Page 19 of Coming Up Roses

“Why would that make her crazy?”

“Oh, come on.” She laughs again, but this time it’s brittle-sounding. “Why would anyone want to get set up with me?”

I grip the steering wheel a bit tighter. “Why wouldn’t they?”

She gestures toward her slightly rounded belly.

Suddenly, it clicks. Her self-doubt and hesitation. I guess in all fairness, she has a pretty good point. Whoever she did date would have to be okay with a package deal.

“You think because you’re pregnant, no one will want to date you?”

“I mean, isn’t that obvious?”

“I think the right man will love you and your child. Don’t assume you’ll be alone, Myla Rose, and don’t settle for anything less than you deserve.”

“Sure, Cash, okay.” I can tell she thinks I’m feeding her a line, but I mean every word I just said.

Changing the subject, I ask her about the full day Azalea mentioned. “Oh, nothing special. I’m just taking the day off to pressure wash the house.”

“By yourself?”

She huffs. “Yes, by myself.”

“You sure that’s safe?” I ask her as I idle behind the old Land Cruiser parked in her driveway.

“Yes, Cash, I’m sure it’s safe. I’m not magically rendered incompetent by a baby growing in my belly.”

“Never said you were. What time you plan on getting started?”

“Around eight, if I want to beat the heat. Which I really, really do.”

“Okay, well be safe, yeah?” I tell her as she unbuckles. I smile because she’s in for a surprise tomorrow. I just hope it doesn’t offend her.

“Will do, Cash. Thanks for driving me home.”

“Anytime.”

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