Page 93 of The Liar's Reckoning

It’s a strong point, and I don’t know what to say.

After a long silence, she says, “Okay, well…assuming you’re telling the truth now, can I count on you to keep up the act? I mean—obviously I won’t ask you to have sex with me again—but otherwise?”

She’s rallying the way she always does when things don’t go her way. It’s one of the things I like most about her—the ability to find a silver lining in shitty situations. “I’m not going anywhere,” I say, the same way Silas assured me just hours ago.

After a thoughtful moment, she nods, then holds out her pinky. “Swear.”

I lock my little finger with hers immediately. “We’re having a baby,” I remind her, not only because I want her to refocus on the good news, but also to remind her that I’ll be true to my word. I’m in this with her all the way.

Tears are in her eyes as she manages a trembling smile. “I’m glad you found someone you can be yourself with.”

“You don’t have to say that.”

“You’re my best friend,” she tells me. “You’ve given me everything I’ve ever wanted.”

“Not everything,” I say softly. “I realize that.”

“Well…no onereallyhas everything.”

Silas told me I do, but even now with the truth in the open, it doesn’t feel like it. Still, there’s a weight off. A relief. And, I admit, excitement for what’s to come—a family—one I truly want.

“Be careful, Graham,” she says. “If this comes out…”

“It won’t,” I tell her.

“I mean,Ihad no clue, so you must be doing something right.”

Impulsively, I unlock fingers with her and hug her instead. “I’m sorry,” I tell her again. “I’m so happy for us. I hope you know that. I want this marriage. I want this baby. I want you in my life forever.”

She nods, her chin digging into my shoulder. “Me, too.”

“And if you find someone?—”

“Don’t,” she whispers, voice choked. “This is enough.”

“If you ever want to talk about it…”

“Shh…”

We hug for a long time but eventually break apart. A moment of stilted awkwardness passes while I try and let our new reality settle in. I think it might take a while. Instead of waiting, I ask the question that will soon become as habitual as brushing my teeth at night. “So…how are you feeling?”

29

SILAS

It’s not like the news is unexpected. I’ve been bracing myself for it—not always on a conscious level—and yet, it’s still jarring to hear the words: She’s pregnant.

Of course she is. Graham’s loads are made for breeding. I’ve never seen such voluminous amounts of cum from one person in my life. He thinks he knocked her up over Christmas—although he didn’t say it like that—which means she’s likely known for weeks, and this annoys him.

I shrug like I’m unaffected, sitting across the table from him with our croissants and coffee. “It makes sense she’d want to tell you in person.”

But then he tells me that the rest of their conversation was about me, in the abstract, and I kind of get where he’s coming from. If the pregnancy was the key that unlocked the door to open up about our affair, then yeah—I wish she’d told him sooner, too. I know I’m a distraction for him, but I don’t want to be his burden of guilt, too.

“Do you feel better?” I ask cautiously, because he doesn’t necessarily sound like he does.

He picks at the chocolate pastry in front of him. “I don’tknow. A little? I feel bad about keeping the secret for so long. You’ve been wanting me to tell her for awhile.”

“It could only happen when you were ready. And the timing makes sense,” I say. “In retrospect.”

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