Page 11 of Last Call

A regretful groan escaped Fallon’s lips.

“Fallon,” Riley called gently. “I’m not upset with you. Things have been…”

“Chaotic?”

“Busy.”

“I’m sorry, Riley.”

“This isn’t how I want our evening to start,” Riley said. “With you feeling guilty when you don’t have anything to feel guilty about.”

“Maybe not. I promised you I would stop running in circles where Liv is concerned.”

Riley nodded.

“I haven’t kept that promise, have I?”

“You’ve been concerned about everyone in your family. I understand.”

An unpleasant knot formed in Fallon’s belly and twisted her insides. Riley was the most patient person Fallon knew. She supported Fallon through every twist and turn that life threw at them. There was an unmistakable undercurrent of hurt in Riley’s voice. “Your family.” Maybe Fallon had set aside her questions about Liv’s life after Whiskey Springs. She had been immersed in helping Barb and Beth settle into their new lives. She had invested long hours with Evan and the girls, trying to ensure they felt secure. Fallon made time for Owen, carefully including him in outings and setting aside one-on-one time to spend with him. As she listened to Riley, she realized she hadn’t been as intentional about making time for her marriage.

“Riley.”

“Can we start this conversation again?” Riley requested.

“I think we need to talk about what you said.”

“What did I say?”

“You said I’ve been concerned about everyone inmyfamily. I don’t need a PhD to understand you aren’t referring to you and Owen,” Fallon replied.

“You’ve had a lot of people vying for your time.”

“Maybe. You come first. I haven’t made that clear, have I?”

Riley smiled. “I wouldn’t say that.”

“What is it you want to talk about?” Fallon asked.

Riley took a deep breath and set her wine glass on the table. “You asked me the other day if I’d considered when I might like to add to our family.”

“I only asked because we were talking about the house plans,” Fallon offered.

Riley sighed. “I think we both know it’s on your mind constantly.”

“Maybe it is. I’m not trying to pressure you.”

“I don’t think that at all,” Riley said.

“Then why do I get a feeling youfeelpressured?”

“I don’t.”

“But?” Fallon asked.

“You also commented that Dean is ready whenever we decide to start.”

“He is.”

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