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“Or the Chicken Alfredo with garlic toast looks good too.”
She grimaced at my selection. “You could share my club with me and order a cup of chicken noodle soup. And get a chocolate shake to fill you up?”
I considered her for a beat. “I could share with you, but I need more than that. The spinach-artichoke dip should do the job.” I watched for her reaction. It seemed anything with cheese in it bothered her.
“What about the fruit platter?”
I hiked my brow. “Sure. We’ll get the fruit platter. Do you want a glass of wine or a cocktail? I’m getting a beer.”
“No, thanks. Just some sliced lemons. I brought bottled water.”
“Okay. I’ll put the order in.”
“Perfect. I’m gonna look out the window at the gorgeous lights.”
I stared at her, perplexed. If she was pregnant, as I suspected, why hadn’t she mentioned anything? Maybe she was worried it was Jake’s. Fuck, if it was, I would be crushed.
“The food will arrive in thirty minutes.” I went behind her and hugged her from behind.
“Aren’t the lights beautiful?”
“They are.” All the trees along the street had twinkling lights. I felt a little bad for not putting any up at my place, but next year, I’d go all out for her. We had put up a small tree, which she adored. Of course, it hadn’t been the same as a full-size tree.Still, we’d gone out in the brutal cold to find the perfect tree and cut it down.
“Let’s go sit down.” She took my hand and led me to the sofa. It seemed like she had something she wanted to tell me.
My stomach tightened when I sensed she was nervous. “Is something going on, Honeybee?”
“Yes, and I’m afraid to tell you.” She bit her bottom lip. “I don’t want to ruin tonight, but I just can’t keep this from you anymore.”
“I can handle anything you tell me. Just don’t say you’re ending us.”
“No, never. I want to be with you forever.” She cupped my face and kissed my lips.
Relief chased away the uneasiness I’d initially felt. “Then I can handle anything you tell me.”
“I’ve been keeping a secret.” She looked down in shame.
“Go on.”
“It’s just, I needed time to process. To figure it out in my head. You know how I deal with stress.”
“I do. So, if you needed to talk it out, why didn’t you come to me?”
“Because I was afraid and didn’t want to ruin Christmas. But I can’t take it anymore. It’s been a horrible fifteen days. Actually, longer than that.” A few tears streamed down her face.
“Longer than fifteen days?” My voice came out harsher than I’d intended.
“I’m so sorry. I’m an awful person.”
“You’re not awful.” I took her into my arms. “Whatever it is, we’ll handle it together.” I had to admit, I was getting nervous again. Maybe she knew something about Jake and hadn’t told me.
“Really?”
“Really. Now talk to me. What’s got you so upset?” I was legit about to go out of my mind, waiting to hear what made her this upset.
“I haven’t been feeling well for several weeks. Since before Thanksgiving.”
“I remember.”
