idea of getting married. Maybe she just panicked hearing about kids.” Kristy chews on her lower lip. “Do you…think about kids?”
“Isn’t it a natural thing to think of?” Who am I kidding? Rose, kids, family…these things constantly run through my mind. She spent all her life alone. What I wouldn’t give for her to experience the thrill, the excitement, of a little one. But I guess that’s one gift she doesn’t want. “I definitely think about the idea of us having kids someday. Of course, not like tomorrow or even next year, especially after seeing how much it affects her.” There’s no hiding the bite in my voice.
“I’m sorry, Zander.” Kristy gives me a sad smile, and I respond with my own.
“I knew there’d be speed bumps but having her in my life exactly as she is makes up for all the challenges that come our way.” I focus on the memory of her excited face when we were in our house for the first time. The way her smile tugged on my heart. “And more importantly, we make progress every day.” Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined her offering me a blow job. My throat dries as I remember how she looked on her knees, sucking—
“I’m so happy she found you,” Kristy whispers, her misty eyes bringing me back from my wild imaginations.
“Okay.” I clear my throat, pushing away the arousing images of my nerd from my head. “Enough with the sappy. Tell me why you’re here unannounced. Not that I’m unhappy to see you.”
She clears her throat, not responding as I’d hoped. “Actually, I have news. And before I share it with Rose, I wanted to share it with you. I don’t know…how she’ll react.”
I nod, urging her to go on, but she hesitates. With uncertain blue eyes, she resembles Rose too much at this moment.
“But now, I don’t know if this is the right time.”
“What’s happening? Everything all right?” I’m a mix of curious and concerned at seeing Kristy this nervous.
“It’s just… I-I’m pregnant.”
It takes my brain a second to register what she said. “Kristy! That’s wonderful news.” I get up from my chair and pull her into a hug. “Congratulations. I’m so happy for you and Oscar.”
“Thank you so much.” For the first time since she walked into my office, there’s a joyous expression on her face.
“I’m sure you guys are going crazy with this news. I know I am. Look.” I pull up my shirt sleeve and show her the goose bumps littering my skin. “I can’t wait to see the look on Rose’s face. She’ll be beyond excited.”
Kristy runs her hands over my textured skin, her eyes shining with pure joy. “We haven’t told anyone else yet. But I want to share it with Rose so bad. I, too, think she’ll be happy. It’s eating me alive to keep this from her. We’ve never kept any secrets from each other, you know? Especially not this long.”
“And how long has this been?”
“Since morrrning,” Kristy drawls, as if her stretching of the word would make the time period longer, and I can’t hold back my laugh at her theatrics. “Laughing at a pregnant woman?” She raises her hands up in the air in mock anger, which only amuses me more.
“It didn’t take you long to play the pregnancy card.” When I cock my eyebrow, she giggles.
“I never miss opportunities. I just wanted to give you a heads-up that I’ll share the news with Rose this evening. Ask her to call me.”
“Why can’t you call her?”
Kristy fidgets, her fingers playing with her huge diamond ring.