Page 28 of On Thin Ice

My head darted up from staring at my phone—and the text from Dom.

Dom: How are my favorite girls?

Dom: Shit. Too much?

Dom: Just wanted to check in.

“You’re smiling pretty big over there. Is my favorite niece doing flips?” Ethan asked, drawing my attention to him again.

“Oh, um, just a little flutter.” I took a sip of water and pocketed my phone. I still had no clue how to tell my brother that Dom was the father. And now that we were talking so much more and really getting to know each other, the truth needed to come out.Dom had mentioned wanting to be there when I gave birth. How the hell would I explain that to my family without spilling that he was the father?

I couldn’t. So I had to figure out how and when I was going to spill the news without Ethan freaking out.

And soon, because in less than two weeks, the Stampede was coming to town, and I’d already agreed to see Dom. So before then would be the smart move. Preferably with Penny around and in public, so Ethan didn’t lose his shit.

“How are you feeling?” Penny asked. “Need us to come over and help with anything this weekend?”

I bit back my grin. “Oh, I might have plans this weekend.”

“Really? What day?” Penny asked.

As promised, Darcy had given me a heads-up that the shower was Sunday but reminded me that it was a surprise. At least I’d have a cute outfit and my hair not up in a messy bun that day.

“Darcy wants to get together at some point and I’m hoping to get my bookcases put together Sunday afternoon.” I shrugged and tried not to grin. I couldn’t help teasing her because she loved a well-executed plan as much as I did, and she was probably anxious that I wouldn’t be available.

“Oh, fun. Let me know if you need help,” Penny said.

Ethan quirked a brow at me, and I gave him an innocent look.

“Now, who’s hungry?” Penny gestured toward the table filled with food.

“Are you feeding an army?” I asked.

She looked sheepish. “You know I always go overboard with takeout from Lanzi’s.”

“I’m starved,” Ethan said, wrapping his arm around Penny’s waist and pulling her into his body before he pressed a kiss to her neck.

I loved seeing my brother so happy. He deserved it after everything that had happened with our older brother Darrenand his wife—who was also Ethan’s ex—Julie. I’d lost my brother for a handful of years because of that, and I was grateful that he was back home, especially now. My hand immediately went to my belly. Yes, Dom was back in my life, too, but having my big brother around made it even better.

***

“You better act surprised,” Darcy said as we drove to Ethan’s house two days later.

“I promise. I’ll be so surprised,” I said. “Watch.” I gasped, putting my hand to my mouth. “Oh my god, you guys. I had no idea.”

She rolled her eyes. “All right, all right. Don’t need to lay it on too thick.”

I giggled. “It’s going to be fine, Darc. So, what’d you get me?”

She snorted. “Maybe nothing. But speaking of gifts, want to talk about that beautiful arrangement I saw on your counter before you whisked me out of the apartment?” she asked.

I halted. “You cannot bring that up when we get to my brother’s, okay?”

“Wait. Dom sent them? I mean, I guess so, right? Who else would send you flowers?”

“Whoa. Ouch, Darc.”

“You know I didn’t mean it that way. So, he sent you flowers? That’s so sweet. Things are going well with him, then?”

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