Chapter 26
Chapter 26
Hugo was the type to seem indifferent to most things, but when it came to work, he was a shrewd and meticulous guy. Jasper trusted his judgment.
After a moment of thought, Hugo looked up. “We can’t be sure if she’s really that Fate. Let’s not jump the gun. But you’re right, we should find time to chat, he agreed, nodding at Jasper.
Just then, his phone rang. Seeing it was Bramwell, Hugo took a deep breath and answered with a hint of impatience. “Hey, Bramwell.”
“You and Evalina haven’t been back in ages. When are you coming home to see me?” Bramwell asked right away, his voice sounding a bit stern.
“Busy,” Hugo said, trying to keep it short.
“Busy? Don’t make me come to the office and drag you here myself,” Bramwell’s voice was chilly, showing he wasn’t messing around.
Hugo could only say, “I’ll come tonight,” knowing he couldn’t put off the old man any longer.
Evalina stepped outta the hospital with some pills to keep her pregnancy going smooth. She’d had a rough patch, but the baby was holding on strong. She laid a hand on her belly, feeling all kinds of feels.
“This little one’s a fighter,” she whispered, smiling a bit. “No way I’m giving up on him now. Guess it’s just meant to be.”
But then her mind went dark. If Hugo caught wind of the baby, who knew what he’d do to ditch her for Olive?
Just then, her phone dinged. Hugo’s name flashed on the screen. Her heart did a little jump, but she took a sec to chill before answering. “Hey,
Hugo,” she said, trying to sound cool as a cucumber.
“Evalina, Grandpa’s calling us home tonight,” Hugo said.
“Whoa, really?” she asked, catching herself off guard. But she nodded. “Sure thing, I’m in.”
Bramwell was the only one in the Hayes crew who treated her right. The rest thought she wasn’t Hugo’s match and acted all high and mighty. But Bramwell, he was all about her.
She’d always felt like she let him down ‘cause she couldn’t give him that great–grandbaby he craved. Now, with a bun in the oven, she was in a real pickle. She couldn’t tell Bramwell about this baby and keeping that secret was wearing her out.
Hugo was just about to head out when Olive showed up. “What’s cooking, Hugo? Got big plans tonight?” she asked with a smile.
“Nah, just gotta swing by my grandpa’s place,” Hugo replied, a bit awkward. He knew his grandpa had never been a huge Olive fan, and it really bugged her. “He wants me to stop by.”
Olive’s smile faded a bit. “Is he trying to get you to back out of the divorce?” she asked, her voice a little shaky.
“Hey, Olive,” Hugo said softly, noticing her looking down. “He ain’t changing my mind. I’m going there to hash things out with him, and have a real
talk.”
Her eyes sparkled with hope. “Can I tag along?” she asked eagerly.
Hugo’s face fell a little, and Olive’s expression almost broke into tears. “Please, Hugo. I just wanna be there for you. This is our mess, not just yours.
“I’m gonna be your wife one day, right? Gotta face the grandpa music sooner or later. I’ve grown up a lot since we were kids. I think I can make him see I’m not the same girl.
“And maybe, just maybe, our little bundle of joy can help him come around.”
Hugo glanced at her baby bump and hesitated. Then he gave a slow nod. “Alright,” he said.
Olive’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. She felt sure of herself. She wasn’t that clueless kid from back in the day.
She’d heard Hugo’s grandpa had a soft spot for some other chick, but Olive knew she had what it took. Once he saw how much she’d matured, she was positive he’d be all about her.
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