I try to talk, but the words get stuck in my throat, so instead, I wrap my arms around her waist, burying my face in her chest, the weight of the world feeling like it’s lifting.
I stay like that for a while, lost in the feel of her, my body shaking as emotion gathers in my chest.
“Am I allowed to say the words yet?” I ask, sitting up, mimicking her earlier move by cupping her cheek with my hand.
Lainey smiles as she shakes her head. “You don’t have to say anything; I alreadyknow.” She leans forward and rests her forehead to mine before brushing our noses together. “And I feel the same. Come on,” she adds, after a deep breath. “I’ll drive you to see Summer. Just let me double-check on Josh.”
She presses her lips to mine in a chaste kiss, and waits for me to nod before getting out of the truck, pulling me out with her. “I’ll be back,” she says and then rushes off, jogging toward the door, while I watch her, my heart in the palm of her hand.
My life in her hands.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt out of control when it came to the darkness that consumed me. But with only a few words, Lainey was able to shine a light on it, to make me finally see some sense in my feelings.
And while that’s scary as hell, knowing she’s going to be there every step of the way already makes me feel stronger for it.
Chapter Fifty-Five
Lainey
Istare at Summer, trying hard not to let my jaw drop. Meanwhile, Thomas doesn’t even bother hiding his shock.
“Is that even possible?” he says with wide eyes. “Josh is still a baby.”
“Yep, it’s possible,” Summer says, softly rubbing her belly. “Because it happened.”
Turns out, Summer fainted due to stress and not eating or drinking enough while creating a tiny human inside her. Josh is only six months old and they’re having a second.
“Will that make them Irish twins?” I accidentally ask, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. “Sorry.” I grimace. “I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”
“I’m only eight weeks pregnant,” Summer says. “So technically if this one goes to full term, they’ll be born just over a year apart.”
“Well, there you go. Either way, it’s exciting. Congratulations!” I smile wide, reaching out to squeeze Summer’s arm as she smiles back warmly.
“Another baby,” Thomas says out of nowhere, an awe in his tone that has Summer’s eyes lighting up, full of so much love.
“Another baby,” Dylan repeats, and it’s the first time I’ve heard him speak since we arrived.
Thomas’s eyes flash to Dylan’s and he laughs. “How are you doing over there?” he asks with a bit of cheek. “You look a little pale.”
“I think I’m still processing.” He shakes his head.
Summer laughs before turning my way. “How do you feel about extending your contract?” she asks, and my heart races. I love looking after Josh and working with Summer and Dylan, but I’m not sure I want to do it long-term.
Summer giggles again, and I look at Dylan and Thomas to see what she’s laughing at, until I realize she’s laughing at me. “Now you’re the one that looks pale.”
Shit. “No, it’s not that. I just…” I trail off with no idea what to say.
“You need to figure out what you want out of life,” Thomas finishes for me, making my heart jolt.
“Yeah,” I rush out, offering Thomas a grateful smile. “I’m sorry, Summer.” I wince. “But don’t worry, I’m not planning on leaving you anytime soon. I’m just not sure what I’ll be doing long-term.”
“We completely understand. But…" She turns to Thomas, one of her brows lifted to show her intrigue. "What I don’t get is how Thomas knew that.”
“I’m in love with her.” He shrugs while my heart explodes with the same love.
“You’re what?” Dylan and Summer say at the same time before Summer adds, “Didn’t you just meet?”
“Not exactly.” I grimace with a small grin. “But it’s a long story, and I want to get back to Josh. Not that I don’t trust Joel—”