Page 18 of Just One More Affair
“I do!”
Putting a hand on their backs, Fallon quickly herded the girls into the kitchen, leaving Charlie and Noah alone.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
She nodded. “But I need to tell you something and because you know me better than most, I also need your opinion.”
“Okay. Do you want to sit?” He gestured to the family room.
“I’d rather pace,” she said, and began to walk back and forth in the entryway, keeping an eye on him when she strode his way.
He leaned against the wall, studying her. “Okay, I’m braced. Let’s hear it.”
“I’m pregnant and I’m telling you because you’re the twins’ father and when I’m ready to explain it to them, you’ll need to know.”
His eyes grew wide. “Holy shit, Charlie.”
She wrapped her arms around herself and nodded. “My thoughts exactly.”
“Are you… happy about it?” he asked, sounding genuinely concerned.
She nodded. “I’ve had some time to let it settle and, yes, I’m happy. Thrown and shaken, but excited.”
He treated her to a smile. “Then I’m happy for you. And I can help talk to the girls when the time comes. Or you can handle it yourself. Your decision.” He paused, then said, “You also said you needed my advice?”
She bit down on the inside of her cheek. “When I leave here, I’m meeting Jared to look at the apartment in his building. He gave me a rental amount that was definitely not the going rate. It gives me a financial break, it gives you a break… and he takes the hit. You know how I feel about standing on my own two feet.”
Noah tapped his foot against the floor, obviously in thinking mode. “You should know I spoke to him this morning. I knew about the rent.”
She narrowed her gaze. “Is that all he told you?” she asked warily, wondering if Jared had shared the pregnancy news and Noah was pretending to be surprised.
“What else is there?” Noah asked, genuinely confused.
Without thinking, her hand went to her stomach, partly because she was nauseous and in part in reflex.
As soon as he caught the gesture, Noah’s lips parted, his shock obvious. “Jared’s the father?” he asked in a hushed whisper.
She nodded.
“Jesus.” He ran a hand through his hair as the surprises kept coming.
“What?” she asked. “It’s not like we’re blood-related. God, would you relax?”
“Hey, you startled me. At least now I know why he’s being so generous with the rent,” he said.
She shook her head. “Technically, he was being generous even before he knew about the baby.”
Noah nodded. “Okay, then. That brings me to that advice you want. I know you and I’m sure I know what you’re asking, so here’s my answer. Take the apartment.”
“But—”
He stepped closer and placed a friendly hand on her shoulder. “Put aside your pride and concerns. It’s good for you, good for the girls. The area is beyond safe, there’s a doorman, and I’ll feel better knowing that’s where you’re all sleeping at night.”
As close as she and Noah were, he didn’t know the cause of her insecurities, her past with her parents… they weren’t emotionally connected in any way but through the twins. As for the apartment… “Leo said to take it, too.”
“He’s right.” After all these years, Noah knew her best friend, having met him many times.
She nodded. “And I know that I should be more grateful to you and to Jared. So thank you again for the financial help, Noah. And the advice.”
