Page 250 of Ignite

My voice shakes. My hands won’t stop trembling.

“You’re having my brother’s baby?” Declan’s voice goes soft.

I nod, wrapping my arms around my stomach.

Charlotte sets a hand on my shoulder.

“You’re not alone in this. How far along?”

“I don’t know. Six weeks? I only just tested.”

She takes a slow breath.

“We should check on the baby. This was a lot of stress. Do you know someone here who can help?”

I nod. My chest feels like it’s splitting in two.

“Yes. But I don’t want to leave. We need to be here when they move him.”

“I’ll wait,” Declan says. “Charlotte will stay with you. I’ll send word when I know anything.”

As Charlotte and I start down the hall, she leans close.

“I’m pregnant too,” she murmurs.

My tears fall harder.

“How far?”

“Thirteen weeks. We were going to announce it this weekend.”

I manage a weak smile.

“Our kids…they’ll be cousins.”

“They will.”

And I try to cling to that tiny flicker of hope, but it hurts more than anything. Conan might not get to see this. I bet he’d love that, seeing his and Declan’s kids growing up together. Causing havoc like they probably did as kids.

Fuck.

I can’t do this.

Chapter 97

HALLIE

Song- Memories, Dean Lewis

Clutching the printed picture against my chest, I hold my breath as I walk into Conan’s room.

He’s still in surgery.

He will be for a few more hours.

Lily rushes over and pulls me into a bear hug. Her warmth should comfort me, but I feel nothing. Just numb.

I’ve run out of tears.

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