Chapter 428

Tilda felt a surge of embarrassment when she finally realized she was pregnant before getting married.

Claire picked up on Tilda’s discomfort immediately. “Tilda, you just follow your heart, that’s all. You’re both adults, your families already planned the wedding ages ago. Pregnant and married, it’s a celebration all around p>

Tilda relaxed after hearing that, her expression softening. Years of working as a journalist had taught her how to keep her cool, and it didn’t take her long to regain her usual confidence.

“Honestly, Claire, I was worried I might not even be able to get pregnant because of my health,” Tilda admitted. “People like us… not having a child isn’t really an option p>

Claire nodded. Big families came with their own set of pressures. She understood without Tilda needing to explain.

“You’re already pregnant, so you can let go of all that worry.” Claire’s voice was gentle as she tried to comfort her friend.

“I’ve had irregular periods for ages, though. Will that hurt the baby?” Tilda looked down, her concern obvious. “And Van, he was so badly hurt. I practically dragged him back from the brink. He hasn’t touched a drink or smoked lately, but he’s still on lots of meds p>

Claire couldn’t help thinking, If you knew all that, why didn’t you take precautions? Tilda caught the look and turned a little red.

She managed a sheepish grin. “I couldn’t help myself. He was lying there injured, and I just couldn’t resist p>

Claire had to laugh. “You really are something else p>

Tilda’s laughter faded into worry. “Do you think the baby will be healthy p>

“Technically, some things might have an effect, but it’s mostly on Van’s side, not yours. No one can say for sure. Just take care of yourself, and tell the doctor everything at your next checkup p>

Tilda finally seemed reassured. Together, they headed into the little restaurant.

The place didn’t have many customers, but the food was incredible. Claire tried a

bunch of Cabinda dishes, and even the desserts were delicious.

Halfway through their meal, Claire’s phone rang. It was Dane.

“I think I just saw you,” he said.

Claire blinked in surprise. “Where did you see me p>

“I’m at a little

le private restaurant. I

swear I just saw you go by.” Dane leaned against the wall while he talked, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. He wasn’t even sure if the drinks he’d had were playing tricks on him, but he called anyway feeling good.

“If you mean Lamplight, then yeah, I’m here,” Claire replied, keeping things honest.

Now Dane sounded surprised. “Wait, you really are at Lamplight p>

He’d been sure it was the alcohol making him see things.

“Yeah, I’m having dinner with Tilda p>

So that’s who was with her. He’d

only caught sight of Claire and

hadn’t seen anyone else. Jus

he

was about to ask, Claire beat him to

it.

Since she was with Tilda, Dane relaxed. “Which room are you in? I’ll come over p>

Claire turned to Tilda. “Dane’s here. He wants to stop by p>

Tilda burst out laughing. “He’s definitely making this trip just for you p>

“Let him come. We’re in Whispering Leaves,” Claire replied without missing a beat. She wasn’t flustered by the teasing at all; her tone was calm as she spoke into the phone, “We’re in Whispering Leaves p>

“I’ll be there soon.” Dane hung up, headed to the restroom, and splashed his face with cold water.

Just as he was about to find the Whispering Leaves room, someone called out. “Dane, you’re going the wrong way p>

He turned, gave a polite nod, and replied, “Just saw a friend of mine. Going to say hi p>

“Alright, go ahead,” the other person said and left it at that.