been chosen when a reporter for the paper called me last week and
asked me a series of questions.
The title reads “Best new businesses in Boston. Votes are in for your top
ten!”
I smile and almost spill my coffee when Ryle pulls me in, picks me
up, and spins me around.
He said he had three pieces of news, and if he started with that
one, I have no idea what the other two could be. “What’s the second
thing?”
He sets me back down on my feet and says, “I started with the best
one. I was too excited.” He takes a sip of his coffee and then says, “I
got selected for the training at Cambridge.”
My face is taken over by a huge smile. “You did?” He nods and then
he hugs me and spins me around again. “I’m so proud of you,” I say,
kissing him. “We’re both so successful, it’s sickening.”
He laughs.
“Number three?” I ask him.
He pulls back. “Oh, yeah. Number three.” He casually leans against
the counter and takes a slow sip of his coffee. He gently places his
coffee back on the counter. “Allysa is in labor.”
“What?!” I yell.
“Yeah.” He nods toward our coffees. “That’s why I brought you
caffeine. We aren’t getting any sleep tonight.”
I start clapping, jumping up and down, and then panicking as I try
to find my purse, my jacket, my keys, my phone, the light switch. Right
before we make it to the door, Ryle rushes back to the counter and
grabs the newspaper and tucks it under his arm. My hands are
shaking with excitement as I lock the door.
“We’re gonna be aunts!” I say as I run to my car.
Ryle laughs at my joke and says, “Uncles, Lily. We’re gonna be
uncles.”
- • •
Marshall calmly steps out into the hallway. Ryle and I both perk up
and wait for the news. It’s been quiet in there for the past half an
hour. We’ve been waiting to hear Allysa scream in agony—a sign she