"I'm keeping it, Jared. I don't expect anything from you if you don't want to"

"What?" He froze and stared at her, mouth agape. "Of course I want to be a part of this. I just need a minute to adjust." He stopped pacing and faced her, his eyes heavy with concern and shock. "You've known for days," he muttered.

She flinched at his tone and backed up, giving him space if he needed to pace again.

"I wanted to tell you at the hospital, but it was all too much, and ...