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“Absolutely. This was your idea, and it’s coming to life.”
“It was your vision, honey. I just wanted to support it.”
I gave them both a tour, and then we sat and had some coffee, while Hannah hung out with John at the bar making Shirley Temple drinks.
“This is Ethiopian coffee,” I said as I set the little pot on the table. “We’re unable to craft it like they really do in Ethiopia, or have the full ceremony, but this is as close as I can get. You just put sugar, no milk.”
Beth grinned. “I get coffee and a culture lesson.” She took a sip. “That’s lovely.”
“I can’t believe this is coming true. Thank you, Beth.” I reached out and took her hand, feeling silly that tears were coming to my eyes.
“Of course, honey.” She tilted her head. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. Just overwhelmed by it all.”
“You’ll be great. You’re a strong, smart woman.”
I mustered a smile. “Hannah is doing great. She and Ash seemed to have taken to each other well.”
She frowned. “He is her father.”
“I know, but… he wasn’t there for much of her life. How was it keeping such a secret from him?”
Beth’s eyes narrowed, and I could see she didn’t like the question. I couldn’t blame her. It was a painful time for her. “What secrets are you keeping, Morgan?”
“None.” I waved her comment away.
Beth studied me for a moment and then said, “It wasn’t hard when I didn’t think I’d ever see him, but as you know, when he came back in my life, it was extremely difficult. And wrong. You were right about that. He needed to know sooner rather than later, and I’m so grateful that he forgave me. I don’t know what I’d do if he hadn’t.”
“He loves you, Beth.” That was the difference between her and Ash, and me and Kade. I took one look at Ash with Beth and knew he loved her. A soul-deep love that wouldn’t ever end. Kade didn’t love me. He’d take care of me and the baby, I was sure of that. But we wouldn’t be like Beth and Ash.
I was able to get our conversation onto another path, but when Beth and Hannah left, I wasn’t able to distract myself from my own worries.
“Is the stress starting to get to you?” John asked when he caught me lost in thought as I inventoried the booze at the bar.
“Just a lot to think about,” I said, going back to my counting.
He put his hand on my shoulder. “It’s going to be fantastic, Morgan. I won’t let it be otherwise. You’ll give Kade Raven’s restaurants a run for their money.”
I grinned. “I like the sound of that.”
“I don’t.”
I whipped around to see Kade striding across the dining area. His eyes were narrowed on where John had his hand on my shoulder.
John immediately dropped his arm. “Mr. Raven. Just giving Morgan a pep talk.” He turned to me. “I’m going to review the menu with the chef.”
“Thank you, John.”
Kade reached the bar and smiled. My heart did a flip flop. Or maybe it was his baby growing inside me. Beth was right; I really needed to tell him.
“You and John seem to be getting along.” There was a tension in his voice that I didn’t understand.
I shrugged. “He seems eager to please.”
His jaw tensed. “What about you?”
“I just want this place to do well.”
His expression softened and he came around the bar, putting his hands on my arms. “I’ve opened a lot of restaurants, so I know a thing or two. This one is going to do well.”
I smiled at him. Yearning filled my chest. I wanted this man. I wanted him to love me. To love our baby. I wanted with him what Beth had with Ash. But I knew that was pie-in-the-sky. I couldn’t keep this secret forever, but I knew I didn’t have to reveal it right away either. Maybe the test was wrong. I’d go to a doctor, and if it turned out I was really pregnant, I’d start doing what I needed to do to grow a healthy baby. But I’d wait to say anything until I was sure I was going to be able to stand on my own two feet to raise it. The last thing I needed was Kade accusing me of trapping him for money.
“I’m going to take your word for it, then,” I said to him.
“Good. How about we grab some dinner?”
“I’d love to, but I need to get home.”
He frowned. “Is something wrong, Morgan?”
I shook my head. Could he tell I was keeping a secret from him? “Nothing beyond the usual. I told my mom I’d help her this evening.”
He nodded, but didn’t look convinced. “Can I help with anything?”
“Are you kidding?” I motioned to the dining area. “You’ve done so much for me already. I just hope when we open that John and I make you proud.”
