Page 23 of Cross the Line

“Aw. Did you want to say hi to Auntie Logan?” Georgia asked Bryn’s Bernadoodle in a cutesy voice.

I laughed. “Kylie, tell me the truth. How much wine has Georgia had?”

“More than she should.”

“Hey!” Georgia lifted her glass. “It’s Friendsgiving. We have to cel-e-brate. Celly!!”

I furrowed my brow, watching Georgia as she wandered off to talk to someone else. While she was usually rather graceful, she seemed unsteady on her heels.

“Is she okay?” I asked Kylie, careful to keep my voice low.

Kylie glanced over her shoulder before turning back to the screen. She leaned in, speaking softly. “I think G was seeing someone, and she’s disappointed he didn’t invite her to Thanksgiving with his family.”

Interesting. “I didn’t even realize she was seeing anyone. At least, not seriously.” It was yet another reminder of just how much I was missing out on in my friends’ lives by living across the country.

Boone leaned over Kylie’s shoulder. “How’s it going, Frost?”

I laughed. “I’m good.” We talked for a few minutes, and then he handed the phone off to Zayn. I half hoped I’d get a chance to see Carson, but I knew it was probably better if I didn’t.

I talked to Zayn briefly, and then Frasier, before, finally, the phone was passed off to Bryn. She stood from Frasier’s lap, walking to a different room.

“How are you?” I asked when she closed the door to her room, settling on the bed.

“I’m good.” She wore this smile that almost made it seem as if she was radiating happiness. “How are you? How was your visit with your family?”

“It was nice, though I find myself feeling surprisingly homesick for California.”

She smiled. “We miss you too, Lo. Do you think you’ll be coming to visit anytime soon?” she asked.

“I don’t know. I hope so, but you know how hectic the season is.”

She nodded. “Maybe during the off-season?”

“I’d like that,” I said.

“Good. Because you’re going to be an auntie, and I’m hoping you’ll come meet this kid when they’re born.”

“Wait. What?” I jerked my head back. Was she saying what I thought she was?

“I’m pregnant!”

“Oh my god, Bryn.” A few tears leaked out, and I quickly wiped them away. “I wish I were there to give you a hug.”

She smiled. “So do I.”

“How are you feeling? How far along are you?”

“I’m barely in my second trimester. Baby is due in June.”

“Right in time for Stanley Cup Finals.” I grinned. “They’re a hockey baby already.”

She laughed. “As to your other question about how I’m feeling. I’m excited, but also…content. I don’t know how to describe it, but ever since I told Frasier about the baby, I’ve felt so at peace with everything.”

“I’m glad,” I said, knowing how hard-won that happiness and peace had been after losing Derek. “And I’m sure Frasier’s been taking good care of you, right?”

She laughed. “For sure. He’s…” She sighed, this dreamy smile on her face. “The best.”

“I’m glad you have each other. And I will absolutely come when the baby is born.”