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“I’ll visit as often as I can.”
He nudged her back. “You better.”
Chantelle’s chin dropped. Babysit? At least she had time to get used to the idea. How did ten years still feel like it happened yesterday? She rolled her shoulders back.
“You okay?” Her brother asked.
She bobbed her head.
A tsk sound escaped his mouth. Grant shook his head slightly. “I should have known.”
“What?” She faced him.
“That this... may be hard on you.”
She reassured him, placing a hand on his arm. “I’m okay, Grant. It did bring up... some tough memories, but I’m fine.”
“I guess I never told you.”
“Told me what?”
He paused slicing the garlic bread. “I was mad about everything that happened. I hated that you lost the baby, but I blamed you and Lance for running off and getting married.”
Chantelle leaned against the counter. Her chest heaved. “I blamed myself for letting things go too far.”
“He should have stayed.” Grant’s expression looked pinched.
“He thought it was best.” She twiddled her thumbs.
“I was there, Chantelle. After you left, he wasn’t the same. I’ve never seen a guy that broken up over a girl.”
Chantelle wouldn’t let herself dare hope that Lance still cared. She had to protect herself. She wouldn’t let her heart get broken again. “That was then.”
Grant gave her a side hug. “I know. I’m glad you’re both doing better.”
She leaned into his embrace. “Me too.”
“I have the dessert.” Elise announced. A frosted cake on a silver platter rested in her hands. She placed it on the kitchen table and lit the candles. Her sister-in-law clapped. “We should have one of these for our anniversary. Maybe we should go on a cruise. Or better yet, fly out to Hawaii.”
“You’re getting ideas, aren’t you?” Grant asked.
“You’re romantic and creative—when you want to be. I’m only making suggestions.” Elise looked up at him. Her eyes glowed.
“I’m working on it.” He sliced the last piece of garlic bread. Elise kissed his cheek.
“The DVDs were great,” her sister-in-law said.
“DVDs?” Chantelle asked.
“She’s obsessed with the Marvel movies, especially Black Panther,” Grant said.
“I see.” Chantelle giggled.
Elise held a hand to her mouth. Then her hand shifted to her stomach.
Grant touched her shoulder. “Are you okay?”
“I think it’s the garlic,” she replied. “I’ll be fine. Morning sickness lasts all day, I think.” Then her eyes bugged as she made eye contact with Chantelle.
