Page 75 of Secret Triplets for Christmas

She arched a brow. “How hard are you trying?”

“You have no right to judge me,” I snapped, feeling defensive.

She sighed. “No. But I’m not judging. I want you to be happy, and carrying around this secret isn’t making you happy.”

“I plan to tell him the next time I see him.”

“Which will be when?”

Ugh. “I don’t know, Mira. I’m sort of busy right now.”

She stepped to me, placing her hands on my arms. “This is adding more stress. Waiting isn’t going to make it easier. In fact, it will likely make it worse.”

Considering it had been five years since I learned I was pregnant, I didn’t think telling him today versus tomorrow would make a big difference. The damage was done.

“I just… I don’t want him to hate me.”

“Oh, honey.” She gave me a hug. “Hate is a strong word. Plus, it’s not like you kept the girls from him out of spite. He’s the one who left, who cut off all access to him.”

“I could have tried harder.”

“Right. While you’re dealing with Liam’s death, working, and growing triplets.” She shook her head. “He may be hurt, but at least he'll know the truth.” Her face then contorted into concern. “What will happen with visitation? Will you send the girls to California?”

“I have no idea, Mira.” The whole situation was more than I could think about.

She took my hand and led me to the table and we sat. “When I learned I was pregnant, I went through all this as well. I was so sure your father wouldn’t want the baby. He didn’t want me—”

“Except he did.”

“It was complicated. Just like your situation.”

“Yeah, but in the end, it all turned out for you.”

“Do you think Oliver cares for you?”

I thought back to what he told me yesterday. How he wanted to put the past behind us and move forward with me. “Yes, but that could change.”

“If he loves you, he’ll find a way to understand and forgive you. That’s what Brett and I did. You can do it too.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“I know I am. I feel it in my bones.”

I laughed.

“I know. How about you invite him for Christmas?”

“I don’t know. We’ll see.” Recognizing how much Mira and my father had done and continued to do for me and the girls, I wanted to repay them. “Speaking of Christmas, what if you and Dad go up a few days early, just the two of you? You can leave Grayson with me and we’ll all come up on Christmas Eve?”

Mira's eyes lit up. I tried not to think that she was likely imagining sexy stuff with my dad. "That sounds wonderful. I'll talk to Brett about it." She smiled warmly at me. "It's going to be a magical holiday, Lindsay. Just wait and see."

“From your mouth to Santa’s ears.” I rose from the table. “But first, I need to finish getting this place ready for the girls’ return.”

As we continued cleaning, my thoughts drifted to Oliver. Could he return to Boston to be a father to the girls? Could we have a life like Mira and my father? A life filled with love, laughter, and family? If there were a Santa Claus, that would be my Christmas wish.

22

Oliver

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