Page 138 of Forking the Billionaire

Sensing this, and what I could only assume was a lost look on my face, Oma said, “What is it about Calypso Caribella that you fell in love with?”

A lightness filled my chest. “Everything. It’s the air, and the people, and the fact that I can step out of my front door in the morning onto the beach. The water’s so clear you can see your toes in the white sand even if you’re waist deep.”

“Like stepping into a travel magazine.”

“Yes.There’s just this sense of serenity I’ve never felt anywhere before. And then there’s the colors. It’s like acrayon box exploded all over the plants. And the food. Ohmygoodnessgracious,the food.”

She chuckled warmly. “You always had a sweet tooth. I bet tropical fruits taste even better fresh.”

“Like you wouldn’t believe. It’s like healthy candy. And the spices wake my tongue right up. And there’s these cheese patties.”

The warmth in Oma’s eyes, the openness in which she sat, the love I felt just being here with her…all of it made my hesitation to come back to Epiphany feel silly. So did holding back my news.

“Oma,” I said. “I have something important to tell you.”

“All right.”

“I’m pregnant.”

A prickle of uncertainty swirled in my stomach as I searched Oma’s face for her reaction. What was probably only a fraction of a second of silence felt like minutes of suspended anticipation.

“How are you feeling about it?” she asked, completely neutral, leaving space for me to feel my feelings without shame.

“Terrified, mostly. But okay maybe, too,” I said. “Hopeful?”

Oma’s face broke into a joyous smile. “My dearest Esme, that’s marvelous news.”

My emotions mingled in a choking mix.

Oma grabbed my hands and squeezed. “You have always been a wonder of strength and courage. It was evident since you were a toddler. This one time we were out back in the garden. You couldn’t have been more than two. I looked away for one second, and this giant dog appeared out of nowhere. It was twice your height and standing a foot away from you, staring you right in the eye.”

“Jeez.”

You were about yay high.” She gestured down toward the floor. “Your brother was almost as tall as I am nowadays, and he froze. Not you. You ran toward it.”

“Sounds reckless.”

“You were brave.”

“I do like animals.”

“You’ve always been brave, Esme. So brave and so strong. I truly believe there is nothing in this world you couldn’t handle.”

“Thanks,” I said.

“I mean it. And you’re not alone. I’d do anything for you. And it would bring me no greater joy than to help you in any way I can.”

I stood up and put my arms out. She rose and hugged me.

I felt the truth in her words and the love in her embrace.

“I left because I needed space from my brother,” I told her.

“I know, dear. You have to do what’s best for you. And now your little one, too.” She pulled back and squeezed my shoulders. “Now wait here. I have something for you.”

“Should I be worried?” I said as she bustled off to another room. “I don’t think I can handle a hand-me-down pregnancy nightgown right now. Or ever, really.”

She chuckled. “You never know what you might like by the later stages.”

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