Page 103 of My Promise To Keep

‘She had it all mapped out on her wall.’ Lynnie grins. ‘You’re going to have to send her photos the whole way, Leo.’

I swallow hard as I smile, and then I hear Zoe take a sharp inhale next to me and blow it out. I turn to meet her gaze as she hooks her pinky finger around mine on my thigh.

‘Um, guys.’ Her voice is small and doesn’t grab the attention of the room the way she’d hoped as they all continue to laugh and talk. She inhales deeply and blows it out, then clears her throat. ‘Hey, um, everyone. Can I have quiet for a sec? I have something to tell y’all, since we’re all together.’ Her voice shakes as silence descends, and all eyes fall on her, and I want to do this for her, but I know she needs to own this.

‘Is everything okay?’ Cara asks, concerned.

‘You’re not pregnant, right?’ Doug grunts, a serious look in his eyes.

‘No, idiot.’ She shakes her head.

‘Jesus, Doug,’ Bree grunts.

‘What, I’m just sayin’…’

‘Guys, let her speak.’ I look at Lynnie as she quiets her other kids, and she meets my gaze with a sparkle in her eyes. She knows or suspects, and her slight smile tells me she’s happy about it.

‘Okay, um—’ Zoe swallows and nods her head, steeling herself, and I curve my finger around hers, letting her know I’ve got her. ‘Leo doesn’t need to send me photos of his trip because I’m going with him.’

I take a breath and wait.

‘What?’ Doug spits.

‘What do you mean?’ Lynnie questions.

‘I’m going to California with Leo, um, because I’mwithLeo.’

My eyes move around the table, watching the understanding dawn on our family. Bree beams excitedly, then Lynnie and Merv smile. Lucy grins widely, and Pop puts his hand on top of mine on the table. Then my attention lands on Cara, who is watching Doug, and Doug, who is glaring between Zoe and me.

‘What do you mean, you’rewithhim?’ His tone is sharp, and my heckles rise.

‘We’re together.’ Her voice is stronger now, confident. ‘We’re a couple.’

‘Listen, man…’

‘Are you fuckin’ kidding me?’

‘Doug.’ Lynnie gasps at the language and tone, and I hold his angry stare.

‘You and Zoe,’ he turns to her, ‘Are you for fuckin’ real, Zo?’

‘Watch your tone, brother,’ I warn. He may be my best friend, but she’s my girl.

‘Watch my—’ he laughs, but it’s humorless, and he pushes back his chair, standing.

‘She’s Luke’s wife, you piece of shit.’ He points at me, and I try to hold it together.

‘You take your finger out of my face.’

‘Doug, outside,’ Cara says softly.

‘Oh, I’ll go outside — with this asshole.’ He points at me again, and I stand. Zoe grabs my forearm as I do.

‘Leo, no.’ She shakes her head, and I shrug.

‘It’s okay.’ I look up at Doug and see a fury I never expected from him. It hurts because I’d let myself hope he’d be happy for us. ‘Well, lead the way then.’

Lynnie and Lucy stand, telling us to stop, but Pop hushes them.

---