Page 80 of Seeing You

Now she was going to move on with someone else, and have the home, the kids, the dog, the grandchildren…all of it.

Meanwhile, he was going to be alone.

And there was no one to blame but himself.

Chapter Fourteen

For three days, Billie didn’t leave her house.

And for three days, everyone left her alone.

But then…

“We brought all the makings of a Mexican feast!” Chloe announced as she let herself into the house. “Now go and take a shower and make yourself presentable, because I have news and you don’t get to hear it until you’re clean.”

From her spot, curled up on the couch, Billie didn’t move. “You’re pregnant,” she mumbled.

Gasping, Chloe put down the cooler she was carrying and ran over. “Who told you? Did Ash call you? Dang it! Why does she have to have such a big mouth? Why can’t I ever be the one to surprise anyone?” Stomping her foot, she stormed back to the cooler and brought it to the kitchen.

Sighing, Billie got up and padded after her. “Ash didn’t tell me anything. You said you have news and that’s the biggest news I could think of.”

“Drats. I had a whole thing planned.” Pouting, she began pulling trays and bags out of the cooler. “Ash, Jade, and Avery are on their way over.”

“Do they all know or just Ash?”

“Just Ash, and now you.” More pouting.

Unable to help herself, she pulled her youngest sister in for a fierce hug. “Congratulations, Chlo,” she whispered. “I’m so happy for you and Tanner.”

She held her in the hug until she got her emotions under control. Just because she was miserable didn’t mean she had to make everyone else feel that way.

Chloe hugged her back just as tight. “I know you’re sad and hearing stuff like this is the last thing that you want to hear, but there was no way I couldn’t share it with you.”

And that right there was why she straightened and smiled. Chloe looked nervous. “This is actually the best thing I could hear right now. And I’m honored that you wanted to share it with me and the girls.” With a brief sigh, she pulled back. “I’m going to go take a shower and I’ll be back out in a few minutes. I know the place is a bit of a mess, but…”

“No worries. I’ve got it all under control. Go.”

So she did.

Thirty minutes later, she felt like a somewhat new person. There were more voices coming from the kitchen and living room, so she figured everyone else had arrived and it would be rude to keep them all waiting any longer.

“Hey! There she is!” Jade called out before meeting her halfway and hugging her. “We tried to give you time, but then we started to worry.”

“I know. Sorry.” They went to join Ashlynn and Avery in the kitchen where they were working with Chloe to put out a huge Mexican feast. “Wow, this is…a lot.”

“We’ve got margaritas and sangria,” Ash said before coming over and hugging her. “Considering Chloe and I can’t have alcohol, it’s up to the three of you to drink it all. We’ve got virgin versions for the two of us.”

Normally she wasn’t typically a drinker, but tonight she was going to make an exception and potentially drink enough for her two sisters.

There was fresh guacamole, a ton of chips, and bowls of salsa and queso for them to start with. Then there was a chicken enchilada casserole in the oven, and a taco bar warming up. She had to hand it to her sisters; this was impressive.

“I know they’re not homemade, but the Mexican place now has chocolate-filled churros, so I bought a bunch of them for dessert,” Avery announced. “Plus, ice cream. Lots and lots of ice cream!”

It all sounded wonderful.

Soon, they were all in the kitchen eating chips and dips and guac and making drinks. It wasn’t until everyone had a glass in their hands that Chloe made her big announcement.

“Tanner and I are having a baby!” And then she screamed with excitement as they all congratulated her.

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