Page 259 of On a Fault Line

Angie looks at her with concern evident in her eyes. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I think the baby just kicked or something.”

Angie and I help her walk to the living room.

“You need to rest,” I insist.

“What I need is for you to see the love that is right in front of your face, Penny,” Claire says in a rush. It takes her several breaths to complete the sentence.

“I know you both love me,” I say softly, helping her sit down without just flopping down into the cushions. “And I love you both too.”

For someone so petite, she is doing a great job growing this baby. Her stomach is so round, and the pregnancy glow has kissed her skin.

“Not us,” Claire exclaims. “Well, of course, us. But I was thinking of someone else.” Her breaths come out as pants. “Ever since our bathroom couch session at the charity event, I’ve been thinking about how the two of you can get back together.”

I shake my head. “It’s complicated, and I’m done being an option.”

“I think you should keep the door open and not closed.”

“Umm, I’m not an expert, Claire,” Angie chimes in, “but you are struggling to breathe.”

“How about you lie down more?” I suggest.

“Just on the couch,” she says breathlessly, kicking up her feet and reclining her back on a pillow. “I do want to spend time with both of you.”

Angie and I help her get settled.

“Are you thirsty?” I ask, trying to do something to ease her discomfort.

“I hate complaining,” she says, turning to Angie, “when I know you would do anything to be in my position.”

Angie gives her a hug and helps her elevate her feet up on a stack of pillows. “There’s not a single second in my life when I’m not happy for you, Claire. I love you and love this baby more than my own words can explain. I never want my struggle to conceive to impact your reason for having joy.”

The doorbell rings, causing us all to stop our conversation.

“Can you go get that, Penny?” Claire asks, melting into the cushions of the couch. At least she looks comfortable.

“Yeah, sure.” But why would my brother ring the doorbell to his own house?

Walking to the door, I look out the side window and see Collins standing on the welcome mat and a car driving away.

I flick the lock and allow him access. “What are you doing here? And why did you not drive yourself?” Actually, Angie didn’t come with a vehicle either.

“So you could hear me out and see reason,” he explains, causing me to growl. “And there’s no cars for you to steal and run away from the words I want to say.”

He helps himself inside and locks the door back into place.

“I love you, Penny. And I’m done giving you space.”

“You can’t keep doing this.”

“Yes, I can. And I will.”

I feel sabotaged. “Was this whole operation planned?”

He doesn’t answer, which confirms my prediction.

“Just keep in mind, I one hundred percent will take you away from all of this noise until you accept that I’m not going anywhere. I know you think I rejected you before, but it was what I thought you needed until I figured out things with your brothers.”

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