“Sirena,” Charlotte grumbles. “I know you’ve been in married bliss for weeks now, but some attention this way please.”

I wince at the bite behind Charlotte’s words as I see the misery on her face. I feel guilty that I’m so happy when it’s obvious that my sister’s heart is breaking.

Reaching out, I take one of her hands into mine. “I’m really sorry. I know there’s something going on with you and I’m not being a very good sister right now. Forgive me, Charlie.”

Her eyes narrow. “I’ll forgive you as long as you refrain from calling me Charlie.”

With a wry smile, I urge, “Please talk to me and tell me what’s going on with you.”

She glances away and wipes at a tear on her face before she turns her sad eyes on me. “I’ve fallen in love with a man that I can never be with.”

I sit back in my chair in total surprise. Charlotte has always been the sensible one and seeing her like this, and knowing that she’s been seeing someone without my knowledge, hurts. I need to get over that though because my sister needs me.

“I’m not going anywhere, and you know I’ll keep it to myself.” She doesn’t seem inclined to say anything else so I ask, “Where did you meet him?”

“Your wedding.”

“But we only had family there,” I mumble, confused as to who it could be . . . then it clicks. “Tanner Jackson?” I blurt, completely surprised.

I give her no chance to speak and utterly bewildered I start to question her, “But—” then she interrupts.

“Let me explain, okay?” She clears her throat. “I felt a pull toward him from the moment we met, and I know that he felt it too. We danced and talked, and yes he told me that he was engaged.” She sighs. “I know it was wrong, but I’ve never felt like I did when I was with him . . . we spent the night together.”

“Oh.”

“He told me that it could never be more than that night, but I was selfish and took what he offered, and . . . against my better judgment we exchanged numbers. We message at least once a day, and, I don’t know what to do. I’m in love with him, Sirena.”

Her face falls. “He was so gentle with me. And when we parted the following evening, he looked as though he was hurting too.”

She shakes her head and keeps her eyes down, staring at nothing.

“I don’t know what to say. I feel really bad that I had no idea how much you’ve been hurting. I’m so sorry for that.”

“It’s okay,” she mumbles.

“No it isn’t. I’m here now though . . . and, I think you should go and visit him. Talk to him in person. I do know from Garrett that Tanner wasn’t a happy man because of his engagement. His father was concerned about him.”

“He looked as though he had a lot on his mind, but he’s never spoken to me about what’s going on in that respect.”

“You’re still talking to him?”

“Yes. Only messages. We both agreed it would be difficult to do Facetime.”

“Does he know how you feel?”

She lifts her gaze and when she does I’m surprised at the haunted look in them. “I haven’t said, but I think maybe he does.” She shrugs as though it’s no big deal when it is.

I’m about to respond when a still figure over Charlotte’s shoulder causes me to loose my words.

Harry.

“Sirena?” he says in surprise before he pulls himself together and turns to the woman with him. He whispers something to her and then she disappears inside with a few backward glances between him and me.

“You’re looking well,” he says and blinks a few times when he sees the look that Charlotte is giving him. He clears his throat. “I was planning on talking to you.”

I raise a brow. “Oh really.”

“Look,” he grabs a chair from the table beside ours and sits, “I know I’ve been a bastard to you, and I wanted to apologize. I also wanted you to know that you have nothing to worry about from me especially as my parents want to be involved in their grandchild’s life. I don’t blame them for that, and I can assure you, they’ve made their opinion about my actions rather clear.”

Charlotte snorts. “I bet.”

He ignores her. “You’re married now, huh? I’m glad you have what you wanted, and I’m only sorry that I wasn’t the one to give you that. I don’t regret being with you or married to you, and I wish you well.” He stands while I stare at him as though he’s been possessed. “Didn’t expect that, huh?” He chuckles.

“Um, no. I don’t know what to say,” I mutter.

“Don’t say anything. Just have a good life.” He kisses me on the top of my head and walks inside the restaurant.

I glance at Charlotte who meets my gaze. “Is he serious? No how’s the baby or anything. Just have a good life.”

“Although I was shocked to see him standing behind you, I’m actually okay. I love Garrett so much that seeing Harry did nothing for me. I’m not even mad anymore. And you know why? Because his attitude means that Garrett is going to be able to legally adopt this baby without any come back from Harry.”

“He doesn’t have a leg to stand on after signing his rights away anyway.”

“He could still easily make trouble, but I don’t think he’s going to.”

She smiles. “As long as you’re okay with everything then I’ll stop being pissed.”

“I wish I knew how to solve your love life,” I admit. “I’m your sister and I want to make it better.”

“I feel better for just talking to you about him. I just miss him, and sometimes I just want to feel his arms around me.”

“Maybe he wants you just as badly but doesn’t know how to get out of whatever he’s involved in back home.”

“We never talk about that. I wish we did because it’s like having a huge elephant in the room, you know?”

“I know.” I gasp, grabbing my stomach. “Ouch,” I wail once I catch my breath.

Charlotte jumps to her feet and dashes around to my side. “What?”

“I don’t know.” I sigh.

“Sirena!” she hisses in frustration.

“Oh God,” I cry, panicked. “It hurts.”

“You’re in labor,” Charlotte states the obvious. “Let me call an ambulance.”

Harry had obviously stayed within earshot as he suddenly appears. “My cars right there,” he insists. “It will be a lot quicker.”

We hesitate but as another pain rips through me and I nearly double over, Charlotte makes the decision for me.

Seconds later, Harry sweeps me off my feet, racing for his car.

“Has your water broken?” Charlotte asks.

“No,” I pant. “I’m scared Charlotte. It isn’t supposed to happen this quickly.”

“I read that women can be in slow labor for days, and then suddenly it’s all action.”

I’m settled against Charlotte in the backseat as Harry puts his foot down.

Charlotte continues, “There was one woman who had backache for a week and then she delivered within twenty minutes of what she thought was labor.”

“Oh no! I’ve had backache throughout my pregnancy, but it’s been slightly worse for a few days.”

Charlotte starts laughing. “And you’re the pregnant one.”

“I want Garrett.” I pant. “Please get him.” I start to cry.