I squirmed. “Yep.”
“I can’t wait for that DNA test,” she said.
I thought about the look of relief on Orson’s face when I’d told him I didn’t want him involved. He wasn’t doing a great job being a father to his two girls, so I couldn’t imagine him being much help.
I was too independent anyway. I liked to run my life a certain way. Maybe I wasn’t suited to pairing with anyone.
Ethan seemed to let me make the decisions. But that was with more mundane things, like what to eat, where to walk, or what movie to watch.
It was going to be just me and Cian. I’d already settled on a name. I liked the sound of Cian Storm.
“Aren’t you dying to know?” Sheridan asked yet again.
Her relentless curiosity made me smile. “I think I already know.”
“So it’s Ethan’s?” She cocked her head.
I nodded slowly. “I get the feeling it is.”
“But what about if he’s not?”
“Good too.” I turned to face her. “Whatever happens, I’m just happy. I want to be a mother. I mean, I didn’t design it this way, but I’m thrilled.”
Sheridan’s wistful look made me ask, “Are you okay?”
She shrugged. “I guess seeing you like this has made me all clucky. I didn’t think I wanted a kid, but I’m warming to the idea. Especially seeing you bursting with health. And you’ve changed.”
My brow rippled. “How do you mean?”
“You’re more at peace with the world.”
I laughed. “Unlike you, yelling at the television.”
“That was you too,” she defended.
Yep. We were once those angry girls protesting over corporate greed and social inequality.
“I think Ethan tamed me.”
“Ha ha. Tamed by a billionaire.”
“I used to give him such a hard time—accusing him of being a shallow womaniser.”
Sheridan’s mouth twisted. “Not nice. Maybe he liked it.”
“I don’t know.” I stared down at my hands. “I’m not as angry anymore. It was too exhausting. And he’s doing a lot of good in the community. He’s even set up a free programme for women in need at his new spa.”
“Oh, like us?” she said. “We can go and get pampered for free?”
I laughed. “Probably. Only, I won’t be there.”
She held my stare and shook her head. “You’re crazy. He’s been a good influence on you, though. I can see that. I like this calmer version of you.”
“Maybe I’m just getting older.”
“Hardly. No, I think he has tamed you. And maybe you were too harsh on him. I mean I’ve met poor people who are outright arseholes. Not all filthy-rich people are rats.”
“No. That’s too black-and-white for sure.” I adjusted my seating position to allow for my big belly. “Why don’t you keep trying to have a baby?”