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“Briar! I was wondering how you were doing!”
The happiness in Rachel’s voice filled my heart. I wasn’t sure she would want to hear from me, but Ash’s assistant sounded pleased and relieved that I had called.
“Is there any chance you’re free for lunch today?” I asked. “Could you meet me in MacShire for a bit?”
“Of course! Is everything okay?”
“I just need to talk.”
“Sure thing. Noon okay?”
We settled on a place, and I rose from the vanity to dress and make my way downtown, excitement pumping through my veins for the first time in weeks. It would be good to get out of the house and see a friendly face for once. Even if Rachel’s geniality was apt to be short-lived.
* * *
Dumbfounded,Rachel leaned in.
“You’re what?” she choked, her eyes popping.
“I’m sorry to spring it on you like this,” I rushed on. “I know it’s a lot, but—”
“You need to tell Ash, Briar!” she interjected, her voice rising loud enough to attract the attention of the nearby tables.
I glanced around nervously, and she lowered her voice immediately.
“I need you to tell Ash for me,” I told her softly.
“Why can’t you? Briar, this is something he needs to hear from you!”
I shook my head, pressing my lips together.
“If I tell him, he’ll tell me what I want to hear, that he’ll stay with me for the baby, or that he’ll take care of me, or… I don’t know. It’s better if he doesn’t feel put on the spot. If he has time to process before coming face to face with me.”
Rachel frowned. “He should take care of you!”
“No,” I countered. “Not if that’s not what he wants.”
“Oh, Briar, of course that’s what he wants.” She faltered and shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “Ash is complicated.”
“Tell me about it,” I quipped.
“He does want to be with you, but it’s not so simple.”
I sighed. “I didn’t call you here for reassurances,” I told her flatly. “I just think that it’s right he knows about his child before I do anything.”
Rachel paled and sat back in her seat to look at me.
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m not sure yet,” I said slowly. “My father has found homes for babies of single mothers before.”
Rachel’s jaw twitched. “Briar, you need to watch out for your father; you know that.”
“He made some mistakes,” I agreed quickly. “But I’m still his daughter, Rachel, and he wants to help me. Please, don’t… at least he didn’t throw me out.”
She scoffed. “No. He just gave you up as collateral to a demon shifter who is known for his temper.”
I bristled. “And Ash threw me out, so I have nowhere else to go. Maybe coming here was a mistake,” I said, standing. “I only thought that Ash should know. If you choose not to tell him, I understand, but I won’t be reaching out to him any other way.”
