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I murmured a response but I doubted Dad heard me.
He put a slice of the bread on my plate and his. “Folks in Hannibal love it. But I’ve switched vendors so it wouldn’t take too long to get here.”
His eyes went to the empty spot opposite me and his brow rose. He’d expected Liam to sit there.
But he didn’t say a word. Just rounded the table, placed Liam’s plate, and dished his serving. Then topped them all with oil and vinegar.
“It’s a brilliant product, I tell you.” He rubbed his hands together as he took his seat. “Let’s eat.”
The meal looked delicious. Dad made the best focaccia bread I had ever tasted. But I couldn’t bring myself to take a bite.
My stomach was a jumble of nerves. Nothing would stay in there, anyway. And I needed myself present for what we were about to do.
If I could disappear right now, I would. Or fast-forward to the end of the pregnancy. Maybe by then, my dad would be on board with it, and we could escape this difficult part—telling him.
But that wasn’t possible.
He deserved the truth. And not from anyone. Not even from Liam.
It had to come from me. I owed him that much.
“What is up with you two?”
My gaze shot to Dad.
“You don’t like the meal, is that it?” He looked between Liam and I. “You’ve been quiet all evening and you haven’t touched your bread yet. Did I do something wrong?”
My heart squeezed. I looked at Liam.
His gaze held the same determination I felt.
It was time for me to tell Dad.
Chapter24
Liam
Ava swallowed. She took a deep breath, then blew it out. She was gearing up to tell Thomas about us.
All evening, she believed she was more nervous than me. She had no idea. Right now, my heart was thundering in my chest.
But focusing on Ava allowed me remain present. Instead of drowning in my worries, wondering what the outcome of this night would be, I needed to support her.
She licked her lips. “Um…”
My heart clutched in sympathy for her. I reached under the table and placed a hand on her thigh. I felt her stiffen.
Thomas wouldn’t see a thing. All his attention was focused on her face.
Knowing that, I rubbed her thigh softly. Her hand found mine and I laced our fingers and squeezed once.
You’ve got this.
She glanced at me. It was only a split second. But it lasted long enough to see the gratitude in her eyes and the slight smile on her lips.
I smiled back, despite my wild heartbeat.
She was going to tell him. It wouldn’t be just our secret anymore.
