Page 135 of Sugarloaf Ridge Lies

My gut in knots, my head in the clouds, I kiss her deeply.

Liv sways and giggles. “I’ll hold you to that promise, Jerry McAllister.”

“You’d better.”

***

Everyone is seatedat the large dining table, dishes of food jam-packed down the middle. Being tardy was intentional. Less time for small talk. Liv’s undecidedness with her wardrobe made it that much easier to delay our arrival.

Bernie fusses over Daynah, tickling at her growing bump with her purple painted nails.

“I’m fine, still get a little queasy sometimes,” Daynah says with a sigh.Is that normal? Shouldn’t she be over that by now?

“Has the dizziness stopped?” Bernie whispers, but it’s loud enough for me to hear.

If there’s something wrong with Daynah, they’d better tell me.

“Hey guys,” Finn says with a firm nod.

Bernie swings her head in our direction and beams. “Late as always, Jerry, but I love ya.” She winks. “And welcome, Liv. I love that dress.”

“Thank you,” Liv says.

Liv and I sit beside each other at the remaining vacant chairs at the foot of the table opposite Finn and Daynah, Dad beside me on the end.

Liv’s damp hand slides against my palm. She weaves her fingers tight with mine as if she’s clutching me for support.

“Nice to see you again, Liv.” Daynah smiles and diverts her gaze to the tall glass of water in front of her. No doubt Finn told her the news I’m about to share. It’s probably been torture having the inside scoop and having to keep quiet.

The matriarch of the family places a dish of steaming green beans beside a tray of sliced meat then seats herself at the head of the table. She forces a smile. “Hopefully the rest isn’t cold.” She waves a hand. “Come on, eat.”

Everyone sets about filling their plate, and I help Liv so she doesn’t have to be on her feet.

Conversation is strained as we eat. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say it’s the pregnant woman at my side who’s the cause.

And I won’t have it.

Liv has managed to eat half the food on her plate, her cutlery now set straight down the middle. I lean in close and smooth my hand over her bump in circles. “You good?”

She nods as a weary smile creeps over her lips.

“Guess I’ll come out with it.” I glance around the table, faces already locked on us and my roaming hand. “Liv and I are having a baby.”

I hope my family can see I’m trying to move forward and grow up.Despite the fact I have a court date on the horizon, everything else is moving along.

“Congratulations,” Bernie cries. “Another little one to spoil. Anything I can do to help.” She stares at me and places her hand over her chest. It hits me right in the heart, drawing tears in my eyes.My aunt has always had my back.

“Uncle Finn has a bloody cool ring to it.” My brother offers his hand across the table. We shake.

Daynah claps her hands together and links them in a praying motion. “So happy for you both.”

Dad beams. “Well, congrats, guys. Lovely news.” He sets his gaze on his wife. A deadpan expression takes over his face.

“When’s your due date?” Penny asks, her tone flat.

Liv clears her throat and directs her attention to Mum. “December Nineteen.”

I search out Liv’s hand and grip it tight.

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