Page 105 of Vegas Baby!

“I should go. I don’t want them to know that I talked to you.”

“You’re doing the right thing, Ava. For you and for the baby.”

I knocked on the door myself and hastily whispered a goodbye before hanging up, pressing my phone to my chest and willing myself to not start sobbing.

I opened the door and went straight into the arms of my nearest alpha, who happened to be Bryce. Cranberries and rum flooded my system and I inhaled deeply to calm myself. “That was horrible.”

“Did it work?” Nathan asked.

“He agreed to her visiting so we could meet.”

“That’s good.” Jesse kissed the top of my head. “You’re so brave for doing that, and I’m so proud of you. I know it doesn’t feel good to lie, but if it all goes well, both of you will be free from him.”

That was the only thing keeping me together. Being free from Andrew, maybe freeing Charlotte from him too, was motive enough. I had a pack to get me away from him and his multitude of lies. Charlotte didn’t have that luxury. If this was the way to make it happen, I would suffer through dealing with Andrew.

We settled in as a pack and figured out the best time to have Charlotte come visit. The agreed-upon offer was about two weeks before the due date so it wouldn’t be unusual if Charlotte decided to stay longer. Nathan wouldn’t be able to stay that long, so we could transition the guest room he would be using into a space for Charlotte.

I let Jesse handle all the texting, sitting at his side with my pack surrounding me.

Charlotte:

I’m so excited. Thank you so, so much.

Would you mind if I brought my two children? I would love for them to meet the baby, but if you would rather that not happen until the baby gets back to New York, that’s totally fine.

I looked to my pack for what they thought the correct response might be.

“If she has the kids here,” said Micah, “she’s going to be less likely to rush back to New York.”

Selfishly, I was curious about Andrew’s children. They were my baby’s half siblings and if things went well, maybe they would get to see each other once in a while growing up. Andrew might not have any part in raising my child, but I wasn’t going to be the one to deny my baby an opportunity to know their siblings.

Jesse wrote back for me.

Ava:

I don’t mind you bringing the kids

Charlotte:

You’re sure you don’t need to meet my husband? I’m sure he could squeeze in an overnight.

Ava:

As long as you and your kids are happy with him, I’m happy

Charlotte’s typing dots appeared and disappeared a few times. All of us stared at them, waiting for her response. What was taking her so long?

Charlotte:

The kids will be so excited.

Jesse and I shared a look.

“Did she just sidestep saying she’s happy with Andrew?” I asked.

“Sure as hell looks like it,” replied Micah. “Maybe it’ll be easier to get her out of there than we think.”

“I hope so.”

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