Page 112 of His Secret Gift

Tears well up in her eyes, and she wipes at them with the back of her hand as they start to fall down her cheeks.

“Did they have the baby?”

She bobs her head up and down before breaking down into hysterics.

“Oh, Callie.” I scooch myself closer to her and envelope her in a hug, letting her cry as much as she wants on my covered shoulder. “I’m so sorry.” I want to be clear; I have no problem being there for her when she’s sober and talking about it. Like I said, I understand that it really, really sucks. It’s just when she’s drunkenly blathering on about it that I struggle with my patience a little.

Spluttering, she says, “It’s a little boy. The perfect seven pounds and eight ounces.”

When she pulls away from me, I run my thumbs along the bottom of her eyes.

“Of course, I’d never wish them or the baby any ill will. I’m glad he’s healthy.”

“But that doesn’t make it hurt any less.”

She sniffles. “Uh-uh.”

I tuck my legs in on themselves again and lean forward. “Well, tell me. What makes you feel better? Talking about the baby or not?” I’m in uncharted waters here, and I want to do whatever makes her more comfortable.

“I think to talk about it.”

“Okay.” I lean back and get a tissue for her, which she blows her nose into after I hand it to her. “Tell me about him. I already know he’s a healthy size. What’s his name?”

“Diederik.”

My goodness.She isn’t proving my theory wrong about her hometown and having… unique names for their children.

“Diedrik. That’s, um, interesting.”

“No, Diederik.”

Oh.I guess I missed the extra “er-ik.”

She looks up at me with her big, brown eyes. “That’s what we were going to name our child.”

Once again, she collapses against me, but I’m happy to be here for her.

“I’m so sorry. Is it, um, a family name?”

I feel her nod on my shoulder. “It’s his name and was his father’s and grandfather’s. It’s Dutch. His middle name is James. I’m not sure where that comes from.” Her breath is hot against my skin.

“Maybe Petunias’ side of the family?” I guess.

“Yeah, maybe.” She sits up straight and places with the tissue before slapping her thigh. “I just feel so stupid.”

“Stupid? Why?” It’s not her fault Dirk and Petunia were getting down and dirty in her absence.

She frowns. “Part of me thought there might still be a chance. But after—after seeing their pictures together, and as a happy family of three, I’m realizing that was all just a dream. And one that won’t come true.”

I tuck some of her longer hair behind her ear. “I know that really hurts. I do. But I also think you’re an amazing person for not wanting to break up their family.”

“Well, of course not. How could I live with myself if I did?”

I softly rub at her back now. “Exactly, and as hard as it is to see now, I promise—absolutely promise you—that the love ofyour life is out there.” I’m pretty sure I’ve said the exact same thing to my other bestie, Molly. But unlike Callie, she never seemed interested in settling down. Instead, she liked playing the field.

Then, I remember the leftover soufflé Jack wrapped up for me to take with me.

“Do you like chocolate?” For me, it feels like it can heal all wounds.

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