Page 173 of This Woman Forever

“Now, let’s all just calm down a little, shall we?” Joseph says. I don’t miss the single look he gives his wife. Like... let me handle this. Thank you, Joseph. And please do a better job than your wife. “Ava.” His tone is gentle and his face soft. “How do you feel about this?”

“Fine.”

I can’t hide my shock. She can’t think of a better word?

“Perfect,” she blurts. “Couldn’t be happier.”

Much better.

“Well, then,” Joseph says, relaxing back in his chair, satisfied. “They’re married, financially stable...” He chuckles. I think it’s for my benefit. “And they’re bloody adults, Elizabeth. Get a grip.” He flashes her a rare smile. “You’re going to be a granny.”

I snort, hiding my smile before Elizabeth lays me out. She looks like someone’s just told her I’ve pissed in her wine. My God, she’s painfully exasperating.

“I will not be a granny,” she says, outraged. “I’m forty-seven years old.”

She just can’t help herself.

“I could be a nana, though.”

“You can be whatever you like, Elizabeth,” I breathe, done with my testing mother-in-law for the day. Or the year. One night, I tell myself. Just get through this one night.

“And you should watch your language, Jesse Ward,” she mutters, smacking the top of my menu. “Wait!”

“For what?” Joseph asks.

Yes, what drama has she thought up now?

“You said babies, plural,” she says, her usually arched brows straight from her frown.

Oh.

“You said our babies.”

“Twins.” I find Ava’s belly and rub it, smiling. “Two babies. Two grandchildren.”

Joseph laughs. “Well, I’ll be damned. Now, that really is very special. Congratulations!”

Agree, Joseph. Really special. And Ava’s smiling, finally.

“Twins?” Elizabeth gasps. I watch in disappointment as my wife’s smile fades. “Oh, Ava, darling, you are going to be exhausted. What?—”

“No, she won’t,” I snap before she gets going again. “She’s got me. End of.”

Elizabeth takes the warning, backing off. Have we finally reached an understanding? Take the opportunity, Elizabeth. Make it count.

She softens, her body and her face. “And you have us, darling. I’m so sorry. It’s just a bit of a shock. You’ll always have us,” she says, reaching for Ava and taking her hand.

Smiling fondly, I watch mother and daughter come together, but I can see the wave of uncertainty ripple across Ava’s face. God damn you, Elizabeth.

I get her attention and move in closer, holding her hand tight. Never to be let go. “You have me.” I will be there day and night, be hands-on, do all the things. She’ll never feel lonely, she’ll never feel unappreciated. Everything I am and have will be put into our future. I’ll probably drive her crazy. Standard. And she’ll undoubtedly continue to push my buttons. It’s who we are. What we do.

“Have you decided?” a waitress asks.

I return her enthusiastic smile, feeling Ava’s palm find its way onto my leg. “I’ll have the steak, please,” she says. I look at Ava, who’s forcing a smile at the waitress. I look at the waitress, who’s not forcing a smile at me. It’s a natural smile. Coy.

Oh.

I sink into my chair, looking between them, bracing myself.

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