Page 40 of Rhett

I nod, my hand moving to rest on her still-flat stomach. “It really is. There's a little person growing in there. Our baby.”

Sofia places her hand over mine. “Our baby,” she echoes, her voice filled with wonder.

We lie here for a while, just holding each other and processing this huge news. Eventually, Sofia's stomach growls loudly, “I better get my baby and my baby fed.”

I lift her out of bed with me and then we decide to get cleaned up, but instead of going out, we decide to just order in, and celebrate at her place.

Pulling up to Marchy’s place, I park in the driveway and hop out of the Jeep. The front door opens as I approach, and I smile as Haley and Roman greet me. “Hey, Rhett.” She smiles at me and then stands back, letting me inside. “Cooper said you were coming by. How’s Sofia?”

I smile at Haley and little Roman. “Sofia's doing really well, thanks for asking. We're both great.”

I decide not to share the pregnancy news yet, since Sofia and I agreed to wait a bit before telling most people. Although, I am bursting to tell everyone I’m going to be a dad, but I’ll bite my tongue and keep it to myself for now.

“That's wonderful,” Haley says warmly. “We'll have to get together for dinner soon, the four of us.” She’s a bit younger than us, but she’s a good woman and an excellent mother.

“Definitely,” I agree. “We'd love that.”

Marchy comes into the living room. “Hey, Hollywood,” he greets me with a grin. “Ready to get your ass kicked at Call of Duty?”

I laugh. “In your dreams, brother.”

We head to the man cave while Haley takes Roman to his room for his nap. Marchy grabs us each a beer and we settle in on the couch, firing up the PlayStation.

As we start playing Call of Duty, I can't help but think about how much my life has changed recently. Just a few months ago, I was content being single and focusing solely on my job. Now, I'm in a serious relationship and about to become a father. It's surreal, but in the best way possible.

“You're quiet today,” Marchy comments as he snipes an enemy on screen. “Everything okay?”

I nod, trying to focus on the game. “Yeah, everything's great actually.”

Marchy gives me a sidelong glance. “Uh huh. Come on, Hollywood. I know that look. What's going on?”

I debate for a moment whether to tell him about the baby. Sofia and I agreed to wait, but Marchy's my best friend. Maybe it would be okay to tell just him?

“If I tell you something, you have to keep it to yourself. You can’t even tell Haley.”

He pauses the game and turns to face me. His expression turns serious. “Of course, man. You know you can trust me.”

I take a deep breath, unable to keep the smile off my face. “Sofia's pregnant. We're having a baby.”

His eyes widen in surprise before a huge grin spreads across his face. “Holy shit, Hollywood! Congratulations!” He pulls me into a bear hug, slapping me on the back.

“Thanks, man,” I reply, feeling a rush of excitement as I say the words out loud. “We just found out. We're not telling many people yet, but I had to tell you.”

Marchy nods, still beaming. “I'm honored, brother. And don't worry, my lips are sealed.” He leans back, shaking his head in amazement. “Wow, you're gonna be a dad. How is Sofia?”

“She’s excited, but a little freaked,” I tell him.

He holds up his beer. “To the future baby Ferguson.”

I hold up my beer can, and we clink them together. “To my future baby boy or girl.” Fuck, holy shit. I’m gonna be someone’s father.

Marchy and I settle back into our game, but my mind is still reeling from sharing the news about the baby. It feels more real now that I've told someone outside of Sofia and me.

“So how are you feeling about all this?” Marchy asks as we play. “I mean, it's a big change.”

I pause for a moment, considering his question. “Honestly? I'm excited. Scared shitless, but excited. I never thought I'd be ready for this, you know? But with Sofia...it just feels right.”

Marchy nods understandingly. “I get it, man. Although I am not Roman’s biological father, becoming his father, it's the best thing that's ever happened to me, second to meeting and falling in love with his mom.”

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