AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh, honey,” Lisa said. “That is such a big decision.”
“And one I’ve not come to lightly.”
Lisa’s eyes went glossy. “You’re still so young.”
Beneath the table Katie took Avery’s hand.
“Have you thought about in vitro fertilization?” Lisa said. “There are lots of options these days.”
Today’s technology allowed the testing of harvested eggs forthe Huntington’s gene. They could implant only the ones devoid of the gene—without informing Avery if she was a carrier. But that only solved part of the problem.
“Even if I went to the expense ofIVF, I can’t guarantee I’ll be around for a child. I won’t risk leaving him or her parentless.” She met her dad’s gaze, willing him to understand. To not feel guilty.
“Oh, honey...” Lisa’s words broke off as her face crumpled. She was, no doubt, considering all Avery would sacrifice: the love of a good man, the joy children brought into a mother’s life. Avery could only know in theory what she would sacrifice; Lisa knew firsthand.
Still, Avery would have her work. She took in the somber expressions around the table. “Come on, you guys. Stop looking so morose. Many lifelong singles go on to lead very productive and meaningful lives. I don’t need a man to be happy.”
“Of course not,” Katie blurted, then shot Cooper an apologetic glance.
“Well...” Dad cleared the tremor from his throat. “Look what you’ve already accomplished. We’re very proud of you, sweetheart. You’re a bright woman and obviously you’ve thought this through.”
Lisa took Avery’s hand. “Of course your dad and I will support your decision. We’re here for you no matter what.”
Gavin gave her a smile. “That goes for all of us. Right, Coop?”
“Of course. We’re family.”
“Me too.” Katie gave an unabashed shrug. “Well... I will be soon.”
Avery sank back against her chair as she blinked away tears.“Thanks, you guys. I’m so relieved to have this out in the open, and I really appreciate your support. I’ll be fine, I promise. You know how dedicated I am to the clinic. My work is important to me, and it’s enough to fulfill me.” The words came out with a confidence she didn’t quite feel. Would her family see right through the bluster?
Chapter14
Wes hoped to high heaven this meal would be edible. He gave the boiling pasta a stir, dumped the spaghetti sauce into a pan, then buried the Prego jar in the trashcan. He was more of a frozen pizza kind of cook. But after losing the poker game to Avery, he owed her a decent supper.
He searched her kitchen for a baking sheet for the breadsticks. She’d worked till noon and had someplace to be this afternoon, so she’d told him to help himself to her apartment since his kitchen wasn’t well stocked.
He’d had a busy day himself. He spent most of it ripping old shingles off the carriage house—he’d been rained out since Thursday. Some of the shingles were so old and rotten they crumbled in his hands. Cleanup would be a bear. All told, the tear-off alone would take two or three days. Which was why when he went into town for groceries, he really hadn’t had time to visit the barber.
He rubbed his jaw, the feel of smooth skin both unfamiliar and welcome. He told himself the grooming had nothing to do with Avery or her date last night. His beard had been getting downright bushy, and his hair, hanging in his eyes, distracted him while he worked.
“Keep telling yourself that, Garrett.” He turned the bubbling spaghetti sauce to low and added the cooked ground beef while Boots wove between his legs.
He’d walked home from the restaurant last night just in time to catch Avery and her date embracing on her stoop. He retreated into the carriage house before he could see if the man followed her inside. None of his business. But that didn’t stop him from torturing himself with thoughts of the two of them alone up there.
Wes shook the image from his head and replaced it with one of Lillian. Specifically, the one in the photo she’d sent her brother months ago. She was riding a bicycle, smiling. Her filmy white shirt blew in the wind, and her curly brown hair flowed over her shoulders.
He hadn’t called her since Tuesday, and with all the rain they’d had, there was no excuse. He’d call her tomorrow. The resolution alleviated the momentary prick of guilt.
The pasta sauce was bubbling again, so he gave it another stir. After putting the breadsticks on the baking sheet, he slid it into the preheated oven. The timer was already set for the pasta so he just made note of the time.
He considered the table he’d set earlier. Seemed kind of plain, but he was no good at this type of thing. Flowers would help, maybe. A plethora of wildflowers grew behind the carriage house.
But no, flowers would be too much. This wasn’t a romantic occasion, just the payoff of a friendly bet.
Boots came as far as the threshold and peered up at him with wide amber eyes.
“What do you think, Boots? Does it look all right?” His gaze swung back to center of the table, where a lone salt-and-pepper set stood. “It’s missing something, isn’t it? Should we pick some flowers for your mom?”
