“It’s going to be fine,” he promised. After all, with his money and a mother’s love, their baby would be well taken care of.

CHAPTER 18

Aria left once she’d pulled herself back together. Eli had taken the news far better than she’d hoped, but his insistence on being a distant figure in their child’s life concerned her. Maybe he needed time to process the news and adjust to the idea of being a father before they discussed particulars.

Aria still hadn’t told her parents and had no idea how to go about it. People had sex outside of marriage all the time, but most casual encounters didn’t result in pregnancy, so most people didn’t have to confess to their parents about it.

An even more horrifying thought occurred to her. How would Eli’s parents take the news? They’d probably assume she’d become pregnant to trap him, when nothing could be further from the truth. In an ideal situation, she’d raise the baby herself without accepting anyone’s charity, but although she could stretch her budget to cover a baby, she wouldn’t be able to work full-time once it was born. She might as well flush her promotion down the drain, for all the good it would do her now. She needed help.

Eli’s reticence disappointed her. She’d hoped he would be an equal partner in parenthood. Although he might not believe it, he would be a good dad. And while it would be difficult for her to have him around but not taste his kisses or feel him against her, it would be the best thing for the baby.

Their baby.

The idea was starting to grow on her. It wasn’t like she had any choice in the matter, so she might as well embrace it.

Over the weekend, she picked up some baby-related items in Timaru, where fewer people would recognize her, and then conference-called Sophie and Avery.

When they answered, she didn’t bother with the usual formalities. “Come to my place.”

“What’s wrong?” Sophie asked.

“Nothing,” Aria replied quickly. “Well, I guess something, but it’s also exciting. If you don’t come, you’ll be disappointed later.”

“Give me ten minutes,” Avery said before hanging up abruptly.

“Polite as always,” Sophie muttered sarcastically. “I’ll be there soon, babes.”

Aria lugged the bags into her living room. She poured two glasses of wine and one of sparkling grape juice, then opened a packet of Tim-Tams, a rare indulgence, and popped one into her mouth.

Sophie arrived before Avery. She must have jumped into her car as soon as she got off the phone because she was wearing sweatpants, a baggy singlet and fluffy slippers. Avery arrived only a few minutes later, looking far more composed. Aria handed them each a glass of wine and sipped her own drink while they got comfortable on the couch.