Page 77 of The One Next Door

“We can make that happen,” Holly assured me.

“Good.”

Holly gaveme a hug before she left, her baby bump brushing against my stomach as she did.

“Thank you for everything, Holly,” I told her.

“My pleasure,” she said. “It’s people like you the remind me why I got into this line of work. To make sure that David doesn’t get trampled by Goliath.”

“Well, this David appreciates it.”

She smiled, then sighed. I did too, letting the stress of this afternoon lift.

“I guess I should head to the park and pick up Rex,” I mused. “Carter’s probably ready to be relieved.”

“I don’t know,” Holly said. “Maybe give them a little longer.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I know what I said about him the other day, back at the hospital. That he wasn’t the serious type. But, I’ve gotten to know the Kanes a little better.” She placed her hands on her belly. “I’m having one of their babies.”

“Yeah.”

“I think I was wrong about Carter.”

“You think he’s ready to be what Rex and I need in our lives?”

“I can’t tell you that. But I think he’s ready to try,” she said.

With another quick hug, she left for her car and drive off. I was about to head back inside when Desmond approached.

“Sorry, I forgot my phone and went back inside,” he explained.

“That’s fine.”

“I heard you two talking about Carter.”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “Did you?”

“Yes.”

I could feel my spikes coming out, getting ready to get defensive. “Desmond…”

He put his hands up in mock-surrender. “I know. I just… I didn’t think you’d fall for someone so fast, Zoe.”

“Why not? You’re dating already.”

“Dating, yes. Both nothing serious.”

“It’s not like I planned for this to happen.” I shook my head, backtracking. “Also, we’re not together. I mean—”

“I know. I just wanted to say that I’m happy for you.”

I raised an eyebrow. I hadn’t expected that. “Carter and I are not together.”

“You will be.”

“I don’t know.”

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