No.
What doesn’t he understand about this? I can’t wait, and I don’t like how pushy he’s being. I know he wants to help and be supportive, but it’s not like I live in a big city. It’s a small town, and I’m less worried about weird looks or more worried about someone calling the cops on the giant fish man walking next to me.I’m worried about running out of time.
“No, that’s—” I begin, realizing my voice is sharper than intended. His posture shifts, as if wounded. Suddenly, it feels like we’re two kids sitting on a dock, wishing our worlds were a little closer.
“It’s not your problem!”
“If it’s yours it’s mine—I want to help.”
“That’s not…” I take a deep breath. “I’m really scared, okay? And confused. They said they’ve been calling since last night, and I checked my phone this morning.”
Those sunset eyes avert and—no.
“Gil, what did you do?”
“I thought it was your aunt calling to bother you again,” he says quietly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
“You thought you could eliminate all distractions?” I huff, but I get it. When it comes to our time together, I fear I’m the same flavor of desperate.
“It sounds as if there is an emergency.” A low voice from behind us makes me jump. It’s Moth, looming, his expression dark.
Great. I’m about to get kicked out of a baby shower for causing a scene.
“If you will permit it, I can fly you anywhere required,” he offers, his brows pinched in worry.
He wants to … help?
“It’s states away,” I say in barely a whisper.
“He’s like super-fast.” Heather bounces over to the three of us. “And Moth is totally looking for an excuse to avoid talking about baby names. Are you okay?” Heather zeroes in on me and—God, how is she not mad?
“I’m so sorry for this happening at your party. It’s just… my Grams. You all don’t have to worry about me—even you, Gil.” I exhale. “If you could get me back to my car, I can deal with this by myself.”
“Remember what I said in the kitchen?” she asks, placing her hand on mine. “Let us help—please.”
My stomach drops. When she said they were going to keep me, I guess she meant it. Despite myself, I smile, shaking my head. I can’t say yes, not in the middle of a party.
“And I have heard it’s bad luck to say no to someone who’s pregnantso…” Heather adds.
I wince. I’ve been uncharacteristically happy the last few days, and while I think she’s teasing me, I can’t risk any bad luck. “You really don’t mind?” I ask the couple.
“I do not,” Moth replies firmly, but there’s a kindness to his red eyes I think I can trust. With no more convincing needed, it’s decided. Moth will fly me to the hospital, Heather will stay at the party, and Gil will meet me after he’s sorted out his glamour.
“Gil,” I say, pulling him close. “I…”
Tell him you love him.
Tell him right now.
When I turn, Moth is shifting. Dark feathers cover his body, and his red eyes have changed into glowing orbs as his mouth twists into a beak.
I guess when Heather said she married a forest monster, she wasn’t exaggerating. As if sensing my hesitation, Gil gives my hand a squeeze.
“You’ll be safe with him,” he says. “Though, if I could swim you there, you know I would.”
“I know,” I say, wishing I could melt into his arms, but knowing there’s no time. “We’ll talk when I get back, okay? I’ll find you?”
Tell him you love him.
