Page 59 of Tristan’s Temptation

Kat made a face. “Of course she’s not all right. Go back in the other room and finish watching the movie.”

“Were you watching a movie?” Shannon stood. “I’m sorry. I’ll go.”

Kat caught her hand and pulled her back down onto the sofa. “Adam’s watching the movie. I was reading a book.” She leaned closer and whispered, “It’s a horrible movie.”

“I heard that!”

“Well, it is. Shooting. Fighting. Car chases. Testosterone flying everywhere.” She wiggled her fingers at Adam. “Go. Overdose on Stallone.”

Adam looked from Shannon to Kat. Something in her expression must have convinced him he was not necessary to this conversation because he shrugged and headed back into the bedroom. A moment later a clashing cacophony drifted from the room.

“It really is a horrible movie,” Kat said, standing up and heading for the kitchen. “How about some wine? I have a Moscato.” She found a green bottle and waggled it. “It’s your favorite.”

Shannon swiped at the tears and shook her head. “Just water, please.”

When Kat returned, she had two large glasses filled with ice water and a box of ultra-soft tissues. What a friend.

“So tell me, Shannon. What is going on?”

“Oh Kat…” She glanced at the bedroom.

“Don’t worry. He won’t come out.” Kat grinned. “I have him trained.”

Why this made Shannon burst into another flood of tears, she had no idea. But Kat pulled her back into her arms and nursed her through it until she was just sobbing a little with the occasional hiccough.

“Now. Tell me.”

Shannon sat back and threaded her fingers together, loath to say the words. Worried about what Kat would think of her. “I’m…”

“What?”

It was probably best to just blurt it out. “I’m p-pregnant.”

To her credit, Kat controlled her reaction. Her eyes widened only just so. “How wonderful. Congratulations. I mean, you’re happy about this, aren’t you?”

“About the baby? Yes.” She was. She’d had plenty of time to think about it. And she was happy. Just a little worried.

A silence settled between them as Kat fiddled with the hem of her shirt. At long last she said, “I didn’t even know you were seeing anyone.”

Shannon choked on a watery laugh. “Yes. I’ve been seeing someone.”

“Well, clearly. But I thought you…”

“You thought I what?”

“Never mind. So tell me about him?”

“Him who?”

“You know. The guy.”

Shannon puddled up again. “I don’t want to talk about him.”

“No. Of course not.” Kat patted her knee. “So… What are your plans?”

“Well…” Shannon sat up a little straighter. This was why she wanted to talk to Kat. All business, no pity. “I’m having it.”

“Of course.”