Page 104 of Promise Me This
Rina snorts, clearly unconvinced but amused.
Laiken gestures toward the living room. “Why don’t we move in there and I’ll grab some drinks.”
“I’ll take a beer,” my brother says, already on his way.
Laiken’s gaze shifts to Rina. “Water? Or can I get you something else? Maybe juice or tea?”
“Water sounds perfect,” she replies. “Thanks.”
He nods once before his attention settles on me. “Do you want a water too?”
The question is casually asked.
Oliver’s gaze slides toward me and his mouth twitches as he teases, “What? Let me guess—you’re pregnant too?”
The words hang in the air as everyone but Oliver freezes.
My brother stares at the three of us, confusion knitting his brows as the smile drops from his face. “Why do you all look like that?” he asks. “It was a joke.” His voice falters as his eyes dart to mine. “Kia?” His tone shifts, cracking just enough to give him away. “You’re not pregnant… are you?”
My heartbeat roars in my ears, drowning out everything else. Even though I open my mouth to respond, nothing comes out. The truth feels lodged somewhere between my chest and my throat.
When my gaze flicks helplessly to Laiken, he gives me the slightest nod, and my nerves give way.
I straighten my shoulders and meet my brother’s gaze. “Yes, I am.”
Oliver blinks once and then again, as if his brain is struggling to catch up.
His narrowed eyes settle on Laiken. “Is it yours?”
“Not biologically. But in all the ways that count?” Laiken steps closer, slipping an arm around me before drawing me against his side. “Yeah, it is. And as far as anyone else is concerned, I’m the father.”
Oliver’s forehead furrows. “Wait… Is that why you left school?”
I glance down at my hands before forcing myself to meet his searching gaze. “Yes.”
He takes a step closer, his tone lowering just enough to reveal the hurt beneath it. “I don’t understand. Why didn’t you tell me?”
Tears burn the backs of my eyes. “I didn’t know how,” I admit. “And I was scared.”
“Of me?” he asks quietly.
“Of disappointing you,” I whisper. “Of disappointing everyone.”
Rina steps closer before reaching out to squeeze my hand in a silent show of support.
My brother’s gaze drops for a beat before lifting again. I can almost see him putting all the puzzle pieces together. “Collin’s the father, isn’t he?”
It’s not really a question.
It’s the answer that finally makes sense.
“That fucking asshole.” His jaw locks tight, and for a split second, he looks like he might lose it before he wrestles back control. His gaze cuts to Laiken. “Looks like I owe you even more thanks, Lennox.”
Laiken presses a kiss to the top of my head. “You don’t owe me anything. I was taking care of my wife and the family we’re building.”
When my hand lifts to my belly, Oliver’s gaze follows the movement, and his anger gives way to something softer. He steps closer and, without warning, pulls me against his chest. The sound that escapes from me is caught somewhere between a sob and a shaky breath.
“I wish you’d told me sooner,” Oliver murmurs into my hair, his voice rough. “I really do.”
