Southern Gentleman (Charleston Heat 3)

“Hey, honey! How are you feeling?”

“I’m all right,” I say, my throat welling as she wraps me in a tight, familiar hug.

She pulls back. Hands still on my arms as she looks at me, brow furrowed.

“You sure? You sound a little upset.”

Jesus, why does she have to be so wonderful?

Why does Greyson’s entire family have to be so freaking wonderful?

“I’m…yeah. I’m not doing so great.”

“Aw, sweetheart, come here.” Eliza hugs me again, running a hand over my back. “I’m so sorry you’re upset. You don’t have to tell me anything. But just know I’m here to listen. Or just to sit with you. Whatever you need, Julia, I’m here.”

“I’m sorry.” I blink hard and turn to dig through my bag for a tissue. But Eliza’s already holding one out to me. The simple gesture—how familiar it feels—makes me cry harder. “I’m sorry I’m such a mess.”

“No need to apologize. Why don’t we sit down and order some food? I always feel a bit better after I eat.”

I wipe my nose on the tissue. “That sounds great. Thank you, Eliza.”

We’re seated at a two-top by a window. I don’t get upset like this often. When I do, I usually can’t eat much. But just because I’m bumming out doesn’t mean Charlie Brown is. I’ve been ravenous for pretty much the entirety of my second trimester, and today is no exception.

I inhale my pimento cheese and fried green tomato BLT. It’s delicious.

And Eliza is right. I do feel the tiniest bit better with a full stomach.

Leaning back in my chair, I put a hand on my belly. Look at Eliza, who’s quietly working through her shrimp and kale salad.

“Oh!” she says suddenly. “I forgot to tell you.”

She reaches behind her and pulls a dog-eared copy of My Romp With the Rogue out of her purse.

“I loved it!” she exclaims. “So much so that I read it twice, then suggested it to my book club. We’ll be discussing Lord Callum and Lady Charlotte at our next meeting.”

I manage a grin. “I’m so glad y’all enjoyed it. Olivia is absolutely killing it with that series. I’m determined to help her reach bestseller status.”

“I’ll do what I can to help. She’s got a new fan in me, that’s for sure. You know how I feel about men in kilts.”

“I do, because I feel the same,” I say with a laugh. “Speaking of—well, not men in kilts. But speaking of romance and plot points and black moments—”

Eliza grins. “The professor of romance is coming out to play. I adore it.”

“Thank you. I really appreciate that. But I don’t know if you heard—I think Greyson and I are kind of having our own black moment right now.”

She nods, picking up her napkin. “I did hear y’all got into an argument. I hate to see you two hurting like this, obviously, but again, if you don’t want to talk about it, no problem. Just know if there’s anything I can do…anything at all to help y’all work things out, I’m here. We really do adore you. I mean that, Julia. You’ve made my son very happy. I hope he’s done the same for you.”

I take a deep breath. Let it out.

“How did y’all do it?” I ask. “You and Monty. How did you make this family thing work? I admire the relationship you have with your husband. You really seem to have it figured out. How?”

Eliza smiles and takes a sip of her tea.

“For starters, we may put on a good show. But Monty and I don’t have a damn thing figured out. Just last night we were running around like our hair was on fire when neither of us could get Bryce to go to bed. She screamed for an hour, Julia. An entire hour. No matter what we tried, it didn’t work. And we are experienced parents who raised two kids of our own! A three year old made us feel like complete idiots. Relationships—and parenthood—are always a work in progress. You learn as you go. And I won’t lie to you, it’s not easy. Parenting requires constant renegotiation. Constant communication.”

I wince. I’ve been open with Grey about my expectations and needs since the day I told him I was pregnant. But I definitely should’ve been much better about communicating what I meant, exactly, when I said I needed him to be a real co-parent. I should’ve talked to him more about it after that first conversation we had when I told him I was pregnant.

I just assumed he’d know that meant showing up and helping out with the big stuff and the small stuff. The fun things and the tedious things, too.

I assumed he’d get it right on the first try.

Both bad—not to mention unfair—assumptions.

He also clearly put a lot of time and thought into his house search, however misguided it might have been. Even though he did it in the wrong way, he is taking his co-parent duties seriously. He does have a plan for us. He is thinking about our future.