Page 21 of The Scrooge Effect

“Yes,” I grumbled.

“Well, it doesn’t work like that. He won’t just change overnight.”

“I know, but—” I bit my lip as tears pricked my eyes. God, I hated crying.

“What is it?”

I looked up at him through blurry eyes. “I’m pregnant.”

Instead of the depressing look Edu gave me, Oliver grinned from ear to ear. “That’s amazing!”

“I know, but⁠—”

His smile fell, and then rage took over. “What did he do? Did he fucking⁠—”

“Nothing like that, okay?”

“Sorry, but after what happened with Gracie…”

“It wasn’t like that. He just wasn’t excited. Not even a little. I mean, he didn’t yell at me and humiliate me like the first time, but I don’t think that’s considered a giant step forward.”

“Maybe he’ll be better tonight once he processes this,” he said, just a tad calmer.

“And if he isn’t?” Nudging my head against his shoulder, I snuggled my brother. “I want to be happy about this baby. I’m so sick of tiptoeing around all the things that might set him off, and I know that’s wrong. I’m his wife and I need to be supportive, but…this sucks so bad.”

“Hey, it works both ways. He needs to learn to step up, too. It can’t always be on your shoulders.”

“Right, but when does that happen? When the kids have moved out of the house?”

Sighing, he leaned back in the chair, pulling me with him. “I don’t know, kid. Maybe you should start complaining about your childhood trauma and see if he takes the hint.”

“The last thing I want to do is relive childhood trauma, thank you very much. And don’t call me kid. I’m bigger than you.”

“You are not,” he snorted.

“Well, I will be in nine months!”

A throat cleared, and the woman from earlier stepped out, blushing furiously. “Hi. I’m Katherine.”

“Naked woman,” I grinned.

Oliver elbowed me, and I quickly corrected myself. “It’s nice to meet you.” I wiggled my fat ass out of the chair and walked over to her, choosing to give her a hug instead of a handshake. “Welcome to the family! Oliver talks nonstop about you. I just can’t believe how amazing you are. We’ll have to get together and go shopping for wedding dresses and— ooh! Can I be your maid of honor?”

I started jumping up and down excitedly, to which Oliver groaned.

“Harper!”

Laughing, I turned back to a very frightened Katherine. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist. But seriously, you are the longest relationship he’s ever had. Maybe if things go well, he’ll propose in ten years.”

“Um…” She looked from me to Oliver, her eyes pleading for help.

“Okay, well, I’m out of here, kids. I’ve got a husband to set straight and Christmas to decorate for. I have a feeling this year we’re going overboard,” I said, winking conspiratorially at Oliver.

“Harper! You’re only going to piss him off!” he shouted as I closed the door.

That may be, but I was nothing if not persistent.

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