Page 31 of Never Say Never

“Because she’s a smart cookie! Go.”

“Are you sure? It’s just everything’s happening at once.”

I told Travis but haven’t told Maya about the baby yet. I don’t want to be bombarded by too many questions, too much attention. But I will soon. Maybe after the wedding. The morning after we got engaged—engaged—we decided on doing it soon, and quietly.

We agree that it will be nice for me to walk down the aisle without what I call a maternity gown, and I don’t want to wait until after the baby is born.

It is stupid, in this day and age, to stick on such things as out of wedlock, but if we are going to do this, then we should do it. Without fuss or too much expense.

My decision and Travis… I swallow… he hasn’t pushed for anything more.

He hasn’t said I love you, but he shows me every day and I… I need to say the words to him, but I haven’t, even though it rises up in me every time I look at him. And each touch chases demons away, too.

I put icy fingers against my burning cheeks.

But Maya pulls my hand away and squeezes. “I’m totally sure. You’re a catch, sweetie, and that woman’s gonna be so pleased to have you in the family.”

“You’re being loyal.”

“I am not.” Maya says the words with great heapings of indignation. “I’m being truthful.”

“So come with.”

“I wish I could, but I have to get back to the boys. And Travis will be there soon.”

“Well, at least it’s only one parent today. His dad is busy.” Actually, I don’t know if that is worse. And I curse the fact Travis has to work late. I suck in another deep breath and say, “Right. I’m going in.”

And Maya’s “That’s my girl!” trails me as I do so.

But I hadn’t needed to worry. His mom is a small dynamo of a woman with a huge smile and impeccably dressed. Best of all, there are no comparisons with Travis’ ex thrown around and she sweeps me up in a giant hug that brings tears to my eyes, stinging them lightly.

“Mrs.—”

“Please. Call me Julia, honey. You’re going to be family.” She ushers me into a seat at the little cozy restaurant. She leans forward on the white tablecloth and takes both my hands in hers. “I’m just happy we’re back. And I’ve never seen Travis so happy and content. Even before. With… well, you know.”

I can’t help it. I smile, happiness sliding through me at the older woman’s words and reassurance.

For the first time since I got there, I relax.

Everything, I think, is really going to be okay.

10

TRAVIS

Married.

If someone had asked me six months ago or even three, I’d have said the idea is utterly ludicrous. Marriage is something I have pushed away, and who can blame me after what happened with Jessica?

Not only that, but married to Brandi?

But here I am, a ring once more on my finger and a baby on the way.

We got married just before Christmas. A quiet little ceremony at the courthouse, with a small dinner after. Me and Brandi. My parents. Brian and Maya and a few of our friends from work.

Something twisted hard in my chest as I’d worked that day. The future ahead is all at once unknown and narrow and— Shit.

I haven’t told anyone, not Brian, certainly not Brandi, that I saw the pregnancy test.

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