He wanted nothing more than to spare her pain. “I think you’ll find we Kingston kids are resilient, and we protect our own. I’m glad you’ve had support lately,” he said, glancing at Willow and Braden. “But do you have plans for once the baby is born?”
“No,” she whispered. “I don’t have health insurance yet, although Bri said she’s submitted the papers. And I didn’t know what I’d do about work and someone to watch the baby. I don’t have my own apartment. I’m staying here and Willow’s been sleeping on the sofa.”
She confirmed his hunch, and he hoped Braden grabbed on to that woman, because she had a big heart and was obviously important to him.
Aurora continued. “I can’t bring a baby home with me because it’s not fair to her–”
Linc glanced at Willow in surprise. Had she put a limit on her generosity?
But Willow shook her head. “Aurora, you can stay until you figure something out. I told you that.”
Aurora’s damp gaze met hers. “And I appreciate it but we both know this arrangement can’t really work. And I can’t afford my own place…”
Linc hated how upset she was getting, but before he could react, Willow jumped up from her seat.
She walked over to Aurora and put a hand on her shoulder. “Shh. Calm down, please. Getting worked up isn’t good for you or the baby.”
“Can I get a word in?” Linc asked.
All eyes turned his way, and though they might not like what he had to say, he intended to lay it out for them anyway.
“We have a variety of solutions in New York. The family estate where my father used to live still has loyal staff who were always good to us growing up.” Though he hadn’t run the possibility of Aurora moving in there by his mother, he couldn’t imagine her turning down someone in need. Especially since she hadn’t seemed to blame Aurora for what her husband had done.
“We own apartment buildings around Manhattan,” he continued. “Each of us has a trust fund, and I’m working on getting yours set up to atone for how you grew up and everything you’ve lacked your entire life.” He’d already spoken to his siblings about this.
Aurora, to his surprise, started to cry, and he realized he’d overwhelmed her. Something he hadn’t planned on doing. He was used to making his plans and, yes, getting his way.
Willow continued to comfort her, and Braden shot him a look mixed with surprise and slight annoyance.
“Can you give her time to process?” he asked. “As much as everything you’re offering is the answer to her prayers, she needs to adjust to her new reality.”
Linc wanted an answer now, but he understood that wasn’t going to happen.
“I realize you want what’s best for her, but the few emotional connections she has are here,” Braden reminded him.
Linc hesitated, then nodded. Obviously he’d misjudged her attachment to the people here, and though he hated the notion of her remaining in Florida, he had solutions for that possibility, too.
Leaning forward in his seat, he glanced her way. “I could help you find an apartment, a nanny, and get set up here, if that’s what you decide. But I also hope you realize your family wants to get to know you. We would like you to be a part of our lives, and I’d rather take you home with me.”
Aurora pressed her hand against her forehead. “This is so much so soon. Braden’s right. I need to think. And to get to know you more.”
He reluctantly accepted that. “How much longer can you fly? In your pregnancy, I mean?”
She lifted her head and shrugged her shoulders. “I never asked. There was no reason to.”
“Up to thirty-six weeks,” Braden said. “I’m her doctor, though we’d like to find her an obstetrician soon.” He met Linc’s gaze. “But I’m sure you already ran your own checks on the people in her life and I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know.”
“Of course I did,” Linc muttered.
“She has two weeks before I’d prefer she didn’t get on an airplane.”
Linc drew a deep breath and nodded. “I’ll stay for a week. We’ll get to know one another and then you can make a decision. Fair?” he asked.
“Yes. Thank you,” Aurora said, obviously relieved. “I’d like that.”
“Well, since that’s settled, why don’t you two make plans for the week, and then I’d say Aurora and the baby need some rest.” Braden was obviously as used to making decisions for people he cared about as Linc was.
Braden rose from his seat and looked at Linc. “If you two would like to come to the Thunder football game on Sunday, I can get you box seats,” he offered.
Linc had stood as well. “Sounds fun.” And an easy way for them to spend time together. “Would you like to go?” he asked Aurora.
She nodded.
“Willow, walk me out? It’ll give them time to make plans.”
“Thanks,” Aurora said to them both.
Braden smiled at her and Willow nodded. “I’ll be back in a few minutes,” she said.
Linc waited until they were outside before glancing at his sister. Aurora twisted her hands in front of her, clearly nervous.
“So,” he said.
She grinned. “So.”
“Anything else you want to know? Or to ask me?”
“Trust fund?” She echoed the words back at him. “I grew up with all my things in a garbage bag in case I had to leave one foster home for another. I can’t wrap my head around not having to worry about money.”
Pain hit Linc in his heart and a lump rose to his throat. Not to mention fury at both of her parents, especially his own father, but he wouldn’t make Aurora dwell on what could and should have been.
“Well, you don’t have to worry. Not anymore. Which means you can also start to think about your hopes and dreams and what you want to do with your life.”
Realizing he was getting ahead of himself, he forced himself to slow down and backpedal. “But for now, let’s focus on getting to know each other. What’s your favorite food?” he asked, seeking to take the pressure off of her. She looked ready to pass out from shock.
“Pizza. Isn’t that everyone’s favorite food?” she asked, obviously serious.
He laughed. “Well, it’s mine. Pepperoni. How about you?”
“Mushroom and onions. It’s been a treat when I had extra money in my pocket.” She blushed. “Coffee or tea?” She was getting into the game.
“Coffee. Milk, no sugar. You?”
“Chamomile tea with a drop of milk and sugar. It’s been a lifesaver with the heartburn this last trimester.”
He remembered when Jordan had been pregnant. Before her miscarriage, she’d begun craving ice cream. She’d practically lived on pints of it until … she’d lost the baby. He shook his head, shocked those memories had come back to him.
He recalled staying with her overnight, hugging her as she cried, and swearing, given the chance, he’d beat her ex senseless.
But Jordan’s past wasn’t relevant now. The memories, however, reminded him of how solid and valuable their friendship was. Which meant he’d done the right thing by telling her they couldn’t act on their attraction again.