Page 95 of Sugarloaf Ridge Lies

Chapter Thirty

Jerry

Sitting around withmy family for Sunday dinner, I’ve never felt more alone. It’s weird being away from Liv. We’ve shared almost every meal together since she moved in. Despite knowing Daynah wouldn’t be impressed, I’d asked Liv to come. Liv had said she was tired, no doubt from helping me around the farm. She seemed to be stressing about going back to work tomorrow, so maybe it’s for the best she didn’t come. Besides, I’m sure Liv wouldn’t get the best reception after our breakup. If anyone can hold a grudge to their grave, it’s Penny.

Aunt Bernie plants a loud smooch on my cheek as everyone gets up from the table. I help her clear the dinner plates and take to the kitchen, leaving my parents, Finn, and Daynah chatting by the open fire. “How are you, boy? Like really?”

“Good.” I shrug one shoulder.

She smirks. “And young Miss Rosehill. How is she coping after the fire?”

A grin tugs at my mouth.Sweet, sweet, Liv.“She’s doing okay, considering.” Considering what she lost. Finding the necklace was important to her. I wish I could’ve found more, but the longer I sifted through the ash, the worse my eyes burned.How hot had the fire burned to disintegrate things like that?Bile rises to my throat at the vision of her being trapped in the inferno.

“I’m glad to hear it. I know you’d be takin’ good care of her.”

“Doin’ my best.”

“I guess you found someone to let your place after all.” Bernie winks.

“It’s not like that. Liv’s...” I push out a breath.Liv’s different. I want her in my life, full time, not just a stop along the road.

She places a hand on my shoulder and gives it a squeeze. Her warm eyes search my face as if telling me I don’t have to continue, as if she knows how special Liv is to me. “You know if you ever need anything, you just holler, okay?”

I swallow hard as emotions claw their way up my throat. Bernie has always been there for me. More than Penny, that’s for sure.Is it because she was closer to my birth mum?I draw her into my arms and squeeze tight. “Yup. Thanks.”

She leans back and sweeps her thumb over my cheek. “Now, let’s get back out there. Dessert is a waitin’.”

When we return to the room, all eyes are on us. With their backs to the fire, everyone grins, no one brighter than Finn. His pearly whites are blinding.

“What?” I hold my hands out, palms facing up. “You’re all lookin’ like the cat that got the cream.”

Finn and Daynah turn to each other. Finn presses a kiss to her forehead. “You do it,” he whispers, but loud enough for me to catch.

Daynah steps towards me and slips her small hands into mine. “You’re going to be an uncle, Jerry.”

Huh?“Say, what?”

She beams. “I’m pregnant. Due Christmas Eve.”

My sister’s having a baby.Holy snappin’ duck shit. Best Christmas present ever

I let out a low whistle as my heart swells. “Well, I’ll be.” I lift my sister off the ground and swing her around. “Congratulations.” Happy tears pool in my eyes, but then my gut sinks.

I place her down and curl my hands over her shoulders. My gaze lingers down to her chest, where the faded scar from her last operation peeks out from her knitted V-neck jumper.

“What about—”

“My heart?” she says.

“Yeah.” Pregnancy would be a huge risk for her.How can it not be?

“I’ve been working closely with Dr Shafer,” she assures me. “Whilst it comes with some risks, I’m in good hands.”

“Good.” I nod repeatedly. “That’s good.”

I stride towards Finn and haul him into my arms. We laugh, we cry, I slap his back hard, and he slaps mine harder.

“You’re gonna be the best fuckin’ dad.” I slap him on the back once more for good measure.

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