Page 42 of Breathtaking

“Yeah, Madman. Babies don’t take that long to cook,” Callen adds. “Any chance you can get her to stay in Kroydon Hills? You don’t want her taking your kid back to London.”

The blank stare on my face must be all the answer he needs to know I don’t have a clue what I’m doing. “Oh man... This is basically the first time you’re not the one who knows exactly what to do.”

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” I groan.

A smirk pulls at his lips. “Oh yeah. But we’re gonna figure it out.”

We’re gonna have to. Because I’m not letting my kid grow up a world away.

LENNON

I thought my least favorite part of this pregnancy would be the fallout.

I was wrong. It’s dealing with the fallout without the aid of wine. That’s just unfortunate.

—Lennon’s Secret Thoughts

Bloody Americans really don’t know how to make good tea.

The water the hotel has sent up is barely lukewarm when it arrives at my door. Not to mention what they’re calling English breakfast tea isn’t a tea I’d be caught dead drinking in London. I stare at the small porcelain mug, attempting to decide whether it’s even worth drinking before my phone buzzes.

Maria

Do you have an itinerary for today?

Lennon

I’m planning on calling Grace, but other than that, I don’t have plans yet.

Maria

Okay. Should I have the car waiting?

Lennon

No. I’ll let you know if anything changes.

Maria

Copy that.

I pick at the blueberry muffin that came with my mediocre tea, contemplating what I want to say to Grace... I never ended up seeing her the last time I came to town. I had every intention of doing so, but after that night with Maddox and the shambles of the next morning, I just wanted to go home. Not Mornea home, but London home. The home I created for myself far from the glare and the weight of my family.

Not far enough, but as far as I was going to get.

I stare at my phone and wonder what I should say.

And what Icansay.

She and Maddox are close.

Nearly as close as my brothers and I are.

I’m not sure it’s fair for me to tell her about the baby.

Not yet. Not until Maddox has had more time.

And considering I didn’t tell her about that night either... well, I guess I’m just not sure about anything. But it’s Grace. The only true friend I’ve ever had.

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