Page 50 of The Chef's Kiss
“Care to tell us why we needed to come here?” Carter crossed his arms, his eyes accusing.
Conrad sent him a shut-up look I recognized well. “I’m sure she has a good reason.” He’d always been softer with me than the others.
“I do, actually.” I fiddled with the ends of my hair as I stood in front of them, feeling suddenly like I was naked in front of the whole world.
Granddad squeezed my hand and spoke to the others. “All of you will remain calm. When Jo finishes, you will think of her before anything else. We Ashfords might have our problems, but we take care of our own.”
Carter sat up. “Does this have something to do with you being in the hospital?”
That got Conrad’s attention. “What? How come no one told me?” He glared at Conner.
“I didn’t know either,” Conner said, his defenses rising. “How the heck does Carter, of all people, know and not us? Jorgie, are you okay?”
Conrad came forward until he was right in front of me. “What’s wrong? Do we need to take you to the city for a second opinion? Whatever they told you, it might be okay. You were in Hidden Cove, right? What do they know anyway?”
“Are you dying?” Carter asked.
To my surprise, my dad saved me. “Everyone,” he boomed, “quiet. Let your sister speak.”
But all my words had fled in their panic.
“Conrad.” Granddad put a hand on his chest. “Give her some space.”
My oldest brother, still tense, went back to leaning against the wall.
I drew in a deep breath, unable to look at my father. “I’m pregnant,” I whispered.
“What?” Conner said.
“Yeah.” Carter lifted a brow. “Definitely didn’t catch that.”
“Oh, for freak’s sake, I said I’m pregnant.”
Silence. Complete and utter silence. It was the longest few moments of my entire life.
“Wait.” Carter was the first to move, getting to his feet. A smile spread across his face. “You’re going to live?” He rushed forward, yanking me into a hug.
I was too stunned to speak.
“Did you hear what she said?” Conner looked from me to Carter, his brow furrowed. “Our little sister is having a kid.”
“So?” Carter didn’t let me go. “At least she isn’t dying. Plus, I’ve always thought I would make an awesome uncle.” He was still grinning. “Can you believe it? Uncle Carter. This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“You?” I finally found my voice.
Conrad ripped Carter off me and wrapped me in a less energetic hug. But it was no less tight. “I love you,” he said.
Tears welled in my eyes. It was exactly what I’d needed to hear.
Conner stared at me. “And the father?”
“Not in the picture.”
“I’m going to need a name and where I can find him.”
I pulled away from Conrad. “No, you’re going to come here, hug me, and tell me this will all be okay.”
His face softened. “Of course it will be. You’re an Ashford. You’re never alone, and that kid won’t be either.” He gave me a quick hug.
