Page 62 of Where the Little Birds Are (Little Bird Duet 2)

“I just want you guys to know that this is happening and I’m sorry for disappointing you,” I say instead, voice drained of all emotion. There’s nothing left in me at this point and I don’t know how to take that. “Sometimes we choose to do things no matter the consequences because we know we’ll withstand the storm. And I believe that to be true with us. We’re having a baby, and I’d like all of you to be part of his or her life when the time comes.” I make a point to look at Gavin, whose eyes are dark. “But you’re going to have to accept that this is final regardless of your own personal opinions because I love Corbin and I love our baby we created despite the destruction.”

The room falls to silence, leaving me giving a limp shrug before leaning against Corbin as he presses a kiss to my temple.

His phone goes off again, leaving me wincing. This time, he curses and picks it up to answer. “Mom, now isn’t—”

I recognize his mother’s voice on the other end but can’t make out the frantic words. Corbin’s face twists over whatever she’s telling him as we all watch him.

“What kind of situation?”

Worry fills me.

Something dark washes over Corbin’s face as he stands up abruptly. “I’ll be right over. Just … don’t say anything to her. Give me five minutes.”

He hangs up and stuffs the phone into his pocket, looking at me with distant eyes.

“Corbin, what—”

“I need you to stay here.”

I blink. “What? Why?”

“Leaving so soon?” Gavin quips.

“Not now,” I hiss at him, standing up. “I want to know what’s going on. What’s wrong? Are your parents okay? Did something happen?”

Corbin’s hand webs through his hair, and I know something isn’t right. He leans into my ear and whispers two words that freeze my insides. “Lena’s here.”

Lena’s here.

Lena’s here.

“In Lincoln?” I whisper.

“Kinley?” Dad prompts.

I brush hair behind my ear and look at Corbin. “I’m coming with you.”

“That isn’t—”

“Good or bad, remember?”

His lips purse.

“Kinley?” Mom asks.

“We have a situation,” is all I say before grabbing Corbin’s hand and steering him away from the table.

“So that’s it?” Gavin calls out.

“Not now, Gavin.”

Mom and Dad stay at the table, but Gavin follows us into the kitchen. “Then when? I’ve wanted to talk to you but gave you space. Now you’re just leaving without any explanation?”

I turn around, nearly smacking into his broad chest because he’s so close. “I’m coming back, idiot. Unless you want to piss me off by saying something that’ll make me change my mind, I suggest you close your mouth and let us leave.”

He obeys, though his jaw ticks.

“Kinley, you should stay here,” Corbin tells me quietly. “I don’t know what’s going to happen with Lena, and—”

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