Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson)

"If it's a girl, would you..."

"Ha."

Gregory chuckled briefly, the corners of his mouth curling up in a familiar smile. But his eyes weren't smiling. "I think you're getting a bit too cocky with all the attention." Hearing his laid-back tone, I knew he wasn't mad.

I nuzzled his chin, sharing the details of my chat with my colleague with him.

Gregory struggled to keep his smile, "What do you mean? You want me to let my wife go meet, someone who's got designs on her?"

"Pleeease?"

I pulled out all the stops, pouting at him, "You've got to protect me and the baby, right?"

Gregory snorted through his nose before putting me back in the car.

"Wait... wait a second."

I hastily spoke up, "I want to tell Ramona first."

She would be over the moon about the pregnancy.

Gregory picked me up again and strode upstairs.

His swift actions seemed to hint that I shouldn't meet Mark.

But Mark had mentioned it was about Ramona's health. I couldn't just ignore it.

Right now, Ramona's health was the most important thing.

Besides, Mark had always been nice to me. He wouldn't do anything to hurt me.

Lucius waited by the car, lighting a cigarette.

His eyes wandering.

Gregory was all talk. When it came to protecting his wife, he was as fierce as a guard dog.

...

"Getting more delicate by the day, can't even walk on your own?"

As soon as Gregory and I entered, we were greeted by Ramona's playful scolding.

I wiggled my legs, hinting for Gregory to put me down.

But he walked further in, carefully setting me on the couch.

Ramona frowned, chuckling, "I know you love her, but you can't spoil her like this."

"She's precious cargo right now."

Gregory poured me a hot tea, settling next to me with his usual casual tone, yet filled with sincerity. Ramona wanted to add more but I quickly interjected, "Grandma, you're... going to be a great-grandma!"

Ramona was stunned, taking a while to process.

Looking at my belly then back at my face, "What did you say?"

I took Ramona's hand to my belly, "Right here, your great-grandchild. Are you happy?"

Ramona's hand started to shake uncontrollably, worried about harming the baby, she quickly withdrew it. "Oh my!"

Ramona exclaimed joyfully, standing up to pace back and forth.

I knew she always felt she owed me, having been born a Myers but living a life of hardship until now.

Finally back by her side, I had to deal with the family mess and worry about her health.

She even worried she might not live to see me marry and have children, which would be a huge regret. That's why I wanted to share this joy with her first thing.

"Good, good, good."

It took a

while for Ramona to and when she did, it was just series of "goods," without

While for Ramona to

else.

en.swhen

I pulled Ramona to sit, "You're

getting on in years, can't get too

excited. Come,

me."

Ramona playfully tapped my head, "Still not acting your age, even as a mom."

"I'm a product of my environment, no helping it."

"Tsk." Gregory's hand ruffled my hair, chuckling. "If I'm not mistaken, that was a dig at me." "What do you think?"

I shot him a look, his laughter joining mine, "Mind the baby, don't want them thinking their dad's a guy."

"You're already bad."

"Oh?" Gregory leaned in close, his voice a gravelly whisper. "Bad where?"

I pushed him away, immediately complaining to Ramona, "See? Who's the one not acting their age?"

Ramona, trying to look away, waved her hand dismissively, "I just remembered, I haven't fed the fish."

I called her bluff, "We don't even have fish."

Ramona wasn't fazed. "I'll go water the plants."

Without waiting for a response, she briskly moved to the balcony.

My eyes welled up.

Gregory turned my face towards him, his fingertips gently wiping away my tears.

"Ramona's gonna be fine," he said in a deep, calming voice, "Trust me, alright?"

At that, I suddenly stood up, "Right, I need to see Mark, and quickly."