Page 90 of Serving the Couturier

“Because I am, but I can’t go into detail right now. I promise to fill you in as soon as I can.”

Her reply was quick. “Are you okay?”

If she had asked if I was good, I might have struggled to be truthful. But her choice of words allowed me to respond with complete honesty.

“I am,” I answered. “Promise.”

Mercedes sent another message, “If you need me, I’m here.” I smiled as I replied, “I know. Thanks a lot. Have a good night.”

“You too,” she responded.

I set down my phone and picked up a spoonful of ice cream and chocolate syrup.

“Hey, sweetie,” Mom entered the den. “How are you doing?”

I swallowed and managed a decent smile. “I’m okay, Mom.”

“Good enough to take a break from watching Fear Thy Neighbor?” she asked.

“I’m done with that,” I said. “I’m watching Buried in the Backyard now.”

“London,” Mom said, with a sigh.

“I probably should put the ice cream back before it melts,” I said.

“Think you might progress to regular clothes sometime soon?” Mom asked as she led the way out of the den.

“Not as long as I have...” I trailed off when I saw Spencer, disheveled and standing in the middle of the living room. “Spencer.”

“Hi,” he said, giving me a soft, tired smile. He glanced at Mom and said, “Thank you, Mrs. McCrae, for letting me speak with London.”

“If she says you go, then you go,” Mom said, pointing at him. “Understand?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Spencer replied sincerely.

“Your dad and I will be in the kitchen if you need us,” Mom said to me.

I nodded, waiting until she left before gesturing towards the lounge. “Have a seat.”

“You’re not immediately throwing me out, so I’m hoping that’s a good sign,” he said, sitting on the couch. He twisted his ever-present cap in his hands, betraying his nervousness.

“I’m not mad at you,” I said, settling at the other end of the couch. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him, still in disbelief that he was actually here.

He looked exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes and pale skin. The thought that he might have slept as little as I had over the past few days made my heart ache for causing him so much stress.

“That’s good to hear,” he said, reaching for my hand. He moved cautiously, giving me the opportunity to pull away if I wasn’t comfortable with him touching me. I allowed him to take my hand and felt my heart give a hesitant thump in my chest.

“Your grandmother filled you in on everything about my...?”

“She did,” he said, clasping my hand tightly.

For a moment, I was overwhelmed with panic, but then a small smile appeared on his lips.

“You’re pregnant.”

I took a deep breath, preparing myself for him to be upset with me for causing this situation. “I was on the pill, but with all the stress, I missed a dose or two.”

“It’s all right,” he said, his eyes showing that he meant it. The knot of tension in my shoulders relaxed a bit.

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