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“We’ve been finding the foods that Noor enjoys, and leaning into that,” Ignacio says carefully.

“And that’s it?” he asks.

I put down my fork as my body begins to tell me that I’m full, and check my phone.

My lips part as I see that not only did I pass, I managed to score high enough that some colleges may accept college credit.

“Oh my god,” I mumble, staring at the screen.

“What?” Jared asks, trying to crane his neck to see me. He’s sitting next to Ari while she eats grains of rice on a spoon. If it’s chicken, rice, or beans, both kids are fairly happy.

“I passed!” I squeal before clapping my hand over my mouth.

My family doesn’t make it any better because they all cheer very loudly and have a ton of questions. We’re making a spectacle of ourselves, but I’m also learning that it’s difficult not to when there are so many of us. My phone makes it around the table for them to see the results, and Emil grins before he hands it back to me.

“Hey, will you do me a favor and drive back with me?” he asks. “I want to give something to you.”

I’m not sure if that’s code for “I know you’re lying and I’m going to get to the bottom of this,” or if he actually has something to give to me.

Damn, am I being too suspicious? Unfortunately, the adults at the table all trade glances, and Rachelle is very quiet.

“Sure,” I reply nervously.

The waitress takes away the plates once we’re all done.

“We’re going to be a bit for the check,” Jared says, glancing around at the busy restaurant.

“If it’s alright with you, I’ll take Noor with me?” Emil asks.

“I’ll catch a ride with Rachelle,” Julia says, snuggling Adelina in her lap. Ari pouts, which means she gets both kids. Julia is obviously not in a hurry to go anywhere.

“As you wish, mi amor,” Emil says affectionately. “Shall we, Noor?”

I can’t really do anything but nod as I stand, pocketing my phone. I love that this dress has pockets, and was one of the major draws when I went shopping with Rachelle and Lili for it.

I feel bad that Emil is in the dark, though to be fair, I only took the pregnancy test a week ago. I’m already taking prenatals, and I’ll have my first obstetrician appointment in a few weeks. This isn’t a secret I intended to keep from my family, and as Emil once told me, we don’t keep things from each other.

I’m still wrapping my mind around the big news, and I definitely don’t intend to tell Alastair, Ciaran, or Draven anytime soon. If ever. There are too many unknowns in my life, but I do know that I don't need them to raise this baby. My family is more than capable of helping me.

My nerves get the best of me as I wave goodbye to everyone and fall into step with Emil. My fingers twist in the skirt, and I can feel my pulse increase with anxiety as I walk. Emil doesn’t say anything until we’re in his plush Rolls-Royce.

The engine turns almost silently as he starts the vehicle, and I pull on my seatbelt without question.

“Is the family keeping secrets on your behalf, mija?” he asks quietly as I sigh.

“It’s very new, and not something we intended to keep a secret,” I say meekly.

“Mmhmm,” he says, putting the car in drive. He pulls out of the parking lot as he digests that information before he blows out a breath. “So are you going to tell me or am I going to make an asshole out of myself by assuming?”

“Promise you won’t crash?” I squeak out.

“Bah, I’m an excellent driver,” he says, taking a right onto a road. There aren’t many people out this way, and it’s about six in the afternoon.

Chewing on my bottom lip, I swallow hard, watching the road.

“Okay, I’m just going to say it. I’m pregnant⁠—”

“Mierda.” Emil’s hands tighten around the steering wheel, but he doesn’t swerve at all. You’d think by how well he’s driving that we’re discussing the weather. “Sorry, go on. How long have you known?”