“H-how far along?” Mrs. Hastings stammered.
Melissa’s gaze fell bashfully to her midsection. “Nine weeks,” she said. “We just had an ultrasound, and everything looks great.” She pulled out a black-and-white picture and passed it around. Amelia and Mr. Pennythistle oohed.
When the picture made its way to Spencer, she focused hard, trying to discern where the little blob’s head and feet might be. She also felt a rush of love for her sister. Perhaps this was why Melissa didn’t want to get too involved with the Ali stuff—professing she was alive to the press, et cetera. Maybe she wanted to protect her unborn child from Ali’s wrath.
“Well, then, the wedding has to happen quickly,” Mrs. Hastings said primly, folding her hands. It was pretty clear the baby had been a surprise to her, too. “Good thing I gave Darren one of my rings for the engagement.”
On cue, Melissa pulled the ring from the box. The huge, square-cut diamond sparkled magically around the room, throwing prismatic shapes on the walls. Spencer almost burst out laughing again. “That was your old engagement ring from Dad, wasn’t it?” she asked her mom.
“Yes,” Mrs. Hastings said, a defensive edge to her voice. “Your father is a jerk, but he has exquisite taste in jewels.”
Melissa tilted her hand back and forth. “It was so nice of you to let us have this, Mom.”
Mrs. Hastings sliced at her meat. “Oh, you girls are set to inherit a treasure trove of things from your father. None of it means anything to me anymore.” Then she looked up sharply at Spencer. “Well, you won’t get anything. You’ll be in jail—it’ll be no use to you there. Amelia can take your half.”
Spencer’s mouth fell open. It felt as though her mother had just kicked her in the stomach. She’d always known her mom could be tactless, but come on.
There was an awkward pause; it was clear no one knew what to say. Then Melissa touched Spencer’s hand. “How does it feel, knowing you’re going to be an aunt?”
Spencer tried to smile and shift gears. “Great. I’m so excited for you. And I’ll try to be the best aunt ever.”
“Actually, I was hoping you’d be more than an aunt,” Melissa said cautiously, twisting her new ring around her finger. “Maybe a godmother, too?”
“Me?” Spencer touched her chest. “Are you sure?” She might very well be a godmother in jail, after all.
“Of course.” Melissa squeezed Spencer’s thigh. “I want you in our baby’s life, Spence. You’re the strongest person I know, especially given all you’ve been through.” She glanced at her mother, who had jumped up from her seat and was rushing into the kitchen. “Don’t pay attention to Mom, okay?” she whispered. “I’ll give you half the jewels I inherit. But only the ugly ones.” She nudged her playfully.
Spencer wiped away a tear, overwhelmed by her sister’s kindness. “Thanks,” she mustered. “I’ll take the ugliest ones you get.”
Melissa dabbed at her mouth with a napkin. “I heard you’re back in touch with Wren.”
Even though Spencer had been forewarned, she still felt her cheeks burn. “It’s just because he’s my doctor,” she said quickly. “We’re not, like, you know.”
“Even if you were, that would be okay.”
Spencer stared at her, surprised. “Really?”
Melissa nodded. “Wren used to talk about you all the time. And what happened at the end there . . . well, I can’t say I didn’t sort of orchestrate it, you know?” She looked down at the ultrasound picture next to her plate. “I just want you to be as happy as I am.”
“Thanks,” Spencer bleated.
As she said it, she realized she kind of was happy. Not with the predicament she was in, obviously, but in this moment. She thought of a baby coming into their lives and how much joy that would bring. She thought of how pleasant it was to have a real, true, precious relationship with Melissa. And then she thought of Wren. Leaning toward her. Kissing her lightly. That contented look on his face afterward, as he’d stared at the trees.
She grabbed her phone, suddenly charged with purpose. Wren’s text from the other day was still in her inbox; she hit a button and composed a reply. Thanks for coming over today, she typed quickly. I hope I can see you again.
She hoped he hoped so, too.
16