Page 92 of Wishing for Love

“Maryn was like that. It was hard to keep up. I went through it with her and can with you. I’ve even been to birthing classes. I’ve got this covered.”

She started to laugh. “I’m not sure why that is funny to me, but I guess I’m glad to hear it. I’m sorry, Phoenix. I really am. I didn’t plan on any of this, but it seems to be the story of my life.”

“It’s time we rewrite that story. Do you mind if I call my mother and tell her?”

“No,” she said. “I’m going to wait to tell my family, but if you want to tell yours, you can.”

“Do you want to be with me?” he asked.

“You can do it alone. Let me know what she says. I think I’m going to take a bath if you’ll let me use your tub.”

“Go on,” he said. “Relax and try to turn it all off for now.”

He went downstairs to his office to give her privacy and called his mother.

“Hi, Phoenix. What’s going on?”

“I wanted to tell you that Crystal is pregnant. I just found out.”

“That’s wonderful,” his mother said.

He smiled. “I knew you’d feel that way. She’s a wreck.”

“Why?” his mother asked.

“We haven’t known each other long. She works for me. She’s worried everyone is going to think she did it on purpose. If anything, it’s my fault. I’m the one that protects us and obviously something went wrong.”

“It is no one’s fault when there is a baby involved. One or multiples?”

Shit, he hadn’t even thought of that. “I’m going to assume one. She’s due on Christmas and is eight weeks along. We are just telling family right now.”

“You sound excited over it,” his mother said.

“I am. I didn’t think I would be. I need to step up my game around the house too and she’s upset over that and told me not to. That it’s her job.”

“I’m not going to tell you how to navigate your dynamics. That is up to you. I’m sure you’ll do the right thing.”

“I’ll try to at least,” he said.

“Can I talk to Crystal?”

“She’s taking a bath right now. Why don’t you give it a few days? We’ll need to let Elsie know too.”

“Is this a secret still?”

“I’ll let you know when it’s safe to tell someone other than Dad.”

“I can keep it quiet for now. Congrats and have a good night.”

He walked to his room and saw Crystal in there filling his tub. “Well?” she asked.

“She’s just as thrilled as I am. It’s all good.”

“If you say so,” she said, moving into his arms. He hugged her tight and smiled before he kissed her forehead.

“I say so.”

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