BECKY
　　Three months had passed, and Becky was already showing. To anyone who didn’t know—as in, pretty much the entire world—she probably just looked bloated. But to her it was huge and distracting.
　　She stared at her stomach.
　　Twins. Again.
　　Twins didn’t run in her family—Phil had a few sets of twins in his family—so why the hell was she pregnant with another set of twins? The odds were astronomical.
　　She’d only met April. Were Jack’s other two sisters twins? What about his brother? Shedidn’t know, and she couldn’t very well find out without breaking the carefully constructed barriers she’d erected between them.
　　He wasn’t on social media; only the Boathouse had a Facebook page, and she didn’t dareask his sister, either.
　　Her life was a mess and she hated Jack Priestley for it.
　　She was also distracted to a level of disorganization that made her twitchy. An important speaking engagement was coming up—which she’d only just remembered about—and she was worried it was soon. She searched her emails and downloads folders. Nothing.
　　“Argh.” This was fucking useless.
　　She searched Cass’ email.
　　They had been fighting nonstop, although she always felt terrible afterward. She’d always known Cass’ password, but because of the bad air between them, felt a little guilty using it today.
　　Cass was going to quit. One of these days, she was going to give up and leave.
　　She found some archived folders on the left-hand side of Cass’ inbox and scrolled through them looking for a label that related to events or scheduling. Perhaps Cass maintained a file for the events Rebecca had to attend?
　　She paused. One of the folders was labeled H.O.B.O. Her heart suddenly started galloping; she opened it.
　　Emails from Jack filled the screen.
　　What the hell? They were supposed to have blocked him, but Cass hadn’t.
　　None had been opened.
　　Becky knew she shouldn’t. They would be filled with lies and poison.
　　But she did.
　　They weren’t long emails, in fact, the shortest she’d ever seen.
　　Talk to me.
　　Why are you doing this?
　　What have I done wrong?
　　Whatever MJ said to you was a lie. I swear.
　　We need to talk.
　　The asshole suspected his wife of saying something. Clearly, he hadn’t confronted her,or his denial would have been more specific. Coward.
　　She wanted to stop reading, but couldn’t, so she continued.
　　Hunger gnawed at her stomach, forcing her to go to the fridge. There was still a piece ofchocolate cake—well, more than half a cake—left. She grabbed a spoon and sat back downto continue reading as she stuffed her face.
　　Every email begged her to just speak to him.
　　Mervyn had told Cass that he’d seen him, and that his face looked guilty as hell when he’d mentioned MJ.
　　So why was he still emailing her?
　　Her eyes filled with tears as she opened the last email in the folder.
　　Dear Cass, Mervyn, and Mona.
　　MJ refuses to tell me what she said to Rebecca, so I’m just going to mention everything it might be.
　　If whatever she said about me doesn’t appear on this list, please call me.
　　If not, you’ll never hear from me again. I promise.
　　The rest of the email was addressed to Becky directly. In it, he confessed that he’d slept with MJ because of who she was—his dead wife’s best friend. And that she’d meant nothing to him…she’d just felt safe.
　　It was horrible of me, I know. I regret using her when I didn’t love her. I’ve apologized. I’ll never do that again, not to anyone.
　　He then went on to talk about his wife. Not MJ. A woman named Kate. His wife had died in aplane crash seven years ago, along with their baby.
　　Becky’s lungs tightened.
　　He wrote passionately about Kate, how much he’d loved her, how precious she had been tohim, how he missed her so much that it was still hard to even speak her name out loud.
　　The cake turned to ash in her mouth. She ugly-cried, as her readers loved to put it.
　　I loved Kate so much. MJ was her best friend. I tried to make it work with her, but it never did...it just wasn’t meant to be.
　　Then...then one day at my family’s restaurant, I saw you playing with a little boy. Barefoot and all. I had no idea who you were, but how I wish I could go back to that day and just stay there, frozen in that moment. I think, no, I know that on that day you stole my heart.
　　Losing Kate is a grief that I can at least put words to. But your silence? Knowing you’re still alive…never again getting the chance to disclose to you all my fucking flaws…
　　Why didn’t you just ask me, Becky? I have many, as I’m by no means perfect, but I didn’t feel the need to show them to you in a hurry. Because you made me feel whole again.
　　Please, if anything I’ve written here makes you think I deserve the treatment I’m getting from everyone, I’ll make peace with that. I’ll have to as I won’t have a choice. You will never hear from me again, I promise.
　　But. MJ might have said something different. If that is the case, please, talk to me, so we can at least clear it up. She’s a nasty bitch. I don’t like disrespecting women like that, but there is no other term to describe her.
　　Please, Rebecca. I’m begging you. Talk to me.
　　My birthday is on the 26th. We are having something small at the Boathouse. Please, comemeet my family.
　　If you choose not to, I won’t bother you again.
　　Forgive me for saying this, but I will always love you. I’m sorry, but that is how I feel. I know, it’s not something I’ve ever said, but it’s nevertheless true. And justso there’s no confusion, this feeling I have has nothing to do with how famous you are. I never cared about that.
　　Jack
　　P.S. My mother slapped the living crap out me when I told her the truth.
　　She laughed and cried at the same time.
　　But she suddenly felt hot, too. Without further thought, she lay down on the cool tiles of the kitchen floor. Her face was still smeared with chocolate, and her eyes were blotchy from crying.
　　When Cass walked in, she froze at the sight. “Hey, what’s going on?” She lay down beside her Becky.
　　“Why did you keep his emails?”
　　Cass closed her eyes briefly. “I’m sorry, Becks. I guess a part of me refused to believe that he was a monster. I’ll delete the folder right now.”
　　“Wait. Read the last one,” Becky choked on a sob.
　　Cass got up and rested her elbows either side of the laptop on the counter while reading through the email.
　　Silence permeated the air for a while.
　　It was evident Cass was done reading when she walked to stand with her back against the oven.
　　Stunned silence stretched out for a while longer before she finally found her vocabulary again.
　　“Becky, you have to call him. What if that picture is seven years old?”
　　“I know. But I’m scared. This could all be more elaborate lies.”
　　“Damn it, Becky. What doyou want to do?”
　　“I don’t know. I want to give Rachel her happy ending, but how am I going to do it, Cass?”
　　“Call him and find out.”
　　“What if he’s still lying? What if that email is all lies?”
　　“Then speak to him face to face. He mentioned his birthday’s coming up—it’s two daysfrom now, Becks. You haven’t missed the opportunity yet, but you’ll regret it forever if you do. Let’s go.”
　　“Oh, sure. Showing up pregnant is a brilliant plan.”
　　“In disguise. Although, you don’t really look pregnant…just a little bloated. People won’t really notice.”
　　“He knows what I look like. And, gee, thanks. You make me feel like a million bucks!”
　　Cass giggled. “Oh, stop it! He’ll just be happy that you are there. I can feel it in my bones.”
　　“Okay,” Becky agreed. “Okay, we’ll go, but his birthday is on the Boathouse. If I book under a name he knows is associated with me…”
　　“Let me take care of it. I’ll book under a pseudonym or something. I’ll find out if it’s a private function, or if the restaurant will also be open to the public.”
　　“He’s never going to give you a table without using my name.”
　　“You are so weird when you’re pregnant.”
　　Becky laughed.
　　Cass went to the office and in moments was on the phone, her tone dripping with exaggerated friendliness as she charmed whoever had picked up her call.
　　Becky smiled, thinking of her conversation on the private deck with the hostess, Lilly, the night she met Jack.
　　“Pleeeeease.” Cass’ voice became shrill and Becky couldn’t help but sneak up on her to listen. “She’s pregnant, and I just want her to enjoy one last extravagant meal before the babies come and make it hard for her to leave the house. Please, please.”
　　She was quiet for a while. Then she squealed.
　　Cass was a bubbly individual, sure, but she wasn’t much of a squealer. She was good.
　　Still in her too-high-pitched voice, she gushed, “Oh, my gosh, you are a star! I owe you big time.”
　　There was a sound of a phone hitting the desk, and Becky hightailed it back to the kitchen.
　　Cass ran in, out of breath. “I got us a table. It’s not a private function. They’re only hosting his birthday celebration. Everyone he loves will be there, Becky. Then you can see it for yourself. I’m telling you, those photos are bullshit, just ancient history twisted into a cruel lie by a jealous ex. I just know it.”
　　“Mervyn is not going to like this.”
　　“Fuck. Mervyn.”
　　Both laughed at that.
　　She could feel a happy ending coming for Rachel. Only time would tell if she would get one, too.
　　Mervyn opposed her plan, but Cass arranged everything like in the old days, before Mona came on board.
　　She arranged for makeup artists to meet them at the hotel, discreet drivers for every step of the trip, all while doing her best to ensure nobody leaked the fact that Rebecca would be in New York.
　　Mona came to the house with Jonathan to look after the twins. They shared a special hug. Mona’s miscarriage was still fresh. She was happy for Becky, of course, but still grieving, too. All of this went unspoken, communicated entirely with one long, long hug.
　　Mervyn stayed away, declining to take part in the ‘fiasco’. He hated Jack for the painhe’d inflicted on Becky and refused to believe the sappy email. He called them all gullible.
　　Becky ignored him. She would soon know for certain whether Jack was lying or not. His birthday would reveal the truth. He wouldn’t even know that she was there if his story turned out to be a lie.
　　If Mary Jane was there, whether she was his wife or a crazy ex, he wouldn’t be able to sidestep that.
　　What if he had a whole harem? No, if that were the case, why would Mary Jane send that letter? Because Becky was famous?
　　She tried to hit the brakes on her train of thought. Oh, she was nuts when she was pregnant—out of her mind.
　　Her writer brain really worked overtime, and the shit she was writing lately was terrible.
　　But that was because her emotions were all over the place.
　　Her flight was boring and incident-free, and a limo was waiting for her on the tarmac when they landed. It took her straight to the rear entrance of the hotel, where she was ushered upstairs without having to check in.
　　She was tired. Hungry. Exhausted from carrying around the tiny baby bump that felt like it weighed a ton, when in reality, they still weighed less than an ounce each.
　　At least she’d get a chance to snoop around and see if Jack had twins in his family.
　　Makeup artists descended on her with swift precision. She was given short, red hair. Green eyes replaced her blue ones. Her makeup gave the illusion of higher cheekbones anda pointier chin.
　　She pulled on ballet flats and a bright yellow sundress—unseasonable for now, but New Yorkers wore anything, really—that concealed her tiny bump. A denim jacket completed the look.
　　Cass freshened up, but didn’t put on a disguise.
　　Becky’s heart thumped loudly as they drove to the Boathouse.
　　Lilly greeted them and led them over to a table in the corner. She didn’t look twice at Rebecca. So far so good.
　　Trying not to be too obvious, Rebecca peered around the dining area, looking for Jack. She didn’t see him anywhere. Was his party on the private deck after all?
　　The doors closed, and the yacht started to move.
　　“This belongs to Jack?”
　　Rebecca nodded as the waiter brought their drinks—a Shirley Temple for Cass, and a virgin daiquiri for herself. They had just finished ordering the first course when someone came running down the stairs, the sound of his voice enough to make her blood run cold.
　　Jack.
　　He was laughing and joking around with the bartenders, ducking behind the bar to make himself a drink with showy flourishes.
　　He seemed…happy.
　　Becky hadn’t been prepared for that.
　　With a brown drink—probably brandy and Coke—in hand, he disappeared into the kitchen.
　　“This doesn’t feel right,” Becky said.
　　“Maybe he is great at pretending, Becky.” Cass smiled.
　　Relax, she told herself. Deep breaths.
　　When Jack re-emerged from the kitchen, for a split second, she saw the heaviness that always lingered on him, but it slipped off his face when one of the bartenders approached him.
　　He went behind the bar again, and chatted to two men nursing their drinks.
　　She stared at him. So did Cass. He might not recognize her under all the makeup, but he sure as hell would recognize Cass, and upon doing so he’d come over to talk to them.
　　She was positive. Only a matter of time.
　　His gaze caught Becky’s. She smiled.
　　He smiled, too. He looked straight at Cass and gave her a smile also.
　　But he didn’t come over. He didn’t even falter.
　　She cast a bewildered glance at Cass, who frowned as Jack continued entertaining guests, his eyes furtively darting in their direction every five seconds. He smiled at them awkwardly.
　　“What the fuck,” Cass said in a disbelieving tone.
　　Becky felt like crying. “We should get off this boat.”
　　“No can do, unless you want to go for a swim.”
　　At one point, Jack rushed upstairs again with huge strides. She didn’t see him again for a long time.
　　The smell of the food nauseated her when they set the entrée in front of her, but she pushed through it and took slow, measured bites.
　　And then her worst nightmare came true.
　　The brunette from the picture descended the stairs.
　　“No, no, no,” Cass chanted.
　　Tears blurred Becky’s vision as the woman disappeared into the kitchen.
　　“Just eat your food and pretend you’re not here. I’m sorry. I’m so stupid. Mervyn isgoing to rub this one in for years to come.”
　　“I know.”
　　“Stay calm.” She touched Becky’s bump, and Becky took a sip of water. “I could give him a fucking scolding even his mother won’t be able to get off him.”
　　“I doubt she even knows. He lied about everything.”
　　And it got worse.
　　Jack sauntered down the stairs with a baby on his hip.
　　Becky’s heart tore in two, right that moment in her chest.
　　His child wasn’t dead. She was right there, perched on his hip and cooing contentedly. What kind of father invoked his kids in horrible stories like that?
　　He went into the kitchen, and shortly thereafter, Mary Jane came out with the baby on her hip.
　　How could he lie so convincingly? Had he really been so smug to believe she wouldn’t investigate? Did he think she was stupid?
　　His eyes caught hers as he came out of the kitchen. She glared at him. He frowned, his eyes narrowing, then headed upstairs.
　　“He definitely knows you’re here,” Cass concluded. “And he’s praying you won’t make a scene. I know it.”
　　“Maybe I should.”
　　“Are you insane? The press—”
　　“Will slaughter him. He deserves it, Cass.” The thirst for revenge filled her core. Men like Jack Priestley weren’t heroes, not protagonists worthy of any of her heroines. They were villains.
　　And the villains in her books always got what was coming to them.
　　“Lord, just eat your food for a minute and let me think,” Cass said. “Let’s make it to dessert and I’ll help you corner his ass. But I want you to think this through first,okay?”
　　Their main course arrived. Becky ate very little.
　　“Oh, I dare you come to this fucking table,” Cass hissed as Mary Jane went back upstairs.
　　“She looked at you?”
　　“If looks could kill, I’d be dead. She’s a bitch all right, but not the lying kind. Sorry, I need another drink.” She lifted her hand.
　　Becky could have used an entire bottle. Of all her fucking plans, this was the most idiotic stunt she had ever come up with.
　　She’d truly believed his email. Utterly stupid, that’s what she was, and now her poor unborn children might end up getting dragged into this after all.
　　Dessert came and went. She was still filled with white-hot rage.
　　“You want to do this?”
　　She nodded.
　　“Okay, I’ll go get the lay of the land up there.” Cass got up and went upstairs. She returned a few minutes later.
　　“They are on the second deck, an entire table has been set out. But there is a third deck, too. Beautiful sofas, and—”
　　“I know,” Becky interrupted. “I’ve been up there, the first night I met him.”
　　“There aren’t a whole lot of guests, so now’s the time to do it, before people down here finish their meals and it gets crowded.”
　　“Okay.”
　　She followed Cass upstairs to the expansive deck and got a glimpse of the long table outside. People were laughing and having a great time. One more level up, the deck, was where she’d had drinks with Lilly that first night.
　　She settled on a couch, arranging the fabric of her dress to hide her tiny bump, which toher looked huge. This felt futile. He was going to find out today. She knew it.
　　She was furious, and could kill him for thinking she was so stupid.
　　Cass made her way back down the stairs. The plan was to grab Jack on his way up or down and lead him to Becky…so she could strangle him.
　　Becky kept an eye on her from her perch.
　　Cass finally got Jack’s attention and the jerk followed her.
　　“May I help you?” he asked.
　　“Oh, don’t play dumb with me, idiot. You really thought you’d be able to pull this off?”
　　“Okay, um…” He closed his eyes and huffed. “I have no idea who you are. Maybe you—”
　　“Don’t!” Becky hissed. “You are such a fucking asshole. Do you have any idea what the fuck you’ve put me through?”
　　“Okay, quiet down, please.”
　　“Fuck your please.” Tears filled Becky’s eyes.
　　Jack merely looked at her.
　　“You really think I’m that stupid? That I wouldn’t find out? You huge fucking—”
　　“Yes, asshole, I know. You’ve been kind enough to say that already. Look, crazy woman,I don’t know who the fuck you are, and if you don’t take it down a few notches, I’ll call the authorities to come aboard and forcibly remove you from the Boathouse.”
　　“Crazy? I’ll show you fucking crazy, Jack Priestley!”
　　But all of a sudden, her stomach cramped, and she clutched it in agony.
　　“Shit!” Cass rushed to her side.
　　“Are you pregnant? Do you need—” he asked.
　　Despite his concern, he seemed otherwise completely unaffected by this revelation. The bastard.
　　“Fuck off!”
　　“I’m sorry, but I feel there’s been a huge misunderstanding.”
　　“Stop talking, right now. I will fucking kill you myself, I swear.”
　　“Oh, fuck,” he muttered.
　　“You can say that again.”
　　“Look, who are you?” he asked again.
　　“Seriously?” Cass laughed.
　　“Who am I?” Becky screeched. “Who fucking am I?” Sobs racked her body.
　　“Don’t,” Cass warned.
　　Becky pulled off her wig.Jackgaped at her, eyes huge.
　　“Rebecca?” he asked, looking her up and down, and then smiled. “You’re pregnant.” He took a couple of steps toward her.
　　“Don’t fucking touch me. I swear, I will fucking kill you if you ever come near me again. To think I actually bought that manipulative email, that I believed you when you told me that your wife is some nutjob ex. You said your wife and baby died seven years ago. What kind of sick game are you playing?”
　　“You don’t understand.” He held his hands up. “Please, let me explain.”
　　“No, you are not going to get out of this one, Jack. Not this time.”
　　He closed his eyes and laughed.
　　“It’s not fucking funny.”
　　“Becky?” Cass said.
　　“I want a boat to take me to shore and I never, ever—”
　　“Becky!” Cass yelled.
　　“What?” she spat, spinning around to look at Cass.
　　Cass stepped to the left…revealing another Jack on the stairs.
　　Incredulous, she looked from the Jack in front of her to the one on the stairs.
　　“My name is Adrian,” said the one she’d been screaming at. “I’m Jack’s twin.”
　　“Huh?” It barely came out. And thank goodness, as that must have been her most idioticresponse to anything, ever. Heat scalded her neck and cheeks as embarrassment replaced the confusion and rage.
　　“You didn’t tell her you’re an identical twin?” He looked at Jack, who was staring at Becky, shocked.
　　“Dude, she’s here,” Adrian hissed. He walked over and slapped his back. “Go, moron. Rebecca, it was—um, nice?—meeting you.”
　　“Adrian, don’t tell anyone, please,” Jack said as he passed him.
　　“Oh, c’mon, Jack. She has fucking amazing news.”
　　Becky found the couch again.
　　Cass, not in the least perturbed if she made a scene, walked right up to him and started punching. “You fucking idiot. Do you know what you’ve put her through?”
　　“Ouch.” He held up defensive arms.
　　“Why didn’t you tell her you have a fucking twin?”
　　“I don’t know. Jeez, stop hitting me.” Over her head, he said to Becky, “What are you doing here?”
　　Once again, she got up from the couch. “Don’t come near me, and don’t you dare touch me.” She was still so confused. It was crystal clear that Jack was a twin, especially given the fact that she was carrying twins right now. But it didn’t want to sink in. Shewas mad as hell.
　　“Becky, please.” His eyes shifted to her stomach and he stared at the small bump barely showing beneath the flowy sundress. She tried desperately to hide it by crossing her arms. “You’re pregnant?”
　　“Yes. With twins, Jack. And at my age…”
　　His lips curved into a joyous smile. He bounded toward her.
　　“Don’t touch me!” Her words fell on deaf ears as his arms wrapped around her. Tears poured down her face.
　　“I’m so sorry I never mentioned that Adrian is my identical twin. I could have sworn you knew.”
　　“How would I know?” She pushed him away. “You never showed me photos of him, only talked about him, and you never dropped even the tiniest hint.”
　　“I’m sorry. It’s a habit not to talk about it the first time I meet someone new. I don’t like to divert the conversation to me. And I guess it just didn’t come up again.”
　　“You said he was younger than you.”
　　“Yes, by five minutes.”
　　“Damn it, Jack,” Cass scolded. “It didn’t come up again? Even when you met her twin children?”
　　Becky buried her face in her hands.
　　“I’m sorry.”
　　“Some woman named Mary Jane sent photos of your brother and his family, but she claimedthey were of you and her. That you were married and had a child together.”
　　“You’re kidding.”
　　“Can you imagine how hard this evening was for her?”
　　“I’m sorry. I should’ve come out of the kitchen sooner. You would’ve known then. I’m sorry.” He had tears in his eyes as he hugged her again.
　　JACK
　　Earlier
　　It was great having his brother here, but he wanted Rebecca here, too.
　　He’d meant what he said in his email, that he would leave her alone. She hadn’t called him yet, and he doubted she would. That email had been sent almost two weeks ago. When a week went by with no response, he resigned himself to the fact that she wasn’t going to get in touch, wasn’t interested in him anymore.
　　Adrian had advised him to send one more email pouring his heart and soul out. Who knew, maybe one day she’d read it. Perhaps she’d still call him.
　　His mother came in just as the boat was preparing to launch.
　　“Please tell me that you aren’t going to work the entire time.”
　　“Just a little. It’s a bit too crowded up there.”
　　“You know they’re here for your brother, right?” she joked.
　　“Yeah.”
　　“He worries about you.”
　　“I’ll be fine.”
　　She shook her head sadly. “You won’t.”
　　“Go upstairs and enjoy the party.”
　　Nodding, she planted a kiss on his cheek, and left through the swinging door.
　　During starters, Adrian walked in. “The place is packed, dude.”
　　“It always is.” Jack laughed.
　　“Come join us,” he said. He slung an arm around Masterson’s neck. “This dude can handle this.”
　　“Yes, I can, Jack.”
　　“I’m fine right here. I’ll join you soon.”
　　Adrian left, only to send in Anna half an hour later again. She begged him to join them, too.
　　“Soon, I promise.”
　　Adrian entered a while later with Bea. Couldn’t they just fucking leave him alone?
　　With big eyes, Bea kept staring between Adrian and Jack. “Who is your daddy?” Adrian sang.
　　“Stop that,” Anna warned him. “You are confusing her. And don’t try to distract me. I want to know who that girl out there is.”
　　“I don’t fucking know. I told you that.”
　　“Someone in the dog house?” Jack asked.
　　“Innocent,” Adrian swore.
　　Anna took Bea and left.
　　“Jack, Mom is driving us nuts. Please come and join us.”
　　“Soon, Adrian. Please.”
　　“Okay.” His brother shrugged and walked out.
　　Masterson was staring at him. “Go. I’ve got this.”
　　Jack sighed. “Fine. I’m just going to take a quick shower.
　　Jack headed downstairs to his room and carefully selected an outfit that was nothing like what Adrian was wearing. He didn’t want to mess around with anyone today. Both, inthe same room, could seriously mind-fuck with people—not just his niece, but the entire family if they wanted to. Today wasn’t that day.
　　He wished Rebecca were here. He had honestly believed she was more understanding. Then again, she probably hadn’t read his email. He’d held out hope that she’d eventually break down and fucking read them and come to her senses.
　　To say he was a mess without her was an understatement.
　　He stayed under the stream of hot water longer than necessary, trying to gather the strength to fake being fine.
　　When he felt that maybe he was ready to put up a happy pretense, he got out and dressed.
　　“That’s better,” Masterson commented when Jack walked through the kitchen.
　　Grim-faced, Jack headed up the stairs to their party.
　　He heard quarreling up on the balcony. Adrian’s confused voice, as well as some woman shrieking like a banshee. Funny, that didn’t sound like Anna.
　　“You don’t understand. Please let me explain.”
　　“No, you are not going to get out of this one, Jack. Not this time.”
　　He froze. Was that Rebecca? He ran up the stairs, and saw Cass standing there. Cass! My barefoot angel came after all. He caught her attention, and her mouth dropped open at the sight of him.
　　“It’s not fucking funny.”
　　Cass stared at him, her expression numb. “Becky?”
　　Rebecca continued to scream. “I want a boat to take me to shore and I never, ever—”
　　“Becky!” Cass yelled.
　　“What?” she spat, spinning around to look at Cass.
　　Jack climbed a few more steps.
　　Cass moved aside.
　　There she was. Rebecca wore a lovely yellow dress with ballet flats. Her hair was a tangled mess, and a red wig lay discarded on the floor nearby. Thick makeup, no doubt an elaborate disguise, clung to her face in some places, in others wiped away by tears.
　　She was the most beautiful thing he’d ever laid eyes on.
　　“My name is Adrian. I’m Jack’s twin.” Adrian reached out to shake her hand.
　　Becky just stared at it, not seeming to notice it. All she could do was look from Jack to Adrian.
　　“Huh?” she said.
　　“You didn’t tell her you’re an identical twin?” Adrian asked. Jack was paralyzed. “Dude, she’s here.” Adrian’s giddiness was starting to take over.
　　“Go, moron.” He walked past Jack hitting him on the shoulder. “Rebecca, it was—um, nice?—meeting you.” He grinned.
　　Fuck! His mother. “Adrian, don’t tell anyone, please.”
　　“Oh, c’mon, Jack. She has fucking amazing news.” His brother gave a thumbs-up and left.
　　Amazing news?
　　Becky sat back down on the couch. She hadn’t known? How was that possible? He could swear they’d talked about his brother on numerous occasions.
　　Cass’ fists connected hard with him. He stepped back and tried to ward them off. “You fucking idiot. Do you know what you’ve put her through?”
　　“Ouch.” She really punched hard.
　　“Why didn’t you tell her you have a fucking twin?”
　　“I don’t know. Jeez, stop hitting me.” He tried to engage Becky. “What are you doinghere?” He walked closer to Rebecca.
　　She got up and retreated. “Don’t come near me, and don’t you dare touch me.” She still looked shocked. Confused. Distrusting.
　　“Becky, please.” The wind tugged her dress, outlining a small bump at her waist.
　　Amazing news.
　　He froze, staring at her belly. She tried to hide it by crossing her arms, but it was too late. “You’re pregnant?”
　　“Yes. With twins, Jack. And at my age…”
　　He smiled. A wave of happiness crashed over him. She was pregnant!
　　His lips curved into a joyous smile. He bounded toward her.
　　“Don’t touch me!” Her words fell on deaf ears as his arms wrapped around her. Tears poured down her face.
　　“I’m so sorry I never mentioned that Adrian is my identical twin. I could have sworn you knew.” He was so sure he’d told her. She was carrying his babies. He grinned like an idiot as tears welled up in his eyes.
　　“How would I know?” She shoved him away. Wiping away her tears. “You never showed me photos of him, only talked about him, and you never even dropped the tiniest hint.”
　　“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. It’s a habit not to talk about it the first time I meet someone new. I don’t like to divert the conversation to me. And I guess it just didn’t come up again.”
　　“You said he was younger than you!”
　　“Yes, by five minutes.”
　　“Jack!” Cass exclaimed.
　　He looked at her for two seconds and back at Becky. She covered her face. He hated that. She was so beautiful, even in this state. “I’m sorry.”
　　“Some woman named Mary Jane sent photos of your brother and his family, but she claimedthey were of you and her. That you were married and had a child together.”
　　“You’re kidding.” His hands tightened into fists. His blood boiled.
　　“Can you imagine how hard this evening was for her?”
　　He could, especially after that email he sent. Everything made sense now. Why she hated him. Why she’d blocked him so suddenly, so thoroughly. She’d believed he had a family and was cheating.
　　“I’m sorry. I should’ve come out of the kitchen sooner. You would’ve known then. I’m sorry.”
　　Tears blurred his vision, but he wasn’t going to hide anything from her anymore. He gently pulled her into his arms again. “I swear, every word I wrote is true. I did have a wife, but she died along with our unborn child in that plane crash. No second marriage. No babies. Well, except the two you carry inside you, and I would like to one day go after that second marriage. With you. We can work this out. It’s all a fucked-up misunderstanding, Becks. And a shitty, shitty move from a bitter ex.”
　　A few seconds passed—but they felt like eternity.
　　She hugged him back. “No harem?” she joked.
　　He chuckled. “Nope, just you, you crazy-ass woman.”
　　Her laughter was intermingled with sniffling.
　　Jack grunted. “My mother is going to flip.”
　　She chuckled again.
　　“No more secrets, Jack,” Cass said. “I’m not dealing with her crazy ass alone from now on.”
　　“Cass!”
　　“Sorry, Becks. I love you, but you are straight-up nuts when you’re pregnant. I can’tdeal with it alone. He’s gotta step up. I don’t care what you say.”
　　“She can’t be that bad.” He frowned.
　　“We’ll talk in a week.”
　　They burst out laughing.
　　He looked down at Becky. “May I please get a fucking kiss?”
　　She jumped up and threw her arms around his neck. Chuckling, Jack grabbed her around thewaist. He could feel the small bump press against his body, and smiling leaned in and kissed her.
　　Cass cleared her throat. For a split second, he forgot where he was.
　　Gently, he put her down. “Stay here so I can warn the other crazy women in my life that you’re here, and tell them about my amazing birthday present.”
　　Becky smiled and nodded.
　　“This won’t take long. Sit.”
　　He helped her get settled and stepped away. “Max!” He shouted over the railing to one of the servers below. “Please bring these two some drinks.”
　　“Sure thing, boss.”
　　He winked at Becky. “No alcohol.” He ran down to the level below. Everyone was having a great time.
　　He ordered a brown bag and a draught from Jawad before joining his family’s table.
　　His mother looked supremely peeved. “Finally!”
　　Adrian was bouncing Bea on his lap, a grin on his face.
　　“Ooh, this going to be fun,” he cooed at his daughter, who giggled.
　　“What is going to be fun?” his mother demanded.
　　“Mom,” Jack said.
　　Her face softened into a smile. “Joining us at last?”
　　“Yes. But first, I need to tell you something.” He tried to keep a straight face.
　　“She emailed you back?” she said with sincere hope.
　　Jack laughed.
　　“We need an oxygen tank, Jack,” Adrian joked.
　　His father waved an impatient hand. “I’m over it. What did she say, son?”
　　“She didn’t email.”
　　“What, then?” his mother asked.
　　“She’s here.”
　　His mother froze. “I’m okay. I’m okay. Where is she?”
　　“Mom, relax. I still need to give you the other news.”
　　Jawad dropped off his draught. “And your brown bag.”
　　Jack took it without taking his eyes off his mom.
　　His mother eyed the bag. “What is it? Spill it, already.”
　　“What’s going on?” Maddison, his other sister said.
　　“You ready, baby?” Adrian cooed at Bea.
　　“She’s pregnant.”
　　His mother screamed and leapt to her feet. She jumped up and down on the spot, smiling and clutching her hands over her heart. Everyone laughed.
　　“Grandma is crazy,” Adrian murmured. Bea cackled, eliciting more laughter.
　　His mother shortened the distance between them and hugged him. She was crying.
　　Jack still had tears in his eyes when his mother broke the hug. They both took deep breaths and exhaled simultaneously.
　　“Now, where is she?”
　　“Oh, no, noooo. You are not going to—”
　　“Jack, I want to meet the mother of my grandbaby for real.”
　　Adrian laughed again. “Make that babies, Mom.”
　　“How the fuck, Jack?” Maddy exclaimed.
　　“Oh, shut up and eat your brownie,” their mother said to Maddy. “Please? I want to meet her, please.”
　　“Fine, just you.” He took his mother upstairs. “Don’t embarrass me,” he said through gritted teeth as they neared the landing.
　　She nodded, but the minute she saw Rebecca Finlay on the couch, she screamed again and ran over to her.
　　Becky got up and hugged her. A pile of crumpled tissues strewn haphazardly beside her purse. She and Cass had managed to remove most of the makeup, so she looked more like herself.
　　His mother didn’t want to let go.
　　“You beautiful, wonderful woman. I can’t tell you how happy I am. Did you sort everything out?” She waved in Jack’s direction. “I’m a huge fan, sorry,” his mother babbled.
　　“Mom.”
　　“Shush. I’m talking to Rebecca.”
　　“Becky would be just fine,” Becky said warmly.
　　“Becky,” she crooned, spellbound.
　　“Oh, fuck.” Jack grunted. “You understand why I didn’t want you two to meet?”
　　“She’ll get over it, Jack. Everyone does. Eventually.”
　　His mother nodded, mirroring Becky. They laughed in unison.
　　“May I?” she asked, gesturing at Becky’s bump.
　　“Mom!”
　　“Oh, go back downstairs.”
　　“Hell, no. I’m not leaving you alone with her.
　　“Let her be, Jack,” Becky scolded.
　　“Ooh, I love her.”
　　“Well?” April and Maddison yelled from the stairs.
　　“Oh, fuck, here come The Croods.”
　　Rebecca burst out laughing.
　　He ran downstairs, blocking his sisters.
　　“Get out of my way, Jack.” April brandished a fork. “I willstab you.”
　　“She’s normal, just like all of us.”
　　“She is going to be my sister-in-law soon,” Maddy said with glee.
　　“No,” Jack hissed at her.
　　“Move, Jack,” April said threateningly.
　　The oldest of his three sisters strolled up the stairs at a leisurely pace. “Debs, please. You’re the sanest of the bunch,” he begged.
　　As always, she looked unimpressed. “I never told you to shove your dick into someone famous, Jack.”
　　“Deborah!” Their mother’s voice came from above.
　　Deb flinched.
　　“Uh-huh, she heard that,” Jack teased.
　　Adrian laughed the loudest.
　　“You started this shit. Come help me wrangle our family.”
　　“I have one crazy woman’s shit to deal with,” his brother called. “It’s not in my job description to deal with yours, too.”
　　Anna slapped the back of his head so hard, Jack heard it all the way from the balcony.
　　“Ouch! Jeez.”
　　All the women pushed against Jack and he lost his balance and fell to his ass. They stampeded past him.
　　“Be gentle! I’m sorry, Becky,” he cried out.
　　All he heard were shouts and shrieks, as well as a jumble of words all at once. He so wished his family could be normal.
　　Adrian appeared on the stairs, Bea on his hip and Anna on his heels. He helped Jack up.
　　“I guess the cat’s out of the bag, dude. There’s no turning back.”