Chapter 42
“H ow are things going with your mum?”
I still can’t believe I’m saying these words to Cora after everything we’ve been through, after all the grieving we did. But as I watch her on FaceTime, holding April to her chest and cooing softly, it’s clear this is exactly what was missing from her life. There’s a lightness about her now, a happiness I’ve never seen so vividly before.
“It’s still incredibly strange,” she admits, her voice soft. “I wake up convinced it’s all just a dream, but being able to introduce April to her… to show her my wedding photos... it’s priceless.” Her voice wavers, and she looks on the verge of tears before clearing her throat and fixing her questioning gaze on me.
“How’s the reshaping of the Clan going?”
“It’s… going,” I say with a sigh. “I don’t think Logan’s had more than a handful of hours of sleep, and if the rapidly depleting numbers are anything to go by, I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s no one left by the time he’s done.”
“Jesus, there are really that many corrupt assholes down there?” Her shock would almost be amusing if the situation weren’t so serious.
“Best believe it.” I pause, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Anyway, there’s a reason I called you.”
As much as I hate to burst her happy bubble, keeping my recent doctor’s visit a secret has been eating me alive. The words feel like shards of glass in my throat, but as I start to word-vomit everything—from my suspicions about my irregular cycle, to the testing and results, and how Logan has been nothing but supportive—it’s like a weight lifts off my shoulders. Even if it still feels like an open wound for all to see.
“Abbie...” Cora’s voice is thick with emotion. “I can’t even imagine… Why didn’t you tell me sooner? You know I’d drop everything— do anything —to be there for you. Hell, I’ll even be a surrogate for you if that’s what you want. It would be my greatest honour.” Tears stream down her face as she clutches April tighter, as though my news has reminded her of just how precious her daughter is.
“I love you with my whole soul, Cora. You know that, right?” My voice cracks, but I push through. “It was just a lot to process, and then everything exploded. I think Logan and I will look into our options when the time is right, but that offer… it means the world to me.”
I’m once again reminded of how pure and selfless my best friend is, and I’m eternally grateful to have her in my life.
“What do you think?” I ask, spinning in a circle as I present the newly crowned master bedroom to Logan. While he’s been up to his eyes dealing with the Clan, I’ve put Smithy and the girls to work helping me renovate the house.
Downstairs is mostly the same, aside from a few wedding photos and fresh flowers dotted around. But the second and third floors? They’re nearly unrecognisable.
The old master bedroom has been transformed into an entertainment room with all the frills—gaming consoles, a home cinema, you name it. Sleeping in what was once Logan’s father’s room wasn’t an option, but changing it into something he would’ve hated feels like poetic justice.
My former bedroom is now a massive walk-in wardrobe, complete with a cat tree and dog bed. And our room? It boasts a brand-new super king-size bed that feels like sleeping on a cloud.
“I think I’m scared to look at my bank account,” Logan chuckles, running his hand along the new duvet and scratching Rocky’s ears.
“I stuck to the budget… mostly,” I laugh, tugging him down onto the bed beside me.
“Hmm… this is nice,” he rumbles, burying his face in my hair and pulling me close.
“It is, isn’t it? And long overdue.” I tilt my head back to meet his gaze, teasing him with a smile.
“Tell me about it. But we’re nearly there. Just a few more interrogations and the Old Guard to deal with, and then life will be easier. Knowing everyone still here is fully vetted will be worth it.” His sigh says it all, the weight of his responsibilities clear in his tone.
“Is there even going to be anyone left?” I laugh, reaching up to smooth out the frown lines on his forehead.
Grabbing my hand, he presses a kiss to my palm before letting it go. “A few, but Jonathan will be sending reinforcements to make up the difference.”
“Nice to see marrying me is paying off,” I quip, only to squeal when he growls, rolling me onto my back and pinning my arms above my head. His intense gaze meets mine as he smirks.
“Marrying you was the best thing I ever did.”