An Unannounced Visit

"I wasn't sure if I should tell you," Jerica admitted, her tone softening. "But I didn't want to keep it from you either."

Harold nodded slowly, his lips pressing into a thoughtful line. "Thanks for telling me. It must feel like your whole life's been flipped upside down."

"It does," Jerica admitted, offering a faint smile. "But… I think I'm figuring it out."

"Good for you, Jerica…" Harold smiled.

Jared's gaze flickered toward Jerica, wondering if she was going to mention her pregnancy. Shouldn't that be the first thing she shared? It was far more significant in his mind than her connection to the Sutherlands. Besides, he wasn't particularly fond of the way Harold looked at her, even if there was nothing overtly inappropriate about it. It was enough to keep his guard up.

After a few beats of silence, Harold suddenly burst out laughing—a loud, unrestrained chortle that echoed in their private corner of the restaurant.