Hot Revenge Box Set 4

Michael

“I’m pregnant.”

Charlotte’s mother chews at a lip as Beth holds her hand. “I… I thought I couldn’t… I thought I was too old. I’m forty-eight for God’s sake… When Larry was here, I didn’t… I mean… we didn’t…” She splutters to a halt and sits staring at her fingertips, picking at one thumbnail with the other. “You must think I’m stupid, letting something like this happen...” She slants eyes toward Charlotte… “… Again.”

“I see.” I glance over towards James, still framed in the doorway, now gazing up at the ceiling, grimacing as he rubs the back of his neck.

“Interesting news, James,” I say, twisting in my seat to face him. Out of Mitch’s line-of-sight, I eye-point her, waving palms downwards…

Cool it…

Moving as though the earth might just cave in under me, I pull up a chair, sit by my ‘mother-in-law’. “In the first place, Mitch, I don’t think you’re stupid. I can understand why…”

Choose your words…

“… why you might not have believed there was an issue. Secondly, for the avoidance of doubt, you are not old.”

Her mouth opens and closes but nothing comes out.

“So…” I glance down at the pregnancy tester, and its blue line. I prise her hand from Beth’s, sandwiching it between my own. “So…how do you feel about it, Mitch?”

She raises emerald eyes to me, so like those of her daughter’s. But they’re glossy and fluid.

James, apparently recovering his composure, joins us, snaking out a long arm to pull up a chair and sit with us. In soft tones, he says, “… Um… An… interesting situation… Are you… happy about this, Mitch?”

Her voice chokes. “I’ve not gotten that far. I only knew for certain half an hour ago. I still can’t believe it… Oh, God…” Shuddering, she tugs free of me, dropping her face into her hands. “What am I going to do?”

then kisses them. “Mitch, you’re

is rapid and short. Cheeks scalding red, her pupils are black

share a look, then he releases

playing with the emerald and platinum band on the fourth finger… “… you’re wearing his ring. Unlikely as it might seem, Larry Klempner’s

around the finger. “Do you think

air. “Well, I’m blowed if I know what else it could

ring in circles,

from what we know of him, over a period

James Hmmms agreement.

have the answer on to

“that he expected parenthood to

time we saw him, in prison still, after he realised he was Charlotte’s father, he was so proud. He is still proud. You can see

bites

“I’m sure.”

looks to James, who nods agreement.

She’ll have a baby

“Calm down. There is only one…” I press a forefinger to the back of the hand. “… important question here.

breathing shudders,

decide, everyone here… I know without asking that James agrees…” James nods vigorously… “ … And I am happy to speak for

Mitch blinks hard…

Breathes…

Calms…

want it.” She splutters… “Him… Her… Whatever... I want