“I’m not sure.” God, I loved that she was finally talking to me about her pregnancy. I wanted to know everything. I was so curious about it all, but I hadn’t wanted to ask her questions when she wasn’t ready to discuss it. “You could ask my sister—she knows all about being pregnant.”

“Kate?” she asked.

“Yeah.” I nodded. “She’s only been pregnant once, but the older kids’ mom was her best friend, so she was the support crew on those pregnancies.”

“I guess we should probably tell people soon,” she muttered, picking a piece of lint off her pants.

I didn’t tell her that Kate already knew. Now that we were finally communicating, I really didn’t want to bring up my freak-out at the hospital. It wasn’t the time. I’d tell her in a few years, when all of this was just a fond memory.

“I’d really like to tell my parents,” I admitted. “But we can wait a little longer, if you want.”

“I—” She paused for a long moment. “Can we just keep it to ourselves a little longer?”

“Sure,” I replied, trying to hide my disappointment.

“I’m sorry,” she said quietly, leaning against me. “I just don’t want to tell your family and not tell mine.”

“They’re still not taking your calls?” I asked, familiar anger burning in my gut.

“Not yet,” she murmured. “I can’t believe they’ve held out this long.”

“Me either,” I said.

“I’m sure that they’ll call this week,” she replied. “My aunt won’t be able to keep avoiding me.”

“I hope so, baby,” I said, planting a loud kiss on her forehead.

“Hailey invited us to a party they’re having next week,” Sarai said, groaning.

“She’s planning that far in advance?” I asked in surprise. Honestly, I was more surprised that they’d invited us at all. Sean had been keeping his distance at work, and I couldn’t imagine him willingly inviting Sarai to come over, since he knew she disliked him.

“I know, right?” Sarai said, biting her lip. “I’m kind of worried about her.”

“Because she’s planning in advance?” I joked, not understanding why she would be worried about a party. Sarai didn’t smile.

“Actually, yes.” She nodded. “She’s been showing up to school on time, too.”

“Shit, better call the Army.” I was still making jokes, but Sarai didn’t find our conversation even remotely funny.

“She’s a notorious procrastinator,” Sarai explained. “She doesn’t plan ahead, because she always thinks she has more time. I’ve known her for years and that’s never changed, so why now?”

“Maybe she decided she doesn’t want to be late anymore,” I replied. I wasn’t really seeing the problem.

“You’re not taking this seriously,” Sarai complained, standing up.

“Hey, come back,” I said, reaching for her. She dodged my hand.