Page 6 of The Edge Of Us

"Dad," I interrupted, my heart racing. "I have news. Big news."

Allen squeezed my thigh as if silently cheering me on.

"Oh?" My father’s tone shifted, expectant.

I took a breath. "You're going to be a grandfather."

A beat of silence. Then a loud, joyous, "What?! Corine! Oh, sweetheart, this is the best news I've ever heard! A grandbaby? Oh, your mother is going to lose her mind—"

"She already knows, Dad," I laughed. "And she did."

"Well, of course she did! My brilliant girl, I am so happy for you and Allen. You deserve all the happiness in the world."

One by one, I called my siblings, each reaction different but overwhelmingly warm. My younger brother screamed so loudly I had to pull the phone away from my ear. My older sister teared up, promising to fly out to see me soon.

Next was Natasha. I didn’t even bother calling; I FaceTimed her. The moment her face popped up on the screen, I grinned. "Guess what?"

She narrowed her eyes. "You finally booked that trip to Greece?"

I shook my head. "No."

"You’re getting another dog?"

"Natasha!" I laughed. "I’m pregnant."

Her jaw dropped, then she let out the loudest shriek I’d ever heard, making Allen wince beside me. "No freaking way! Cori! This is insane! Oh my God, my best friend is going to be a mom. I can’t believe this. I need to be the godmother. I demand it."

"You already are, Tash," I said, warmth spreading through me. "I can’t do this without you."

"Damn right you can’t," she sniffed, wiping at her eyes. "I’m coming over tomorrow, and I’m bringing snacks. No arguments."

Telling Allen’s parents was a different kind of nerve-wracking. His family was powerful, influential, and notoriously private.We arranged a dinner at their estate, and I watched as Allen took his mother’s hand, looking into her eyes with that steady, unwavering gaze of his. "Mom, Dad—we’re having a baby."

His mother gasped, covering her mouth. His father simply nodded, eyes gleaming. "A Woods heir," he said, voice thick with emotion. "This is wonderful news, son. Corine. We are so happy for you both."

Everything was perfect—until it wasn’t.

.

Today is worse.

At first, I thought it was just pregnancy hormones, but today, I know for certain—I’m having another breakdown.

Today is the day we’re doing our photoshoot for my TikTok and Instagram announcement.

I’ve been feeling off since I woke up, like a heavy weight pressing on my chest. I can’t shake it, no matter how much I try.

As I sit in front of the mirror, brushing through my hair and trying to find some semblance of energy, Allen steps behind me, his warm hands resting on my shoulders.

“Love, are you sure you’re okay? We don’t have to do this if you’re not feeling well,” he murmurs softly, his concern evident in his voice as he meets my tired eyes in the reflection.

I force a small smile, trying to reassure him. “I’m fine, just some minor mood swings. The doctor says it’s normal.”

He doesn’t look convinced, but he nods anyway, pressing a soft kiss to the top of my head before stepping back.

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After three long hours, we’re finally done with the photoshoot. The pictures and videos have been edited and posted on social media with the caption: Our little miracle. Baby Woods #1.

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