Page 81 of Upon an April Night

“Sure. I can write it on a piece of paper and put it in an envelope for you.”

“Yes, that would be perfect.”

“No way,” Duncan protested.

“Why not?”

“Because then you’ll know, and I won’t.”

“It’s not my fault you don’t want to know.”

He pouted. “Fine. But do not tell me. And don’t tell my sister.”

Jamie laughed. “You know I can’t keep this from Shannon.”

He grumbled.

She couldn’t help but giggle at his expression.

“What?”

“You’re cute when you pout.”

His brow furrowed, and his lower lip remained stuck out. “I’m not pouting.”

She laughed again, which made her let out a sudden groan.

“What? What is it?” He gently took hold of her forearm. “Is it the baby?”

She shook her head. “My bladder.”

The sonographer chuckled, and Duncan smiled. “Oh.”

When they were finished and Jamie had finally relieved herself, they headed out with a picture of their little pomegranate in hand. Jamie stared at it as they walked along the sidewalk. “Is it weird to say I think the baby looks like you?” She held the picture up next to Duncan’s profile.

He laughed and took hold of her hand.

She instantly stopped and pulled her hand from his. “You can’t do that, Duncan.”

He looked down at the ground. “I know. It’s just …”

“It’s just what?”

“I can’t help myself. We’re having this baby, and that makes me feel close to you.”

She understood. Completely. “I feel close to you too, but when you do things like that … it’s confusing for me. After everything I told you, you get that, right?”

“I get it, and I’m sorry. I don’t mean to hurt you.”

“I know you don’t.”

“This is just a really weird situation we’re in, that’s all.”

“That it is.”

“And I want to be supportive, but I’m not sure how to show that.”

“Just keep showing up for us. And I guess, just be my friend. Even if that’s hard for me for a while. I’ll get over it.”

---