Page 53 of Bound Hearts

“He’s a good man?” my father checks.

A natural smile comes to me. “A very good man.”

My mom smiles wryly. “Then you will find your way as we did.”

Deep down, I know she’s right.

Closing my menu, I feel nervous, unsure whether it's excitement or the anticipation of surprising my friends with news that will blindside them.

Jupiter is packed for weekend brunch. Still, Savannah, Elodie, and I manage to slide into our reserved corner booth, settling in amid the bustling crowd.

“Definitely eggs Benedict, and what the hell, I’ll do a mimosa,” Elodie declares and hands her menu to the waitress.

“I might do the same,” Savannah adds.

There is nothing I can eat on that menu. “I’ll have oat pancakes with fruit. Just water for me.”

The waitress repeats our order, slides the menus off the table, and leaves us be.

My pulse hammers as I wonder how they’ll take it.

“The bridesmaid dresses should be ready in two weeks,” Savannah mentions.

And that’s my opening.

“About that. Uhm, it’s… not going to fit.”

She looks at me peculiarly, almost as though I said the craziest thing. “You’ll be fine. If you’re more comfortable, then they can always tailor it.”

Shaking my head, I now want to smile. “It won’t be fixable, trust me.”

In the corner of my eye, I see Elodie’s eyes pop. I think she caught on.

“I’m pregnant.”

Savannah opens her mouth, only to smack it shut in shock.

In fact, the table goes eerily quiet. Elodie covers her mouth with her fingers as she takes in the news, but her smile is visible.

“You?” Savannah points at me. “You’re pregnant,” she double-checks.

I nod my head. “Yep. Due the end of October.”

“How?” she continues.

Rolling my eyes, I’m relieved that this is turning a little comical. “Really?”

“Like who?” she clarifies.

My vision swims between my two friends. “Foster.”

Immediately, Elodie fist pumps into the air. “Yes! I knew it.” She appears to have had her own personal bet. My eyes bug out at her, and she lifts a shoulder as she calms from her glory. “What? I see him on a daily basis. I’ve seen the way you both walk in the hallway. Hell, she was going to pair you two together at the wedding party.” Elodie hikes her thumb at Savannah.

“Please tell me we’re not obvious at the office?” I dread the answer.

She shakes her head and waves her hands in the air to calm me. “No. Not at all. I mean, to the rest of the office. I noticed because I know you both on a personal level.”

Blowing out a breath, I finally feel relief drain through me. That’s good.