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Pippa
Pippa groaned and held her sister’s hand as Sophia led her into her apartment. Her balance still wasn’t great from the concussion.
Lady walked inside ahead of her, going directly to her water dish.
“Sofa or bed?” Sophia asked.
“Couch.” Pippa pointed as she shuffled her feet forward. She reached out for the armrest, steadying herself as she settled onto the cushion.
“I’ll get you water.” Sophia walked into the kitchen before opening the fridge.
“Where is Papi?”
Sophia grabbed what she needed and closed the door before handing the bottle to Pippa. “He’s helping out in the bookstore today until Brynn gets done at the diner.”
“Doesn’t he have to get back to his actual job?”
Sophia sat next to her and shrugged. “He said he had some time off for a family emergency. But I believe he is going back at the end of the week.”
“What about you? I don’t want to get you in trouble with your boss or mess up anything with your wedding plans.”
Her sister sighed. “Pip, we know you can take care of yourself. Okay? But with this injury, your pregnancy, and your seizures, you should not be alone right now. You need us. We’re your family, and we love you—of course we’re going to drop everything to come help you.”
“That’s exactly what I didn’t want.”
“Well, there is a certain marine who seemed more than willing to have you stay with him.”
Pippa unscrewed the water as her chest tightened. “He’s a SEAL, not a marine.”
“Tomato, tah-mah-tow.”
The memory of Mason using the same phrase in the bookstore pummeled through her mind. She shook her head. Pippa hated to be in this place. Yes, she did need help. She hated that fact. But, what was worse was that she was a drain on her family. Mason might give her a place to stay while she recovered, but would it only be out of guilt? She didn’t want to be another person for him to take care of. But what choice did she have? If she kicked her family out and didn’t reach out to Mason, then her babies’ lives could be in jeopardy.
Pippa took a long sip of water before screwing the cap back on the bottle and setting it on her coffee table. She leaned back on the couch. “What am I going to do, Soph?”
Her sister wrapped her arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer. “That, my dear, is your choice. Dad and I are willing to help you. But Dad will lose his job. I can work from home for the most part, except when I have court. But I would like to see my fiancée more than on weekends when she could come to visit.”
“I don’t want you to have to uproot your whole life for me a second time. Or have Dad lose his job.”
“What other option do you have, then?”
“I don’t know if Mason would be willing. It’s a lot to ask of him, especially since there is his daughter to consider.” Anxiety snaked in her gut. He’d said he’d be there for her, but when it came down to the moments she’d needed him, he’d abandoned her. Why would this time be any different?
“Yeah, but you’re his baby mama now.” Sophia laughed before her tone turned serious. “And he knows I’ll gut him like a fish and feed him to the sharks if he hurts you again.”
Pippa giggled.
After a moment of silence, Sophia said, “I have to tell you, the look on that man’s face as he paced the waiting room was pure anguish and regret. And when he left your hospital room, I’d never seen someone so defeated but also determined. But I’m worried about you with him. He doesn’t have the best track record.”
What other choice did Pippa have? Her father would lose his job if she relied on him. Her sister had a wedding to plan, and her happily ever after to pursue. That left Mason.
“I . . . I’ll call him.”
Sophia sighed and stood. “No need. I’ll go get him.”
Pippa’s brows drew together. “What?”
Sophia’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Oh, did I forget to mention? He’s been at the bookstore . . . helping out.”
