Page 98 of Tiers of Joy

“The kid will end up being a slag like it’s mother.” Tanner mutters under his breath.

“Right, that’s it.” Gaige grabs Tanner and beats the crap out of him.

Jack jumps in, holding Gaige back.

“That’s enough Gaige. He’s had enough.” Jack warns Gaige.

“You get the fuck out of my bar and don’t ever step foot in here again!” Jack orders Tanner.

“You’re all fucking crazy, the lot of you!” Tanner whines as he leaves the bar.

I walk up to Gaige and he pulls me into his arms.

“You shouldn’t have done that.” I say checking his hands.

“I'm not going to let anyone speak like that about you or our child. Ever.” He states.

He leans in and kisses me and then rests his forehead on mine. He moves his hand and caresses my stomach. I smile.

“Let’s hear three cheers for Gaige and Esme!” Eloise yells.

The bar cheers and people come by to congratulate us throughout the night.

Chapter Twenty-Five

It has been an odd couple of weeks, in a good way. Nellie came by with knitted blankets for the baby and Eloise brought a cute teddy bear. A few of the older ladies that come by have knitted little hats. It’s been surreal. It’s something I never would have expected. It’s only been a week since I announced I was pregnant. I guess Gaige is kind of a big deal to the town. It can’t be me; I’ve only lived here a few months.

The bakery is quieter today and there’s something I need to do.

“Amy are you okay minding the place while I pop out for an hour?” I ask.

“Sure. Where are you off to? Need to sit down?” She questions.

“I’m just going to talk to someone I haven’t spoken to in a really long time.” I answer.

I decide to jump in my truck rather than walk as it’ll be quicker.

I pull up and walk along the dock and take a seat on the bench.

“Hi Jay. I’m sorry I haven’t been to see you in a while or spoken to you. I’m moving on with my life like you asked me to. I’ve met this really great guy. I think you would have liked him. He treats me well and he’s kind and protective.” I smile and close my eyes as the sun beams down from behind a cloud.

“You always said you would watch over me, so you probably already know this, but I'm pregnant. Three months pregnant to be precise. It was a shock, believe me. I got mixed up with my implant dates. I’m sure I can hear you saying I told you so. You always did say I was bound to mix up the dates.” I laugh.

I wipe away the few tears that have fallen.

“Anyway, I just wanted to come down and tell you. I felt that I had to, not that you would hear it from anyone else.” I giggle.

I sit for a while longer, enjoying the feeling of the sun on my face. I feel someone sit next to me on the bench: Gaige.

He wraps his arm around me and pulls me to him. I rest my head on his shoulder.

“Have you been speaking to Jay?” He asks.

“Yeah, I told him about you and the baby.” I smile.

“I hope he isn’t too mad.” He states.

“No, I don’t think so. When I told him the sun shone brightly. He said in his letter that he wanted me to be happy and move on.” I sigh.

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