Page 101 of Edge of Desire

“Yeah, I remembered when you walked around the entire wing searching for an exit, which was why I suggested it. I figured if we were going to use it, we needed to make it more accessible,” she added.

I scooted my chair closer to Avery to tell her the real reason behind this. “So, you know how we said we were just going to run away and tie the knot?”

“Yeah.”

“I have a better idea.”

“I have a feeling it has something to do with this terrace.”

I gave her a brow waggle. “So, and please hear me out before you say anything.”

“Okay.”

Justin and Caroline gave me their nods of approval, so I began. “I got to thinking about how fathers feel about walking their daughters down the aisle and how your dad would miss out. I’m pretty sure it would crush him.”

Avery nodded. Her eyes brightened which gave me hope that this was something she’d agree to.

“So, Justin and Caroline offered the terrace. We’d have something very small—family only. And your grandmother could also attend. I understand you’re not feeling it with your mom, but I’d be here to protect you from any of her harsh comments.”

Avery waved her hand. “Oh, I’m not worried about her anymore.”

“You’re not?”

“No. I called Grams one day and Mom answered. I asked her what her deal was, not calling me. She said it went both ways and I guess she was right. I hadn’t reached out to her at all. Anyway, we pretty much buried the hatchet.”

I straightened in my chair, hurt that she hadn’t shared this with me. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

She shrugged. “Honestly, it happened when I was in the middle of working up a contract for Vail and I just forgot.”

“Avery! How could you forget that?”

“Guess I’ve been a little preoccupied lately.”

“Preoccupied?” What was so important that had her preoccupied.

“Well, dammit. I wasn’t planning on telling you like this, but I’ve sort of backed myself into a corner.”

The three of us just stared, waiting for her to say something.

“Avery, what is it?”

She looked over at Justin and Caroline and said, “Could you two excuse us for a minute?”

They both nodded and she took my hand and pulled me inside.

“What’s going on?”

“Um, I know this will be a shock, but we’re going to have a baby.”

“What do you mean we’re having a baby?”

“Preston, I’m pregnant.”

“You’re pregnant? How did that happen?”

“There’s this thing called sex which we happen to have a lot of, and I mean a lot. So that’s how.” Then she made a circle with her thumb and forefinger and pushed her other index finger in and out of it.

I didn’t understand. She was on the pill. How could it have happened. So I threw that at her.

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