Total pages in book: 151
Estimated words: 142976 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 477(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142976 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 477(@300wpm)
She appreciated Cade inferring that her gaffe had been intentional.
He reached into his back trouser pocket, and produced a brushed platinum credit card holder. Fern watched in utter shock as he opened it, and produced the most recent ultrasound image of her pregnancy. It had been carefully folded, and looked a little worn around the edges, as if it had been handled regularly. She hadn’t known he still had it, much less that he kept it on his person at all times.
He held it up in one capable hand, and Mike Holmes leaned forward to have a look, smiling brightly, before he indicated toward the camera.
“Do you mind if we—?” He allowed the question to taper off, his meaning clear and Fern and Cade exchanged uncertain glances before he shook his head. Fern knew him well enough by now to recognize that, while still not a hundred percent happy about the development, he was resigned to the fact that the cat was well and truly out of the bag.
“Zoom in so everyone can have a look, Gus,” Mike invited one of the cameramen and Cade held the grainy image up a little longer, before carefully refolding it and putting it back in his credit card holder.
“I wish I could say that’s the cutest little blighter I’ve ever seen, Niall, but…” the host said with a regretful shake of his head and Cade chuckled warmly.
“I get it, but if this kid looks anything like their mum, I’ll be more than happy,” Cade said, and the audience once again aawed. He really had them eating out of his hand.
Who knew he could be so charming? Definitely not Fern.
“Niall and Fern, thank you so much for sharing your happy news on Holmes@Home first. I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say that I hope your wonderful, fairytale romance continues to go from strength to strength. Thank you for joining us tonight and sharing your inspirational love story with us.”
And just like that it was over. The spotlight shifted to Trystan and Iris Abbott. There were a few asides thrown their way to keep Cade and Fern engaged and involved, with Mike laughingly pointing out the fact that both men had once dated pop superstar Laura Prentiss. But the focus remained mostly on the Abbotts who were fast becoming Hollywood’s golden—yet most reclusive—couple.
Fern sat in a quiet daze, smiling at the right time, hand still lightly clasped in Cade’s, acutely aware that her husband, for all his easy smiles and chuckles, was absolutely livid.
The second half of the show passed in a blur, Fern even managed to gather herself enough to rave about Iris’s last book and squeal with excitement at her announcement of her upcoming release. Despite her shyness, Fern found it easy to talk to Iris, whose reassuring and encouraging gaze bolstered her courage.
Mike Holmes, quickly clueing in that Fern was a fan, encouraged her to ask a few fangirl questions about the sequel to Iris’s bestselling werewolf detective novel Lunar Storm.
After going off the air, they were all ushered back into the green room, where Fern sat quietly on the sofa, while Cade, Iris, and Trystan chatted with Mike Holmes.
Everything about this evening felt completely surreal and she wasn’t even sure what coming on Holmes@Home would possibly achieve that their past interviews could not. All she knew was that Cade was angry, and she wasn’t sure why.
Yes, they probably should have discussed announcing the pregnancy beforehand, but it had been an impulsive decision and, since he’d already told his siblings and father, she didn’t see what harm it could do. It would lend credence to their “happily married” lie.
Wouldn’t it?
Oh God, what if he knew something she didn’t? And she’d somehow made everything worse?
Suddenly riddled with doubt and guilt, she gnawed at her thumbnail, while the others continued to chat amicably.
Iris dropped down on the sofa next to her and cozily hooked an arm through Fern’s.
“How’re you feeling?”
“Tired. A little shell-shocked. Glad it’s over.”
“Well, you handled it like a pro,” the woman said with an encouraging smile “Listen, Fern, would you like to have lunch or something sometime?”
“You want to have lunch with me?” Fern stared at the woman in surprise.
Iris Hughes was a bubbly woman, with wavy black hair, a generously curved figure, and warm brown skin. She was about Fern’s age, but seemed a lot more confident and outgoing than her. Why she’d want to have lunch with someone as boring and shy as—
“Yes, I’d like that very much,” the woman said, with a shy smile. Her words effectively cutting off Fern’s intrusive and insecure thoughts. “I was bullied too, you know? And please don’t doubt that what your stepfamily has done to you is a form of bullying and coercion. I know how it feels to doubt yourself and your value. I’d like to get to know you because I’ve heard some of your story tonight and I’ve seen your bravery and I think we have a lot in common. And I know how hard it can be to make friends when it feels like you’re starting over.”