Page 97 of Crazy Imperfect Hearts

She looks sad. Why would she be sad that it’s a boy?

“Is he okay?” she asks. “I mean, did you have all the genetic testing and stuff?”

I’m surprised she’s choosing to grill me over the baby and not the baby’s mom.

“We’ve had all the testing. He’s fine. This is the anatomy scan. We had it today. Everything is right on track.”

She sighs, looking relieved. I find it strange that she’d be so worried.

“So, whose is it?” She claps, bouncing in her seat. “Oh please tell me it’s someone I know. I love a good messy situation.”

“It is.” I shake my head. “Both messy and someone you know.”

More clapping. “And you said‘we’had the testing done. Are you secretly a couple? What’s the story?”

“Allie.” I glance around again. “Would you keep your voice down?”

“Sorry. I’m just so excited I’m going to be an auntie again.”

The waitress brings our food and we fall silent. Four pairs of eyes wait for her to leave. She looks at us strangely and says, “Hey, Allie. Do you want anything?”

Allie grabs one of my fries. “No thanks, Marci. My brothers like to share.” She rolls her eyes. “Except when it comes to secrets that is.”

I kick her foot under the table. “Thanks, Marci. I think we’re good.” Marci leaves and I glare at Allie. “That’swhy I didn’t want to tell you.”

“Relax. It’s not like I’m going totellher the secret. Jeez.” She crosses her heart. “I promise I won’t tell a living soul, including Mia. Okay? Now come on, are you going to make me guess?”

I sit back. “Well, that might be fun. Who would you guess?”

She chuckles. Then she thinks on it. “Ava Criss?”

“What? No. She’s married.”

“And she and Trevor have been trying to have a baby like forever. I figured maybe they talked you into knocking her up or something.”

I huff out several incredulous breaths, because damn… she did hit it a little close.

“Nancy Leonard?”

“Nancy? I didn’t even know she was in town.”

She nods. “Her husband had an affair. She came back early this year. She’s been lying low.”

“It’s not her.”

“Can we be done with this game?” she asks, stealing more fries.

I lower my voice even more. “It’s Regan.”

Allie blinks repeatedly, then shouts, “Lucas?”

Thank god nobody would think anything of her shoutingmyname. “Jesus, Al.”

“Sorry.” She smashes her lips together, then whispers, “Lucas?”

“Do you know any other Regans?”

She looks from Dallas to Blake and then back to me. “But she’s… I mean the way she dresses. And her attitude. Her whole way of life is just… just…”

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