Chapter 6
1000 Words
Chapter 6
Valerie Comes Home
James waited until dinner to say it.
That alone told me everything.
If this had truly been something minor, something harmless, he would have mentioned it casually. Over coffee. In passing. Instead, he waited until everyone was seated at the long dining table, until Evelyn sat at the head like a queen presiding over judgment, until Celeste lounged in her chair with a glass of wine already in hand, until Valerie sat beside James looking pale and fragile and perfectly placed.
I folded my napkin over my lap and waited.
James cleared his throat.
“I wanted us all together,” he said. “There’s something important we need to discuss.”
Evelyn nodded as if she already knew every word. “Go on.”
James glanced at Valerie, then back at me. His hesitation was brief, but I saw it.
“Valerie is pregnant.”
The words landed softly in the room, cushioned by anticipation. Evelyn gasped, one hand flying to her chest.
“Oh, thank God,” she said. “Finally.”
Celeste leaned forward immediately. “Really? That’s amazing. Valerie, why didn’t you say something sooner?”
Valerie smiled faintly, one hand drifting to her stomach. “I didn’t want to make a fuss. Everything still feels so fragile.”
“And with Anthony gone,” Evelyn added quickly, “this baby is a blessing we all need.”
I felt James’s eyes on me.
Waiting.
Measuring.
Testing.
I knew what to say next.
“That’s wonderful news,” I said, my voice calm. “Congratulations, Valerie.”
The table went quiet.
Valerie blinked, clearly not expecting that response. “You’re… not upset?”
“Why would I be?” I asked gently. “You’re going to be a mother.”
James let out a breath I hadn’t realized he was holding. He reached for my hand across the table, squeezing it tightly.
“I knew you’d understand,” he said. “You always do.”
Evelyn smiled at me, the expression practiced and thin. “You see, Valerie? Daphne has always been gracious.”
Gracious.
Celeste laughed softly. “That’s an understatement. I’d be throwing plates.”
Valerie looked at me carefully. “I was worried you might feel uncomfortable. I mean, given everything you and James have been through.”
“I want what’s best for everyone,” I replied. “Especially the baby.”
James’s grip tightened. “That’s exactly why I wanted Valerie to stay with us for a while.”
Evelyn nodded briskly. “It’s settled then. She shouldn’t be alone in her condition.”
Valerie turned to me. “You don’t mind, do you?”
Mind.
The word felt almost amusing.
“Of course not,” I said. “We have plenty of space.”
James smiled at me like I had just proven something. “Thank you. I knew I could count on you.”
Dinner continued, but the energy had shifted.
Evelyn asked Valerie about symptoms. “Are you nauseous? Tired? Oh, you mustn’t lift a finger.”
“A little dizzy sometimes,” Valerie said softly. “James has been so helpful.”
He nodded quickly. “It’s the least I can do.”
Celeste smirked. “Looks like you’re already a natural, James.”
He laughed, but his eyes flicked to me again, searching.
I smiled and cut my food carefully. “I’ll make sure the guest room is comfortable. Maybe we can add a small sitting area so Valerie doesn’t have to go up and down the stairs too often.”
Evelyn’s eyebrows lifted. “That’s very thoughtful.”
Valerie reached across the table and touched my hand. “Thank you, Daphne. I don’t know how I’d manage without you.”
“You won’t have to,” I said.
After dinner, I showed Valerie to the guest room myself.
“I hope this is alright,” she said, standing in the doorway. “I don’t want to be a burden.”
“You’re not,” I replied. “Let me know if you need anything.”
She smiled, but her eyes lingered on my face. “You’re handling this better than I expected.”
“I’ve had a lot of practice,” I said lightly.
Later that night, James found me in our bedroom.
“Are you really okay?” he asked, sitting beside me on the bed. “You don’t have to pretend with me.”
I met his gaze evenly. “You said she needed support. I trust you.”
His brow furrowed. “You’re not angry?”
“No.”
“Hurt?”
“No.”
He searched my face, clearly unsettled. “I don’t understand how you can be so calm.”
I reached for his hand this time. “Someone has to be.”
He squeezed my fingers. “I don’t deserve you.”
No, I thought again. You don’t.
Over the next few days, Valerie settled in as if she had always belonged.
“Could you help me up the stairs?” she asked one morning, already reaching for my arm.
“Of course.”
“Do you think this soup is okay?” she asked later. “James says I should be careful.”
“It’s fine. I’ll add some ginger.”
Evelyn watched us from the doorway. “You’re very good with her.”
“I’m trying,” I said.
James praised me constantly.
“I don’t know how you do it,” he said one evening. “You’re incredible.”
Celeste laughed. “Saint Daphne.”
Valerie smiled sweetly. “I’m so lucky to have you.”
They believed it.
They believed my grace was real.
They believed my kindness was forgiveness.
They believed I was still trying to belong.
Every smile I gave them was deliberate.
Every act of care was calculated.
And every word I spoke was leading them exactly where I wanted them.
They just didn’t know it yet.
- Writer
