Page 34 of Truck Up

We haven’t talked since the day I told him I’m pregnant, and it makes me nervous. We haven’t gone this long without speaking since we started our affair.

Affair. God, I hate how that sounds. It makes it sound like we’re doing something wrong, and we’re not. Loving someone isn’t wrong.

If it weren’t for that damn feud, it wouldn’t be a problem. There would still be some people who’d question ourrelationship and call us poorly matched. My parents included. But everyone would eventually accept us as a couple. With this feud, we’ll never have peace. My brothers will make sure of that. Our relationship and this pregnancy will only divide our families more.

Pressing my hand into my stomach, I close my eyes. Am I making a mistake by choosing to keep this baby? The timing is bad. Christian clearly doesn’t want it. It will destroy our families. What kind of life can a half Mutter half Koch child possibly have?

It will be a constant uphill battle.

But it’s a battle I’m going to have to fight. Because I want this baby.

Sighing, I turn my attention back to the table I’m working on. I do my best to ignore Christian and push these thoughts out of my mind. It’s not easy, but I’ve made it this far. I can make it through the rest of the evening.

He asked for time, and I’m giving that to him. We’ll talk when he’s ready.

Maybe he’ll change his mind about being a father, and he’ll beg me to raise this baby with him. All I have to hang onto is hope. Hope that he chooses me and this baby over fear.

“Oh my gosh, Lia!” I look up at the sound of Charlotte’s voice. “These flowers are gorgeous. Grams is going to love them.”

I smile and lift my hand to run my finger along the petal of a tulip. Tulips are my favorite too. There’s something about them that gives off a simple yet elegant vibe. They can be classy and casual all at the same time.

“I hope so,” I say.

“Anything we can do to help?” Clara asks. “We would’ve been here sooner, but work delayed us.”

“I’ve got the rest of this.” I point over my shoulder to where the boys messed up the streamers. “Though they might need some help.”

Clara and Charlotte laugh while Lina snorts. I didn’t see her standing behind them, so I give her a friendly wave. She nods in return before she heads over to see what she can do to help them.

Charlotte and Lina are both now dating Mutter men. They’re the same age as my older brother, Tanner. In high school, Charlotte dated Tanner. They broke up before Charlotte moved to Chicago right after graduation. She only recently moved back to be closer to her family, who just happen to be neighbors to grumpy Garret Mutter. Theirs was a surprising love story, but a good one.

Lina is dating Chase, Christian’s twin. From what Christian told me, Chase has had a crush on her since they were little kids, but Lina only had eyes for Christian. I’ve still never heard the full story about how it all came to be, but from what I can tell, Lina and Chase look really happy together.

Clara is a year younger than me. We’ve never really gotten to know each other well. She’s always been Team Mutter. She and Ash have been best friends ever since they could both walk. Clara seems sweet though, and given the chance, I think we’d be good friends.

“Where’s Sophia?” I ask.

“She’s bringing Grams,” Charlotte says. “Should be here in about ten minutes or so.”

“Then I better get a move on it. Still got two tables to finish.”

“Yeah, and I’ve got to set up the dessert table.” Charlotte lifts a large tote she’s carrying. Clara is carrying one almost as equally large. “There’s still more in the car.”

She smiles and heads toward the food area while I finish up the tables. Somehow, we manage to finish with the decorations and setting up before many of the guests arrive. Even the boys fixed the mess they made of the streamers when the ladder fell. Rather, Lina fixed it.

“The place looks great,” Clara says as she walks up next to me. “Grams is going to love these flowers. Did you know tulips are her favorite?”

“Christian told me when he placed the order.” I smile at her and hope like hell she can’t see the pain in my expression. Even mentioning his name is hard for me right now.

“He ordered these?” Charlotte asks.

“He did.” I nod and pretend to adjust the flowers in the vase in front of me. It’s fine, but I need something to do to distract me.

“He’s been in a mood this week,” Clara says.

“He’s always in a mood,” Charlotte adds.

“Yeah, but this week he’s been worse,” Clara continues. “I stopped by the shop yesterday after work and he started a fight with Liam. Normally, he’s quiet and moody. Yesterday he was very vocal. Thought they were going to throw punches.”

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