Page 19 of Matrimonial Merger

“Like that?” No.”

“Daph, I just love you so much. I cannot look at you like anything else. Forgive me for wanting to appreciate you. You’re about to go to London for however long. I want to just enjoy you.”

She blushed bright red. “Stop it.”

“What? Does that fluster you?”

“I don’t know why you say such sweet things?—”

“Because I love you—a lot. And I’m happy, alright? I’m so happy.”

She squeezed my hand. “Me, too. I am happier than I have ever been.”

I opened my mouth to tell her I felt the same, but instead heard a familiar voice.

“Oh my God, Cal and Daphne. How are you?”

We both turned to see Kristy approaching.Was she pregnant? I couldn’t help but look and thing she was.

“We’re good,” I answered, not sure what to say. “And you?”

She cupped her stomach, “My back is killing me, but I’m good.”

“You’re pregnant?” Daphne asked. “Again?”

Kristy brimmed, “Yep. About twelve weeks. We aren’t really telling anyone yet. Too much pressure.”

“Oh my God, that’s amazing!” Daphne lit up.

Kristy gave me a look, as if wondering if we had more to say. I left that up to Daphne. She didn’t offer it up. I didn’t pry. I let her lead. The critical people knew she was pregnant. That was enough. And while Daphne and Kristy got along, I wasn’t about to wade into that mess.

“It’s been ages,” Kristy said. “We should have you over. So much to catch up on. And we’ve never celebrated your engagement.”

“You’re invited to the engagement party next month,” I said. “No worries.”

“Okay, but we should grab dinner! It’s been wild and we could use a night out sans-kid. I know I could anyhow.”

Daphne looked to me. “Well, I’d like to as well. I am sure Cal would love to catch up, but I’m off to London for a little bit.”

“Oh, well, I guess I’ll see you in February. Or maybe before? Aren’t you hosting that sustainability summit, Cal?”

“Yes,” I answered. “So, maybe I will see you before? I didn’t think about that.”

“Cool,” Kristy said. “Well, I’ve got to get poked and prodded. See you later.”

She left and I treaded on eggshells as the doors to the elevator closed.

“You are allowed to catch up with her,” Daphne clarified. “I trust you. I know Kristy is a close friend, Cal.”

I turned, confused. “Well, out of respect?—”

“Cal, I trust you. You’re with me, not Kristy. We’ve babysat her kid. Come on now! I didn’t realize you thought that. Cal, I deal with men on a daily basis and I wouldn’t think twice?—”

“I trust you to take a business meeting without me. I just… we have a history.”

“She’s your friend—one of your best friends.”

I was astonished. “But Chandler?—”

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