Page 60 of House of Soot

Her eyes widened at the news and then narrowed as she studied me. “I won’t ask how that happened, but…”

I didn’t want to admit to my mother that we didn’t use any protection. “I’m happy about it.” Nervous and scared as hell, but happy. It means another person in the family.

She squeezed my hand. “Does Blaise know?"

"Not yet. I… I haven't found the right moment."

"Jenna." Her tone carried that gentle reproach I've known since childhood. "This isn't something you can keep to yourself for long."

"I know. I just want to be sure…"

"Sure of what?"

"Of him, I guess. There's so much I don't know about him. Sometimes, he seems distant, like he's holding back." I don’t mention the darker moments from the hotel.

"He got me this heart transplant. That says something about his character."

"Yes, but how did he do it? He won't tell me anything about himself or his past."

"Everyone has their secrets, dear." Mom's voice was gentle but her eyes held concern. "And regardless, he deserves to know. He has rights and responsibilities."

I rest my hand on my still-flat stomach, knowing she's right. I need to tell Blaise soon, but first, I need to understand why he keeps so many secrets.

I adjust another flower arrangement, fighting back another wave of nausea. The grand ballroom sparkles, flowers strategically placed to create the perfect atmosphere for tonight's party.

"Those peonies are drooping." Mrs. Kean's voice cuts through my concentration. "Fix them."

I nod, reaching for the stems even though they look fine to me. My stomach lurches, and I steady myself against the table.

"Are you ill?" She narrows her eyes. "We can't have sick staff tonight."

"No, ma'am." I don’t give any excuse, knowing it won’t matter. I mean, the woman threatened my job over taking my mother for lifesaving surgery. She’s not going to care that I’m pregnant or tired.

When she moves on, I check my phone. No messages from Blaise. He's been busy with increased security for tonight, and I've barely seen him. Every time I think about telling him about the baby, my courage fails. What if he's not ready? What if it changes everything between us?

"Jenna!" Debbie waves from across the room. "The caterers need those centerpieces in the dining room."

I gather up the arrangements, careful not to disturb any blooms. As I pass the entrance hall, I catch sight of Blaise directing other guards. He looks so handsome in his suit, so in control. Our eyes meet briefly, and he gives me a subtle wink that makes everything just fine.

Tonight. I'll tell him tonight during the party. Maybe we can steal a moment alone in the garden where we first met. The thought makes me nervous but excited too. After everything he did for my mom, surely, this news will make him happy?

The party isin full swing. I weave between clusters of Boston's elite. My stomach churns at the smell of seafood canapés, but I force a polite smile and keep moving.

"Another tray of champagne." Debbie bumps my hip as she passes. "You okay? You look green."

"Fine." I adjust my stance, trying to find relief for my aching back. "Just tired."

Across the room, Blaise stands at attention near a marble column. Even in the sea of expensive suits, he draws my eye. His gaze catches mine, and that familiar spark ignites between us. A slight smile plays at his lips before he returns to scanning the crowd.

But there's something guarded in his gaze, like always. For all our intimate moments, for all that he's done for my mother, there's still so much about him I don't understand.

Would knowing about the baby break down those walls, or would it make them higher?

"Girl, you've got it bad." Debbie laughs.

“Jealous?”

“Absolutely.” She trades my nearly empty tray for her full one. "Here. Take these to the library. He's heading that way now."

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