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It’s Griffin’s turn to shake his head. “The situation was hard, but I never thoughtyouwere a burden.” His jaw tightens, like he’s fighting back emotion. “I hate that you’d ever think that.”
“But you gave up so much for me. You could have had such a different life if you didn’t have to take care of me.”
“No. Don’t even say that. Sophie, you are my family.”
He pulls me out of my chair and into his arms, holding me while I sob.
“You made sacrifices, too. We both had to grow up fast and lean on each other. And if given the opportunity, I would have done it all the same. Look at my life now.” His voice is calm and soothing. “I’m living in New York City with my beautiful wife and I have a job I’m excited about.” He squeezes me tighter. “And I’m going to be an uncle.”
His sweet words make me cry harder.
“How are you doing? Are you feeling okay with the pregnancy?”
I nod, taking the tissue he hands me to wipe at my eyes and nose. Why does every conversation I have lately end in a full emotional meltdown? Pregnancy hormones are a real bitch.
“I’m feeling good. I’m tired and emotional.” I motion to the waterworks still streaming down my face. “Oh, and we’re having twins.”
Griffin blinks. “Twins?”
The shock on his face makes me laugh through my tears.
“I had the same reaction. And they’re identical. You’re going to be Uncle Griffin times two.”
“Wow.” He looks overwhelmed, but then wraps his arms around me again. “That’s incredible. Congratulations, Soph.”
“It’s wild and scary and I’ve been really sad because we weren’t talking.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you the last few weeks. I needed to sort out my own shit. Emma helped me find a therapist to talk to about everything. I’ve only met with him a couple times, but it’s been life-changing.”
“That’s great.”
“I’m feeling better now. This helps.” I motion between us. “And Hunter has been so supportive. I don’t know what I would have done if he wasn’t all in. He’s already in love with these babies.”
“And what about you?” Griffin asks.
“In love with the babies?”
He nods. “It’s a huge change from what you had planned.”
“Yeah, it is.” Suddenly nervous again, I ball the tissue up in my hand. “There’s still a plan, it just looks different. It may seem like it’s too soon, but I love Hunter. I can’t imagine not being with him.”
“Does he feel the same?” Griffin asks.
“Yes. He told me he loved me.”
“He told me that day, out on the balcony when we were fighting.” Griffin presses his lips together. “When I was fighting him.”
“That he loved me?”
He nods. “I was surprised. Not because I didn’t think he could fall for you, but because of his reputation. I wasn’t sure if he was just giving me lip service and trying to dissuade my anger.”
“Please don’t be mad at Hunter. You two were friends and I feel like him being with me has ruined that.”
“I’m not mad at either of you. I was hurt to find out you were seeing each other behind my back, but I don’t want you to worry about me and Hunter. I’ll talk to him.”
I nod. Now I’m thinking about my relationship with Hunter. How my need for independence is clashing with Hunter’s desire to take care of me and the babies.
“Hunter wants to take care of me.”
