Page 69 of Last Call

“Maybe that would be true if you weren’t my best friend—if you didn’t mean so much to Riley. It matters to me that you’re okay with it. You have to admit, itisa little weird.”

“Jacob loves you, Fallon, and he adores Riley and Owen. Maybe one day, he’ll decide he wants children of his own. People’s needs and desires can change at times. I don’t think Jacob craves fatherhood. He likes his freedom too much. I know he considered becoming an anonymous donor. I think helping you and Riley would mean a great deal to him.”

“I asked howyoufeel about it.”

“I don’t know,” Andi admitted.

Fallon nodded.

“I don’t have any negative feelings about it,” Andi clarified.

“But it’s a little strange,” Fallon said. “Isn’t it? I’d be the parent of your grandchild.”

“You’re already the parent of my grandson.”

“It’s not the same thing, and you know it.”

“No, but it’s also not so different. Is it strange?” Andi asked rhetorically. “If I thought about it incessantly, I might find it a littlestrange. But it doesn’t feelwrong, if that’s what you’re asking. Does it to you?”

“No,” Fallon said. “It’s just—it’s the memories, you know? Of teaching him to ski and listening to his stories. Christ, Andi, I watched him grow up!”

“I know.”

“Riley says she’s open to possibilities. But I know she wants to accept Jacob’s offer.”

“Probably so,” Andi agreed.

“And a big part of me does, too. I mean, we’re already family.”

Andi smiled.

“But sometimes I think of that weekend,” Fallon admitted. “How excited he was that we came to see his work. The look on his face. He knew, Andi. He knew something was between us.”

“I’m sure he did. Jacob is perceptive.”

“And he was happy about it,” Fallon added. “And the truth is there were times when I thought about it—what it would be like if we were together.”

“We both did,” Andi said.

“And it’s a little—it’s Jacob!”

Andi chuckled.

“You’re laughing at me?”

“No. I understand. I’ve had the same thoughts.”

“Please tell me the truth,” Fallon requested.

“I’m okay with whatever you decide,” Andi said. “It won’t change how much I love any of you, present or future company.”

Fallon nodded.

“Were you hoping I’d tell you I’d prefer you made a different choice?” Andi asked.

“No.”

Andi pursed her lips.

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