Page 24 of The Complication with the Best Man

Palmer runs her fingers through Adley’s hair. “Our daughter was just talking about the sick tummy test she found at home.” Hudson’s gaze flickers to me briefly. “So I came clean with it and announced my pregnancy.”

“Congrats, man.” Rohan stands and reaches across the table, holding out his hand.

Rumblings of Palmer’s big news spreads, and family members turn in our direction. Within seconds, our family makes their way over to the happy couple to offer their congratulations, being sure to congratulate Adley, too, on being a big sister, which makes her swell with pride.

I walk the few steps to join my family, but Adley stops me.

“Are you excited to be a big sister?” I ask her.

She jumps up and down. “I’m gonna be the best big sister ever. I’m going to teach her how to talk to Mommy with sign language, and I’m gonna pick out her outfits. I’ll even let her borrow my favorite doll but only if she gives it back before bedtime because I can’t sleep without her.”

“And now you’ll have a baby of your own to feed anytime you want,” Rohan says, and Palmer gives him a “thanks a lot” look.

I ruffle the hair on top of Adley’s head. “You’re going to be a great big sister, I know it.”

She hugs my legs, and my eyes meet Palmer’s.

“I’m going to get some fresh air. You guys are making me claustrophobic.” Palmer laughs and nods toward the back of the house.

Once she’s a minute or two in front of me, I follow, heading onto the back deck.

“Congratulations.” I pull her into a hug, and she squeezes me tightly. “Thanks for saving me out there.” I pull away. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

I hate the sad smile she gives me. “You have enough going on. I didn’t want to further complicate things. I’m ecstatic about my pregnancy, but you weren’t planning yours, and I know exactly what that feels like from when I was pregnant with Adley. It didn’t feel right to tell you, but you know that under any other circumstance, you’d be the first one I’d tell.” She draws me in for another hug.

I squeeze her tightly, hating that she didn’t feel like she could share her good news with me because of my own situation.

“I’m sorry you had to tell everyone like that. I feel awful.” I cringe.

My parents already knew, and we planned to announce it soon anyway, she signs.

I nod, though I still feel horrible that my circumstances affected when and how she told the family she was having another baby.

“How are you hanging in there?”

I shrug.

“It must be weird hanging out with Finn and his fiancée.” Palmer cringes.

“It’s not ideal, no. All I can think about the whole time I’m with them is how I have this giant secret that’s going to blow up both their lives when I tell them.” My shoulders sag.

You need to tell him soon, she signs.

I nod. “I know, it’s just figuring out how to do it. They’re supposed to be back next weekend for a few days to make some more decisions on the wedding. I’ll see if there’s some way for me to get Finn on his own and tell him.”

She squeezes my upper arms. “It will all work out.”

“I wish I had your confidence.”

Palmer hugs me again and draws back to sign.At least we get to be pregnant together. Our kids will be the same age.

“Not gonna lie, when you shared your news, I was excited about that too. I know nothing about pregnancy or having babies or anything. Can you just make two appointments for everything? We’ll do it together?” I laugh, although I would love to have her by my side through all this.

“Have you made an appointment with the doctor yet so you can figure out a due date?”

I stare at her blank-faced.

“Started taking prenatal vitamins?”

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