Page 88 of Back On Ice

The words distract me, and before I know it we’re inside the house, stuffed on the couch.

Mom and Jordan are on the couch next to us, and Dad and Tom stand by them, their postures relaxed.

“What happened to your arm, Carter?” Jordan asks, his eyes wide. “Are you okay?”

“Oh, I’m fine, bud.” Carter grins without missing a beat. “Got an injury at hockey camp.” I’m so grateful we asked Tom to not mention what happened at the stake out and the real reason for Carter’s injury. I hate lying to them, but Jordan doesn’t need to know all the gory details. Besides, this moment is about Little Biscuit. We won’t let the actions of Jeremy Williams ruin the joy of the day.

“So,” I take a deep breath. “We have some news.”

I have no idea why I’m so nervous. I don’t think they’ll be mad. Hell, it’s not like this is some kind of teenage pregnancy. I’m twenty-eight years old for fuck’s sake. Why do I feel so jittery?

“If you’re going to tell us you’re back together again, I think we already knew that.” Tom hedges, looking between Carter and me.

“That’s definitely part of it…” I bite my bottom lip. “But there’s more.” When I can’t find the words, I grab the set of ultrasound photos from my purse in my lap and hold them out to Mom. “Carter and I are together, but we’re adding… a Little Biscuit.”

A shocked squeal escapes Mom, and I find that all my worrying was for nothing. Mom is lighting up like a damn Christmas tree, on her feet and hopping up and down with joy. Dad is just staring at me, with a small smile on his face and tears welling in his eyes. “My little girl…” he murmurs fondly.

They’re taking it way better than I had imagined. No questions about how it happened, or even if it was an accident. Just pure, unadulterated joy.

Jordan stands and looks between us and my mom, a look of confusion on his face. “What is it? What’s going on?”

“Carter and Sophie are having a baby!” Mom all but shouts, a huge smile on her face.

“That little blob is going to be my cousin?” Jordan asks incredulously, peering at the photos, before smiling widely.

“It sure is,” Dad smiles, patting Jordan’s back.

Tom’s the only one who hasn’t said anything.

“Tom…?” I ask cautiously, taking in the blank look on his face. He shakes his head like he was lost in thought, before clearing his throat.

“You guys mind giving us the room?” Carter asks Mom and Dad, who nod their agreement.

They usher Jordan out of the room, Mom whispering something to dad about “beautiful grandchildren”.

Tom walks over and sits on the now empty couch. “Listen, I’m not going to pretend that it’s not weird learning that my best friend knocked up my sister?—”

“Tom!” I gasp indignantly. He can not be serious. He’s never cared about that.

“I’mjoking,” he says rolling his eyes “Honestly, though, I am happy for you Soph. And you too, Carter.”

An internal sigh of relief escapes me. “Thanks, Tom.” My voice is soft, almost quiet. I hadn’t realized just how much his reaction would mean to me.

“That means a lot,” Carter admits, his voice thick with emotion.

“Really, I couldn’t be happier for the two of you. Without you Sophie…” He looks away, blinking furiously. “I don’t know what Jordan and I would have done if we didn’t have you after Sarah.” He shakes his head, looking back at us, his eyes glassy. “After all you’ve both been through, you deserve every happiness there is in the world. I’ve had a front row seat to the love and devotion you show everyone around you. Your child will be the luckiest baby in the world. Plus, having a kid of your own? That’s a whole new level of joy.” He looks between the two of us with a softness I haven’t seen in a long time.

I sigh, leaning my head on Carter’s shoulder. “Love you, big brother.”

“I love you too, Soph.” Tom smiles, looking between us. “Both of you.” Then his expression turns serious, his blue eyes hardening. “But Carter?”

“Yeah?” Carter’s voice is hesitant.

“You’re my best friend. I’ve been able to separate myself from the history of your relationship all these years because you weren’t here. But if you ever hurt my sister again or make her cry, Iwillpunch you in the fucking throat.”

A startled laugh escapes me at the intensity of his words, but Carter looks serious as Tom continues. “No more mistakes, no more fuck ups. Got it?”

Carter nods. “I’ll come to you myself for it if I ever hurt her again.”

---