Page 91 of Finding Forever

And just like that it was over. The spotlight shifted to Trystan and Iris Abbott. There were a few asides thrown their way to keep Cade and Fern engaged and involved, with Mike laughingly pointing out the fact that both men had once dated pop superstar Laura Prentiss. But the focus remained mostly on the Abbotts who were fast becoming Hollywood’s golden—yet most reclusive—couple.

Fern sat in a quiet daze, smiling at the right time, hand still lightly clasped in Cade’s, acutely aware that her husband, for all his easy smiles and chuckles, was absolutely livid.

The second half of the show passed in a blur, Fern even managed to gather herself enough to rave about Iris’s last book and squeal with excitement at her announcement of her upcoming release. Despite her shyness, Fern found it easy to talk to Iris, whose reassuring and encouraging gaze bolstered her courage.

Mike Holmes, quickly clueing in that Fern was a fan, encouraged her to ask a few fangirl questions about the sequel to Iris’s bestselling werewolf detective novelLunar Storm.

After going off the air,they were all ushered back into the green room, where Fern sat quietly on the sofa, while Cade, Iris, and Trystan chatted with Mike Holmes.

Everything about this evening felt completely surreal and she wasn’t even sure what coming onHolmes@Homewould possibly achieve that their past interviews could not. All she knew was that Cade was angry, and she wasn’t sure why.

Yes, they probably should have discussed announcing the pregnancy beforehand, but it had been an impulsive decision and, since he’d already told his siblings and father, she didn’t see what harm it could do. It would lend credence to their “happily married” lie.

Wouldn’t it?

Oh God, what if he knew something she didn’t? And she’d somehow made everything worse?

Suddenly riddled with doubt and guilt, she gnawed at her thumbnail, while the others continued to chat amicably.

Iris dropped down on the sofa next to her and cozily hooked an arm through Fern’s.

“How’re you feeling?”

“Tired. A little shell-shocked. Glad it’s over.”

“Well, you handled it like a pro,” the woman said with an encouraging smile “Listen, Fern, would you like to have lunch or something sometime?”

“You want to have lunch withme?” Fern stared at the woman in surprise.

Iris Hughes was a bubbly woman, with wavy black hair, a generously curved figure, and warm brown skin. She was about Fern’s age, but seemed a lot more confident and outgoing than her. Why she’d want to have lunch with someone as boring and shy as?—

“Yes, I’d like that very much,” the woman said, with a shy smile. Her words effectively cutting off Fern’s intrusive and insecure thoughts. “I was bullied too, you know? And please don’t doubt that what your stepfamily has done to you is a form of bullying and coercion. I know how it feels to doubt yourself and your value. I’d like to get to know you because I’ve heard some of your story tonight and I’ve seen your bravery and I think we have a lot in common. And I know how hard it can be to make friends when it feels like you’re starting over.”

“I’d like that too,” Fern said, a tentative smile blooming on her lips.

Iris grinned and held out her hand. “Fantastic! Give me your phone.”

“What?” Fern was confused by the abrupt demand.

“Come on, hand it over,” Iris said, wiggling her fingers. Fern reached for her purse and pulled out her phone in bemusement, unlocking it before handing it to the woman.

Iris flashed her a quick grin, swiped and tapped on the screen before handing the phone back

“There you go. I’ve saved my number into your contacts and given myself a missed call so I have yours. How long are you staying in London?”

“I don’t kn?—”

“Not long,” Cade said, coming up to join them, leaving Trystan and Mike to continue their conversation. His easy interruption told Fern he’d been listening in on her and Iris’s discussion for a while.

His reply startled her though, she’d been under the impression that they were back here for good.

“We’re heading back to Cape Town in a week.” Fern tried to hide her surprise from him.

“Nice! Trystan and I met in South Africa. We’re looking to buy some property there. In the Cape. We’re mostly based herethough, but I’m hoping we can make that our home away from home.”

Mike and Trystan joined them a moment later, with the talk show host thanking them all effusively for being on his show. He shook the men’s hands warmly, Iris got up to give him a quick, affectionate hug, and he bent down to drop air kisses on Fern’s cheeks.

The unexpected gesture shocked Fern so much she didn’t have time to react before it was over. She wasn’t used to strangers getting so close to her.

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