Page 85 of Aftermath
“Stone,” he said.
“When did Stone tell you?” I pushed, crossing my arms and standing in front of him.
“When he came to tell me you were leaving with a stomach ache from dinner,” Calvin explained.
Duh, Len.
I kicked myself for almost forgetting about the dinner I bailed on.
“I’m sorry. I hope the rest of the night went well,” I said and sincerely meant it. “I’m really happy for you two.”
My heart still stung at the thought, but I was genuinely excited for my brother. Even if I couldn’t become pregnant again, that didn’t mean he didn’t deserve to have kids of his own. No matter what tragedy I faced, the world kept moving, and eventually, I had to face that.
“Do you know what you’re having?” I dared to ask.
“A girl,” he answered with a warm smile.
My heart swelled. Picturing my brother as a girl dad made me incredibly happy. I sat down beside him and threw my arms around him.He grunted but wrapped a hesitant arm around me.
“You really will be great parents,” I said.
“I don’t know about that,” Calvin said, pulling his arm back and rubbing his head.
“You guys practically took care of me for a year when Jake left me, and look how I turned out,” I teased.
“I don’t know-“ Calvin started. “You’re still a little strange.”
He smiled wickedly at me, but the usual older brother teasing rolled right off my back.
“Seriously, though. You guys will do great.”
“Thank you,” he said.
He grabbed the tray he’d placed aside and handed it to me.“Eloise sent birthday cookies.”
“Tell her thank you for me,” I answered, noticing she’d made my favorite: double chocolate.
“Will you be spending today with Stone?” Calvin asked.
I heard the real question hidden under it. Nosey brother, trying to figure out what exactly me and Stone were.
“Doubt it,” I shrugged. “He’s not here, and I honestly have no idea where he went.”
“Then Mallory?” he asked, and I saw the slight frown growing.
“Yes,” I lied, not wanting to worry him.
“Good. I have to run into work today. Otherwise, I’d offer,” Calvin said.
“Work on Saturday?”
“I’m working overtime to prepare for this baby,” he answered with a smile.
“Now who’s the workaholic?”
He threw his hands up.“I suppose it’s me now,” he laughed.
I hated that he had to go. I didn’t want to return to sitting in this empty house, the lie of seeing Mallory causing more disappointment. Her name reminded me of something I needed to ask my brother.
