Page 109 of When Love Is Unexpected

"Me? I'm fine."

"I got a call from Sam when my parents were in here earlier," says Aaron.

"Oh my gosh," I say. "I'm so sorry."

"It's okay," he says. "I answered the phone and told him about the baby. He apologized for the call and said congratulations before hanging up."

"I don't know how to deal with this," I say honestly.

"If I were him," says Aaron, "I'd jump on the first plane to New York and come face you."

"I don't want to see him," I say.

"Don't make the same mistakes I made," says Loren.

"Aaron never lied to you," I say.

"Sam is not a liar," says Loren. And there it is. I knew she'd be the one to defend him.

"Do you want me to take Holly home with me?" I ask to change the subject.

"No," says Aaron, "Katherine and Adam are taking her."

"Okay," I say, "I'll let you rest. Congratulations. I'm over the moon with happiness for you all."

"Thank you," they all say together.

"Let me know if you need anything," I say before kissing them goodbye.

When I lean down to kiss the baby, he opens his eyes and looks right at me. His eyes are definitely green.

Chapter 26

Sam

I haven't seen Laila in almost two months. She moved to Boston and is starting her residency in a few weeks.

I had planned to sell the art studio to Justin's parents, but I've decided to keep it. I hope they understand my reasons.

A month ago, I returned to Athens to close that chapter of my life for good.

Now I'm back in Cold Spring to see Loren and meet her son.

When she opens the door and smiles, I'm reminded that she still believes in me.

"Sam!" she exclaims, giving me a hug.

"Let me look at you," I say, giving her a quick twirl. "You look amazing. Motherhood definitely suits you."

"Thank you," she says. "Do you want to meet Peter?"

"Of course," I say. "Where is the little guy?"

I sit on the couch and wait for her to return with two-month-old Peter in her arms.

"He looks like Aaron," I say, noticing the dimples, "but he has your eyes." Laila's eyes, I think.

"We thought his eyes were hazel like Aaron's, but they've only gotten greener with time."

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