Page 58 of Shark’s Rise

“Sure, sweetie.” She bustled from the stove to the counter and then back again. “What’s up?”

“I…umm…kind of need your undivided attention. Are you at a place where you can step away?” I motioned to the stove, letting her know I was aware of her predicament. I knew what it was like to be in the middle of getting an order together at the eleventh hour.

“Oh, of course. Grant, can you deal with this?” She nodded back to me and explained, “This is sauce for tomorrow’s lunch. It just needs to simmer.” Dashing back a last look at Grant, she dictated, “Don’t let it stick to the bottom.”

“Got it!” The big guy flashed a grin while ducking into the walk-in, putting ingredients away.

Rio wiped her hands on a towel, and we moved over to the closet-sized office in which we did our paperwork. We both took seats next to the desk, and she folded her hands in her lap while raking her stare across my face. “So what’s up, honey? You okay?” She looked me over carefully as only Rio could do. I was surprised she hadn’t already guessed the news I was about to share with her. “You look a little green…”

“I have to tell you something. But it has to stay right here between us. Well, you can tell Sean, of course.”

“Ooohhh-kaaayy. But I’m not going to lie; you’re freaking me out a little bit. I mean, first you get taken to the desert for weeks and barely called from there. The whole time, everyone around here”—she thumbed over her shoulder toward Grant—“acted like you were some huge state secret. And then I saw the stuff on the news about one of Shark’s freighters being boarded by pirates, and some of the crew being taken hostage.”

I sighed and made sure she saw it. “Yeah, things have really been a mess. Luckily they are negotiating now, as far I understand. Bas doesn’t tell me a whole lot. But I’m really sorry about all the secrecy while I was gone. The guys thought it was best for everyone.” I followed that statement up with a significant eye roll, letting my sister-in-law know exactly what I thought of that action plan.

“I get it.” She held up her hand to stop me. “I know there’s been a lot going on that’s been out of your control. Just tell me one thing right now.” She gulped hard, suddenly looking almost panic-stricken. “Are you…closing the business?”

“What?” My exclamation knocked me back in my seat. “No!”

She poured out a huge breath. “Oh, thank God.”

“No,” I repeated. “It’s not that. Not at all. I would never do that. Shit. After how hard we’ve worked for all of this? Are you kidding?”

“I was hoping I was.” She laugh-sighed. “And yeah, that’s good. Because you’re right. We’ve come way too far to just close the doors. But what the hell is going on? Seriously, you look like you’ve lost weight, and your color is paler than usual.” She reached out to touch my forehead, testing for fever the old-fashioned way.

“I’m…” I scooted forward again, nervously kneading my fingers together. “Well, I’m pregnant.”

Rio clapped her hands in front of her mouth to stifle her wail. Three seconds later, she shot up and slammed me with a full-body hug.

“Wait!” She suddenly drew back. “You’re happy, right? I mean, I just assume everyone is happy when they say the words. But just because I want to say them so badly, doesn’t mean—”

“Oh, Rio. I’m sorry.” I gripped her shoulders. “I didn’t mean to be insensitive. I know you and Sean have been trying so hard.”

She slid her hands into mine. “Stop!” she ordered. “Stop that right now. I’m happy for you. I’m over-the-moon happy for you! And I’m over that phase where I hate every woman who gets pregnant when I don’t; honestly. I’m truly so happy for you, honey.” Again, she baldly studied my face for a few beats. “You doing okay, though? You must have morning sickness. Is that why you’ve been staying at home?”

“Well, we did just get back into town yesterday, so the whole desert-villa banishment hasn’t been a lie.” I held up my hands in swear-on-a-Bible mode. “But the morning sickness thing isn’t a fib either. And it’s at the extreme level, sister.”

There were times when the woman’s vitality was a welcome thing. Right now, watching her dropped jaw and distressed gaze, was one of them. While I wouldn’t wish this bullshit on anyone, this was the closest thing to commiseration I’d had all week—and it was nice.

“It’s called hyperemesis gravidarum,” I went on, sounding out the words in distinct syllables, because Christ, it was a mouthful. “I’ve had to have IV fluids and the whole nine yards. Unpleasant barely scratches the surface when describing it.”

“Oh, you poor thing. I’ve read about that. Kate Middleton had it with her pregnancies.” She smirked when I snort-laughed at her. The woman was a notorious royals watcher. “Anyway…why haven’t you told me sooner? How far along are you?”

“Still early; only six weeks or so. But that’s why I’m asking you to keep this under wraps for now. Sebastian and I can’t have this getting out to the public until I’m further along. But being so sick certainly hasn’t eased our stress. It’s so hard to do anything. And I mean…anything. I spend most of the day in bed.”

On cue, Dori walked over and set a bottle of water on the desk. “Have you met Dori yet?” I asked Rio. “I’m sorry I didn’t introduce you when I first got here. You and the big guy were in the middle of a sparring match.”

Rio narrowed her gaze at me but converted to a smile while shaking Dori’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Are you the new lady in waiting?” She gave her a dramatic wink.

“I am. And loving every minute of it!” My new friend reached over and pushed the bottle of water closer to me, silently hinting that I needed to drink. But then she went back across the kitchen and got busy helping Grant.

Rio swung her gaze to me, bugging her eyes out in a what the hell? sort of way.

“She was one of the staff at the house in Twentynine Palms. We got along well, so Bas asked her to come back with us.” I shrugged because it had all really happened that easily.

“Your life has changed so dramatically in such a short time, Abbigail. Just don’t forget who you are inside here.” She reached forward and touched my sternum.

“Never. Promise.” I stood up but apparently too quickly, because stars danced in my vision and I had to grab on to the desk to steady myself.