Page 58 of Sizzling Desire

“I just—” I exhale hard, shaking my head. “I was trying to figure it out, and then the wedding plans and then my apartment burned down, and everything just—” I wave a hand, helpless.

Kate pulls into the parking lot, throws the car into park, then turns fully to face me. “Grace. This isn’t just somethingyou can push off until it’s convenient to mention it. You’re having a baby. Kane’s baby. He needs to know.”

I close my eyes as a tear slips down my cheek. “I know.”

She softens. “So, what are you going to tell him?”

I stare at the ultrasound picture, my heart hammering. “I don’t know.”

Kate shakes her head. “Well, do youwantmy opinion?”

I nod.

Her gaze is steady. “Kane may be the most aggravating man alive, but he’s also one of the most loyal, and hecaresabout you, even if you’re too damn stubborn to admit you feel the same. You need to tell him.”

I exhale; my chest tight. “What if he doesn’t want this?”

Kate snorts. “Oh, Grace. Kane doesn’t back down from anything, and when it comes to you? That man is all in. You just don’t realize it yet.”

I don’t answer.

Because deep down, I hope she’s right.

The florist shop smells like fresh-cut blooms, soft and sweet, a contrast to the storm churning inside me. Thankfully, my stomach is not revolting at the intoxicating fragrances. My fingers trail absently over the velvety petals of a deep red rose, my mind a million miles away. Or, more accurately, stuck on a single conversation.

Kate’s words from the car won’t stop echoing in my head.

You need to tell him.

You’re not alone in this.

Kane may be the most aggravating man alive, but he’s also one of the most loyal.

She’s right. I know she is. I can’t put this off forever. Hell, I shouldn’t even want to. But the idea of saying those words—ofwatching Kane’s reaction as I tell him I’m carrying his child—makes my stomach twist into knots.

Will he be furious? Walk away? Will he try to take control, to dictate how my life, and the life of our child, is going to go? Will he even want me? Want the baby?

I exhale slowly, forcing my focus back on Kate as she debates between calla lilies and white peonies. Her wedding is only a few weeks away, and for the past thirty minutes, I’ve done a decent job pretending I’m actually helping instead of spiraling out of control.

Kate taps a finger against her chin. “Okay, so hear me out. Peonies are gorgeous, classic, totally romantic. But calla lilies? They’re sophisticated. Elegant. And they look amazing in photos.”

I pick up one of the stems, rolling it between my fingers. “They both work, but what about a mix?”

Her eyes brighten. “Ooh. Peonies with accents of calla lilies? That’s actually brilliant.”

“Of course it is. I’m a genius.”

She snorts. “You’re something, all right.”

We finalize her order, and I relax a bit. I should feel better. Productive. But all I can think about is that I have an appointment of my own. A conversation that can’t wait any longer.

By the time we leave the florist and head toward Kane’s house, the weight of the truth sits heavy in my chest.

Kate pulls up to the curb and cuts the engine. Before I can open the door, she grabs my hand. “You’ve got this,” she says firmly. “Tell him. Be honest. You don’t have to do this alone.”

I swallow hard. “I’vealwaysdone things alone, Kate.”

She squeezes my fingers. “I know, but that changes now. Whether Kane steps up or not, you’ve got me and Hudson, the girls on the kickball team, and I’m sure the Walking Ladies will somehow get in the middle of it all. You’ve got a whole damn family, Grace.” Her voice softens. “And thatbaby? He or she is going to have the best aunt and uncle on the planet.”

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