Page 173 of Even Exchange

My eyes scan the room. No Charlotte in sight. Bringing the mocktails to our table, I set them down, returning to my search. The dance floor is packed, and I roam the perimeter, wondering if maybe she got roped into another dance with a family friend.

It would be the third tonight.

The event has been stuffy and full of small talk, which I hate, but I can’t deny it’s a welcome distraction from the conversation with Mom and Tony today. The cherry on top is having Charlotte glued to my side, looking like mine.

Because she is.

“Hey,” Charlotte says, and I spin to face her, sad, tired eyes boring into mine.

“What’s wrong?”

She glances around. “Not here.”

“Come on,” I say, holding out a hand.

She slides her palm in mine, and I lead us to the middle of the dance floor, the crowd giving us privacy like at the Barracudas’ gala all those months ago.

My free hand falls to her hip as we sway to the music, and I lean down to her ear. “Talk to me.”

She rests her head against mine. “My mother took the news as expected.”

I squeeze her hand. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“She doesn’t think I’m ready to be a mom.” Her voice cracks. “She thinks I can’t do it.”

I pull her head to my chest, covering her broken face from onlookers. To anyone watching, we’re two lovers having an intimate moment. “You are going to be agreatmom,” I say, caressing her hair.

“You don’t know that,” she mumbles against me.

“Of course I do. You’re fantastic with kids. Extremely patient. All the things that will make you a great teacher will also make you an incredible mom.”

She pulls away, moist eyes looking up to mine. “You really think so?”

“I know so,” I tell her with a soft smile.

She gnaws on her lower lip. “I may have also agreed to something stupid.”

My muscles seize. “What?”

“I agreed to take the twins for their fall break next month.”

My anxieties disappear, and I laugh. “What’s so bad about that?”

“Well, I offered your house without even asking you.”

“Ourhouse,” I remind her. “Or did you forget you live there too?”Does she not want to anymore?

She fights a smile. “Okay, but I still should have asked.”

“You don’t need my permission,” I say, sliding my hand to the small of her back. “The twins are always welcome inourhome.”

“I will never be able to express how grateful I am for you.” She rests her hand against my cheek, and my eyes flutter shut as I lean into it. “You make this all seem so easy.”

Loving you is easy.

Like breathing.

Like gravity.

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