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“Mom,” I sighed as I rubbed my temples. The head throbbed. “I know why I fell, if you’ll just let me speak.”
She pressed her mouth shut and waited for me to go on.
I drew in a deep breath and blew it out. I suddenly felt foolish. I’d just been so utterly shocked by Ben telling me Abby was pregnant—and that they were gettingmarried—that I lost my footing.
“I feel so stupid.”
Taking my hand in hers, she kissed the back of it. “Tell me, Lily.”
“Ben told me Abby was pregnant. And they’re getting married. I was so shocked that I took a step back and tripped over something. When I tried to regain my balance, my ankle twisted and I went down.”
“Wow. Well, that news would surprise anyone.”
I nodded. “Ben’s also giving up our friendship because Abby doesn’t like me.”
Then, without even knowing why, I started to cry.
“Oh, Lily, sweetheart.” Drawing me into her arms, my mother held me tightly.
“I don’t even know why I’m crying. Maybe because, after all these years, I realize that he doesn’t value our friendship at all.”
Gently rocking me, my mother said, “Are you sure that’s the only reason?”
I drew back and wiped at my tears. “What do you mean?”
She pushed a piece of my hair back. “Do you have feelings for him, Lily? Other than friendship?”
“Would it matter? He’s going to be a father, and he’s marrying Abby.”
“I think all of your feelings matter.”
Shaking my head, I quickly stopped. “Ow. My head hurts.”
My father and Maverick appeared at the door. When I looked up and met Maverick’s gaze, I swore a look of anger crossed his face. Was he mad at me for some reason?
As soon as the look appeared, it was replaced by concern. “Are you hurt anywhere?” he and my father both asked at the same time.
Letting out a small laugh, I replied, “Only my pride.”
Dad walked over and sat down on the opposite side of the bed from my mother. Taking my other hand, he asked, “What does that mean?
I closed my eyes and sighed. “I feel like an idiot, that’s all.”
Mom squeezed my hand. “Don’t say that.”
“What happened?” Dad asked.
I looked at my mother, and she nodded. “Ben told Lily he’s marrying Abby because she’s pregnant.”
I peeked back over at my father, and I saw the moment he realized. “You had feelings for him other than friendship.”
With a one-shoulder shrug, I looked over at Maverick when I answered, “I thought maybe I did…but I’ve come to realize I don’t.”
Maverick cleared his throat. “I’ll go wait for Dr. Waters.”
I called out after him, “Thank you so much, Maverick.”
“Yes,” Dad added. “And thank you for thinking so quickly and calling the doctor.”
