Chapter - 158
"Oy, where'd you doze off to?" Thorne's gruff voice snapped Jacob out of his thoughts as the old man banged a heavy fist on the counter.
Jacob blinked, shaking his head as he pushed aside the warm memory of Angela's joyful news. He realized he'd been smiling.
"Nothing, just remembered something." He took another sip of his ale before leaning back. "As I was saying, I'll be taking care of Angela and Althea, making sure both of them have the most comfortable pregnancies possible."
"Make sure you do," Thorne said with a nod, his expression serious.
The two continued drinking, their conversation drifting to simpler things—bar fights Thorne had broken up, rumors from the city, the best roasted boar Thorne had ever eaten. The ale flowed freely, and the occasional laughter from the few remaining patrons punctuated the late-night silence.