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I sigh as I realize just how clueless my brother really is. What would he say if he knew I started sleeping with his best friend more than a decade ago?
Another thing that’s okay to think but not to say.
At least not yet.
Becket’s brain is already close to exploding. I don’t think he could handle more. Instead, I close my laptop and mirror his annoyed look. “Yes, Becks. Cade is the father, as I’m sure our pig-headed younger brother already informed all of you.”
“Jesus, Scarlet. Really? Cade? You could have your pick of the guys in Philadelphia. You had to pick my best fucking friend?”
When the vein bulges above Becks’s eye, I wait.
I know my brother well, and that tell right there lets me know he’s not done yet.
“We’re both fucking adults. And I know what you do with your body is your business. But did you not think you made it my business when you screwed my best fucking friend?”
I sit patiently, waiting to see if he’s really finished this time.
Once I’m convinced he is, I take a sip of my water and stare at him.
“Are you done?” When Becket doesn’t respond, I continue, “You’re right. What I do with my body is my business, Becket. That doesn’t change because Cade St. James is your friend.” I rise from my desk and move around it to stand in front of him. “Cade’s a good man, and a good friend. The fact that I’m pregnant doesn’t change that. He didn’t do this to me. There were two of us there that night. He didn’t take advantage of me.” When Becks moves to speak, I cut him off. “Becket Kingston, don’t you dare say it. Don’t put words to whatever fucked up thought is dancing around in that pretty little brain of yours. We’re both adults. We both deserve to be treated like adults, not kids sneaking around behind my brothers’ backs.”
I haven’t been that girl in years.
“Besides, you know Cade. Can’t you be glad your niece will have an amazing father?”
I lean against my desk and cross my ankles while I wait for Becks’s face to soften. When the tension drains away and he smiles, I relax.
“It’s a girl?” Becks’s smile deepens, popping the dimple in his cheek that only comes out with his real smile.
“I’m putting positive thoughts into the universe. She has to be a girl.”
I’m convinced this is going to work.
He stands and leans into me, slinging his arm around my shoulders and squeezing. “I love you, little sister. That is one lucky little girl.”
“I love you too, bonehead.” I lean my head on his shoulder and close my eyes, then whisper quietly, “You think I’ll be a good mom?” It’s a fear I’ve been nursing since the doctor told me the news.
I never even wanted kids.
How could I possibly be a good mom?
“You’re going to be the best mom. Take everything Mom did and do the exact opposite, and you’ll be amazing.” He laughs and kisses the top of my hair. “Seriously, Scar. You’ll be great. And you’ve got all of us to help and spoil the newest King.”
We’re interrupted by a knock on the door before Max opens it.
My siblings and I tend to do that to each other.
We knock but don’t wait for an answer.
If it’s important or you want privacy, you lock your office door.
Becks and I don’t move as he comes in and closes the door. “Maximus.”
“What the hell? Scarlet, are you crying?” Max looks scared to death. He’s never been good with a crying woman.
I wipe the tears away from my eyes. “I guess I am. I hadn’t realized it.” Standing, I straighten my pencil skirt and blouse and run a hand over my ponytail. “Sorry about that.” I move back around my desk and look between my brothers. “Did you need something, Max?”
“No... Well, yes. I was looking for you.” He stands next to Becket and glares. “Does one of you want to tell me what’s going on?”
