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Tiff let out a sigh. Although she might be pushy about family in general, she didn't defend our mom because she had her own crosses to bear on that.
“Love you,” she said. “Please keep me in the loop.”
“Love you too. You're totally in the loop.”
She laughed again, and we ended the call. Because she couldn't help herself, she texted me right after we hung up.You can ask Archer about Rhys Cannon. He'll tell you all about him.
Archer Cannon was a friend I’d gone to elementary school with. He’d moved away and come back this year. Turns out, Archer was actually my cousin through this whole convoluted situation. Rhys was his cousin and my oldest half brother from the family I hadn’t known I had. Small fucking world.
Me:Tiff, love you. I’ll talk to Archer about this when I’m up for it.
She sent me three hearts and hug emoticons in return.
Aside from finding out my father wasn’t my bio father, I never knew my bio dad, and by all accounts, he’d been a decent guy. Now, he was dead. My mother had sliced him out of my life. I was profoundly grateful for the father of my heart, but I kept wondering what I’d missed.
To make matters even more complicated, this newly discovered family was seriously wealthy. An attorney had been in touch about ensuring I was included in the family business. I had mixed feelings about that because I didn't want it to seem like I wanted the money. For fuck’s sake, I didn't need money. My life was perfectly fine just as it was.
That evening, I decided to text Hallie.
Me:Hey, how's it going?
She replied quickly.
Hallie:Good. How are you?
Me:Pretty good.
Hallie:Are you going to start texting me every day?
Me:I just might. Is that a problem?
Hallie:No, it's not. Maybe we can get to know each other this way. Tell me your three favorite things to eat.
Me:Macaroni and cheese. Fresh king salmon cooked with butter and lemon. This tater tot casserole my dad made when I was a kid. Unhealthy and delicious. What about you?
Hallie:Ditto on the mac and cheese. My second would be fresh halibut. Love it. My third is this gooey scallop potato casserole that my mom makes. It's really good and loaded with cheese. Now, I want to try your tater tot casserole.
Me:I can make it for you.
Hallie:You can?
Me:Sure, my dad taught me to cook, and this recipe was a staple in our house. If you'll let me, I'll make it for you sometime.
Hallie:Deal. Let's do this every day.
Me:Do what every day?
Hallie:Three things.
Me:Okay. So I'll see you at your place, or should we meet somewhere?
Hallie:Let’s start at my place.
Me:You got it.
Hallie:Good night, Chase.
Me:Good night, Hallie.
After we stopped texting, I couldn't stop thinking about her. I'd had the hottest night of my life with Hallie, and now she was pregnant. Something was almost innocent about trying to get to know her like this. I couldn't wait to see her again. I was chafing to press for more sooner. Yet we had to get this right. There was a baby involved.
