Page 81 of Let Me Love You
“It’s nothing.” I slip past him, keeping my head down. “We should probably get back.”
His concern morphs into understanding. He nods slowly. “Mama Taylor had the same response with meat. Felt better by week twelve.”
Eyes wide, I turn back to him but keep my voice quiet. “How did you…?”
“If you were sick, you would’ve said something.” His mouth lifts, showcasing an exact replica of Theo’s and Macklin’s smiles as he steps closer. “Besides, you’re a terrible liar.”
“You can’t—”
“I won’t say anything,” he promises. “But congratulations, Kate. I’m really happy for you and Mack.”
My chest swells with relief. Both for his promise to keep quiet and his best wishes. Over the last few months, I’ve gotten to know both Mama and Papa Taylor, and they’ve become like second parents to me. It’s nice. Knowing they have my back and I have their support. Especially when it comes to this. A baby.
I’m having a baby.
For once, the thought doesn’t scare me. It excites me.
I’m having a baby.
With a smile, I murmur, “Thank you.”
“Come on,” Papa Taylor prods. “Let’s get back before my wife starts asking questions ‘cause I doubt she’ll be as quiet about the whole thing when she finds out.”
Ain’t that the truth.
When Mack sees me, he stands, pulling out the chair beside his. I sit down and offer a smile, but it’s strained.
“You all right?” he whispers, adjusting his napkin on his lap as Hazel catches everyone up on her new boyfriend.
With a nod, I reach for a blueberry muffin while avoiding the bacon entirely, my gut squeezing at the sight.
Once Papa Taylor is seated at the large oval table with everyone else, Hazel finishes her story. Mama Taylor smooths out her apron and turns to Theo and Blake. “Okay, I’m dying here. What’s the announcement?”
“Yeah, what’s the announcement?” Miley asks. “You’re not pregnant, are you?”
“Ah, I wanna be an aunt,” Hazel gushes.
“Technically, you’d be the cousin,” Theo tells her. “But, no. We’re not pregnant.”
“Weareengaged, though,” Blakely announces.
“Shut up.” Hazel’s jaw drops, and she reaches across the table. “Where’s the ring? I wanna see!”
Blakely shows off the gorgeous diamond on her finger. She must’ve slipped it on while everyone was dishing up their brunch. She takes turns offering her hand from one person to the next so everyone has a chance to rave over Theo’s excellent taste in rings.
And even I can’t deny the man did well.
The real question is, do Macklin and I steal the spotlight or save our news for a different day?
I cast a quick look at Mack, and he nods, squeezing my thigh beneath the table as Mama Taylor peppers Blake with questions involving the proposal. Unfortunately, I’m too nauseated to pay attention to any of it.
Yup. Bacon’s a trigger. It’s official.
I nibble on a piece of blueberry muffin, praying it’ll calm my stomach as Mama Taylor prods, “And when’s the big day? Have you decided anything yet?”
“Not yet,” Theo tells her. “Blake’s still young, so we’re fine with a long engagement.”
“I’m thinking two years out, probably?” Blakely adds, thinking aloud. “Maybe three.”