Page 182 of Chasing Sparks

Correction: hisotherbaby mama.

I stifle a groan and force a smile as Lucille eases into the passenger seat.

She’s silent for the first ten minutes of the drive, humming along with the radio and gazing out at the first signs of spring cropping up along the highway.

I settle, hopeful it’ll stay this way for the duration. What would we talk about, anyway?

But then she speaks.

“So … you’re staying at the farm now,” Lucille hedges, her gaze sliding toward me.

“Yes. It’s stupid, really. The doctor wants me to rest, and Ash doesn’t think I’m capable of it.”

“Are you okay?” Her voice holds a note of concern, but I can’t tell if she’s sincere or fishing.

“Fine. Just tired.”

“Then shouldn’t you be resting instead of going to work?”

I shoot her a side eye. “Now you sound like Ash.”

Lucille chuckles, running a hand over her belly. “Heaven forbid.”

That’s enough focus on me. Let’s put her in the hot seat.

“How areyoufeeling?”

“Enormous, and I know it’s only going to get worse. Plus, I have constant heartburn, and everything is swollen.”

“Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?”

Do I really want to know? No, but these are basic questions, right? Shooting the shit about the weather, work, and baby mama drama.

“It’s a boy.”

I bite back a sudden flood of emotion, my eyes fixed on the road.

“A little boy. Ash must be excited.”

“He’s been amazing. But you know that about Ash.” She shifts slightly, her gaze narrowing. “When are you planning on joining this club?”

I choke on air, struggling not to swallow my tongue at her pointed question.

If she only knew.

How am I supposed to answer that question? Everyone knows I’m a terrible liar, and when I’m nervous—like now—it shows on my face.

“One day,” I croak, sending up a silent prayer of thanks when I turn onto Main Street. “I joked with Ash that I wanted twelve kids. Damn near scared the man into the priesthood.”

Lucille giggles. “Could you imagine him with a dozen babies?”

Sadly, I wouldn’t be surprised—not with Ash’s sexual history. But Lucille will always be first.

“Honestly, I have a hard time imagining him with one.”

“I know it’s a lot to handle, but you’ve been great, Ori. Thank you for making this such a smooth transition for me.”

What other choice did I have? Were there other options on the table?

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