Page 28 of Last Call

“There’s about to be a baby in the family,” Billie reminded Andi. “Probably more than one.”

“Billie.”

“I’ve accepted my role as Grandma Billie.”

Andi held Billie’s gaze.

“It’s a little weird; skipping the step that makes you someone’s grandmother,” Billie admitted.

“You still haven’t answered my question.”

“Andi, we’ve talked about this. You don’t want more children.”

“You just said it yourself, there will be a baby in this house most days in a few months.”

“Not the same,” Billie said.

“No, it isn’t. That’s my point.”

“If things were different—if we were younger—yes, I probably would want to try,” Billie admitted.

Andi nodded.

“But we aren’t.”

“There are other options,” Andi said.

“Andi?”

“I won’t lie to you, Billie. Becoming a mother in my late forties isn’t something I considered. It isn’tmydream. I love you. I love you more than I can comprehend. And if that isyourdream, I will move heaven and earth to make it happen.”

Andi’s profession shocked Billie. It took her a moment to catch her breath. She smiled, leaned close, and kissed Andi. “Thank you,” she said. “You can’t know how much that means to me. No. It isn’t my dream. I promise. I’ve made my peace with the dream of motherhood.”

Andi cupped Billie’s face. “I want you to be sure,” she said.

“I am.”

“Be sure,” Andi said. “Listen. I don’t want you to regret not trying in ten or twenty years. Don’t be afraid to tell me what you need. Promise me.”

“I promise,” Billie said. “I think you should make a date with Fallon.”

“Where did that come from?”

“It’s time, Andi. You don’t spend much alone time with Fallon these days. If she needs anyone to help steady her now, it’s you, not me, Ida, or Riley. You. You’re so close to Riley. Fallon feels she might tread on that relationship if she comes toyou.”

“I’ll call her.”

Billie pulled Andi into her arms and closed her eyes. “I love you.”

“I love you, Billie.”

Chapter Two

Apologizing wasn’tdifficult for Fallon. That didn’t mean it wasn’t uncomfortable. She took a deep breath and stepped into the living room. Riley was still on the sofa, reading a book, a glass of wine beside her.

“Hi.”

Riley looked up and smiled.

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