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“Yesterday.”
“Why didn't you call me right away?” I could practically hear her choking up. My sister was emotional and a total sweetheart.
“I promise I was gonna call. I was just adjusting to the news before I talked to anyone.”
“That’s you,” she said softly. “So, um, I didn’t even know you were seeing anyone.”
“Well, uh, we weren’t dating. I want you to know straight up we used birth control. This is a shock for her too. She wants to have the baby.”
“And she wants you involved?”
“Well, she came and told me, Tiff.”
“Well, but—”
“Don’t go worrying that she’s some kind of flake. She's not. Her name is Hallie Thomas, and she's a nice person. Her brother's the police chief in Diamond Creek. I'm pretty sure I don't have to worry about her background.”
“I'm really glad she told you, Chase.”
“Yeah, me too.” While my brain was still wobbly with the enormity of the news, I was relieved Hallie hadn’t kept this from me.
“When is the baby due?”
“In five months.”
“Wow. Oh, my god. I'm so excited!” Tiff squealed. “Have you told Dad?”
“I'm having dinner with him soon, so I’m planning to tell him then. I’d rather tell him in person.”
“Oh, Chase, you know if—”
“Tiff,” I warned. “Please let me take this one step at a time. I’m not ready to talk to my new family about the baby on the way that I just found out about yesterday. They've invited me out to meet them, and I'll go when I'm ready.”
“I know. It’s just, your baby will be their relative.”
“I know.”
“All right. I'll back off,” she said, her tone softening.
“No, you won't,” I replied with a wry chuckle. “But I love you anyway.”
My sister laughed. She had a giant heart, and she was kind to everyone.
“Can I meet Hallie?”
“I have to sort things out with us. And, yes, you will meet her, but I'm not going to force you on her immediately. I've only seen her twice.”
“When are you going to see her again?”
“I'm going to meet her in Anchorage next weekend. She’s already said I can come to her doctor’s appointments.”
“Oh, well, that's a good sign.”
“That's what I thought.”
“If and when you decide to reach out to your brother, please let me know.”
“As if you wouldn't know before I even did,” I teased lightly.
