The Escape Clause Read Online Free Page A

the hospital for. They truly had always been together. Why hadn’t she ever noticed how intertwined they were? She’d just always expected him to be there.
     
    They’d cooed over little Madeline until she was ready to eat. Then they headed back to the waiting room. Avery wasn’t too surprised that someone had started a bet on who would have their baby first. The stubborn child of Christian or the anxious child of Clara.
    Avery thought her Aunt Madeline radiated, but she had to have been exhausted. She was going to have three grandchildren all born on one day. It was so humorous when Avery thought about it she chuckled to herself.
    “What’s so funny?” Pete gave her a nudge.
    “All three of them having their babies on the same day.”
    “Who wouldn’t want to hurry and be here with this family?”
    His words were casual, but full of love. He’d always been part of the family. Never had he been awkward when she took him to events or dinners. He just blended in, just as he did now at the hospital surrounded by her family.
    Pete let out a long breath. “I’m exhausted. I’m going to go downstairs and get a real cup of coffee. Would you like one?”
    She nodded and watched as Pete stood and took orders from anyone who also needed a little shot of caffeine. A few minutes later he was off, with her uncle John in tow.
    Her mother slid into the seat Pete had occupied and her aunt Arianna was on the other side. Both women wore eager grins.
    “When did this happen?” Her mother asked.
    “When did what happen?”
    Her mother and aunt exchanged looks as her aunt nudged her. “You and Pete.”
    “We had almost given up,” her mother added.
    Avery looked at them. “And you think you know what you’re talking about?”
    “You are denying it?” her mother asked.
    Avery let her shoulders drop. She knew this would happen. Nothing had been different between them. They acted the same as they always did. But there was no lying her way out of this. They’d know and they’d pry until they got the answer they wanted.
    “I’m not denying it.”
    She would have thought it was the announcement of the century the way they both moved in and hugged her in one big group hug.
    “I thought you’d blow it,” her Aunt Arianna said. “I was afraid he’d meet someone else.”
    It was all in good humor, but the words hurt. What would she do now if Pete moved on? Yet she planned on moving on. Nothing was going to stop her from going to France. It was what she wanted.
    Perhaps he’d just have to go with her.
     
    Pete and John put the cups of coffee into the carrying tray. Everyone was dragging. Those who had gone home had only gotten a few hours of sleep. Those who didn’t were working their second day with no sleep.
    “How’s the job?” John asked Pete as they walked out of the cafeteria.
    “It’s going well. I’m really building some good portfolios for some clients.”
    “Sounds good. I know that stock you set up for us is doing well.”
    Pete laughed. “It should.” He pushed the button on the elevator. “I haven’t mentioned it to anyone, but I’m up for a promotion.”
    “And you’re mentioning it to me?”
    “You’re a client. You appreciate my skill.”
    “That I do,” John agreed and stepped into the elevator with Pete as the doors opened. “I guess I’m not the only person that sees your potential then?”
    Pete shrugged. “I’m not too optimistic about it. There are some very seasoned professionals that are up for the same promotion.”
    “Don’t discredit yourself. Perhaps your youth will be a benefit for them.”
    Pete would have liked to think so.
    John looked up at the display that counted the floors. “It’ll be a good place for you to be in when you and Avery get married.”
    Pete choked on the air he was breathing when John said that.
    “Avery and I are getting married?”
    “Aren’t you? I mean it’s only taken you your entire life to get her.”
    “Get her? What do you mean get