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“How do your parents feel about the impending arrival?” Mom asks, keeping her smile fixed. “Ava must have told you that we were shocked, but nevertheless, any child is a blessing.”
Austin finishes his wine, then wipes his lips with the napkin. “Actually, they were excited. They’ve wanted a grandchild for a while.”
“I’m glad to hear that, Austin,” Dad concludes, then nods. “Ava doesn’t need any more stress while pregnant.”
“Yeah, well, too bad Millie can’t see that,” I blurt out.
Everyone at the table falls quiet as the elephant stands beside us, twirling in her pink tutu, yelling, ‘look at me!.’
Austin is the first to speak. “Give her time, Ava. You know what Millie is like.”
My parents choose not to comment. I assume, by the look on their faces, something has happened back in LA with Millie. If I know my sister well, she has mouthed off about what a terrible sister I am and probably wishes I was never born.
We continue to enjoy our dinner, though we leave little room for dessert. When we finish our meals, my parents call it a night. They plan to stay in the city for another day as Mom has a meeting with Aunt Nikki, and Dad has a day trip to D.C.
All four of us say goodbye, but Mom pulls me aside.
“Ava, a little advice?”
“Sure, Mom.”
“Remember when I said let the chips fall where they may?”
I nod, unsure where she’s leading with this.
“Austin is a good man. Always has been. Don’t let his past with our family stop you from building a future with your new family.”
And with those parting words, she kisses my cheek then steps aside for Dad to do the same. Instead, he uses the opportunity to remind me of the factory space we need to look at. I assure him that I’ll start scheduling some time over the next week.
“So that wasn’t too bad?” I breathe a sigh of relief while Austin grabs my purse for me. “I’m just going to use the restroom.”
“No worries, I’ll wait by the front entrance.”
I head toward the restroom and quickly relieve myself. This pregnancy is doing a number on my bladder. Between all the water I’m consuming and the baby pressing down, I might as well set up my office next to the toilet.
After I wash my hands and exit, I walk past the bar where my eyes fall upon those which look familiar.
“Lochie?”
“Well, if it isn’t the ever-elusive Ava Edwards,” he responds with a smirk.
Lochie Fletcher, the sexy Aussie who caught my eye months ago, looks just as handsome tonight. He’s dressed all in black, standing in front of a motorcycle helmet perched on the bar’s countertop.
“I’m sorry for having to cancel dinner months ago,” I mention, keeping my tone neutral to avoid any conflict.
Lochie’s gaze falls upon my stomach. “I can see you’ve been busy.”
I place my hands on my belly, then tilt my head with a smile. “You could say that. But, look, it’s not what you think. I found out after I met you, and the situation wasn’t ideal.”
“Some things aren’t meant to be,” he murmurs while staring intensely into my eyes.
Swallowing the lump inside my throat, I will my nerves to calm down. The moment a hand settles into my own, my heart slows until I realize the hand belongs to Austin.
“Are you ready to go?” Austin asks, though his tone comes off more like a demand.
Nodding, I then turn back to Lochie. “It was nice seeing you again, Lochie. All the best with the bar.”
“You too, Ava. All the best with the baby.”
