“Do you know that I was kidnapped and almost died?”
“Yes, we did hear something about that. But you’re all right!”
I bury my face in my hand, suddenly too exhausted. “Were you sad because you couldn’t claim the life insurance?”
“Oh, honey, we weren’t worried about the insurance! It was a moot point, after all. I mean, since we were going to be invited to Josh Huxley’s wedding. Is it true he’s close to Elizabeth Pryce-King and Barron Sterling? We saw photos. They’re reallyrich, Ailee!” Mom’s practically panting with excitement.
“Why do you want to come to my wedding? Can you tell me at least three reasons without mentioning Josh or his family and friends?”
Mom hesitates. “Well. We’re your family, of course. And…we raised you with love. Hmmm… Also, I don’t want to be crass‚ but—you owe us.”
“No.” It’s so weird that I’m not even disappointed anymore. It’s like I’ve lost all expectations. “You’re not invited. None of you. I owe you nothing. We’re done. If you want it more formally, I’m sure something can be arranged through one of the lawyers at the firm.”
“Ailee—”
“Please don’t call me again.” I hang up and block the number.It feels good to set boundaries.Inhaling, trying to shift gears, I go into the house. How should I break the news? Will Josh be surprised or upset or…?
Hopefully, surprised and happy.I place a hand over my belly. I want my babies to be born in love and joy.
Josh is sitting on one of the living room couches. He pulls out a velvet box from a luxurious, glossy blue-and-white bag and opens the lid. The size of the highly saturated blue gemstone in the center makes it impossible for me to breathe. The band is simple but chic. The design of the ring clearly indicates it’s for…an engagement.
“Are you dumping me?” I blurt out. Then, before he can answer, tears start to flow. My heart hurts at the idea. Actually, I’m outraged too! I’m pregnant with his babies, damn it!
“What? No!” He jumps to his feet. “Klein, don’t cry! I’m not dumping you!” He wipes away at my tears, but they continue to drip down my face.
“But why do you have that ring? It’s an engagement ring, isn’t it?”
“Yes, but—”
“You already bought me one.” I thrust my left hand at him.
He shoves his hand into his hair. “Right.” He blinks, eyebrows pinching hard. “Can you please stop crying?”
“You can’t even come up with a good excuse.”
“No, that’s not it. It’s just…” He inhales. “I wanted to ask you properly.”
“About what?”
“I really wanted to do it romantically, too.”
“I don’t understand.” My voice cracks through the tears.
Helpless, he drops to a knee and pops open the lid. “Ailee Klein, will you marry me?”
I stare at him. I’m the one who just found out she’s pregnant, so why isheacting like he’s lost his sanity? “But we’re already engaged!”
“But I never asked you properly. It was forced on you by the circumstances. I felt that it wasn’t right.” He shakes his head. “I want you to have a grand proposal.”
I laugh through the tears at his forlorn and slightly disappointed expression. “Okay.” I take his face in my hands. “The answer is yes. It’s always been yes.” I wrap my arms around him. “Now, I’m going to tell you a secret.”
“Okay. Good. I’m good at keeping secrets.” He looks at me earnestly.
“First, I love you. I think I was in love with you way, way, waaay before that whole restaurant scene.”
His eyes light up. A brilliant smile breaks over his face. “I love you too, Klein. I think I fell in love with you a long, long time ago, too.”
I press my forehead on his, maintaining eye contact. “And second, whoever did your vasectomy did a pretty shitty job. Because I’m pregnant. With twins.”
