Page 99 of Falling in Love with Two

“What? Really?”

“Really. Those little flutters are the tiny baby swimming around in there.”

“Man, I didn’t even notice. I probably would’ve been more excited.”

“It’ll happen a million more times.” She sets her hand on my shoulder. “Look, I don’t know what kind of support system you have or anything, but if you ever need someone to talk to about this—or anything else—you can come to me.”

Before I can respond with anything, Jack calls her from the other room, so she walks away.

Another unexpected—and annoying—wave of emotion hits me. I decide to step out onto the front porch to get some air and compose myself. There’s a big swing that I take a seat on.

I try to hold in the tears threatening to spill from my eyes. I can’t believe how nice and welcoming everyone has been. This is my first time meeting most of them, and they’ve treated me better than my own family has for years. How fucked up is that?

The offer Liz gave for me to come to her whenever I wanted is unbelievably kind. I wonder if she will still feel that way if things go south between her brother and me. I don’t even want to think about it.

All of a sudden, I feel the butterflies again—or the baby. The feeling it gives me is the same as when you drop down a hill on a roller coaster–exciting yet terrifying.

I set my hand on my stomach. Up until now, I’ve been aware of the fact that I’m pregnant, but it hasn’t seemed altogether real. I haven’t had much of a connection.

But now, I can feel the baby moving inside of me.

My baby.

I look down at my barely-there belly. I’m still not sure I feel some profound connection brought on by mother’s instincts or something. But it’s more than before.

The front door swings open, and Dylan walks out. The moment he sees me, he gets a big grin on his face.

“Hey, gorgeous. I was looking everywhere for you.”

“Sorry,” I tell him. “I just wanted to get some air.”

He comes over and sits down next to me. “Things get a little overwhelming?”

“No. Your family is great. They’ve all been so nice.”

“You sure?”

I smile to let him know I’m serious. “Positive. It’s just…”

“What?” He puts his arms around my shoulders. “Tell me.”

“Being around your wonderful family just kind of reminds me of how crappy mine is.”

“Shit, Leah. I’m sorry.” He kisses the side of my head. “But I’ve got news for you.”

“What’s that?”

“You and I are having a baby together. That baby is part of my family—which means you’re a part of that family too.”

I look up at him. “What if you and I start hating each other and suck at co-parenting?”

“Never going to happen.”

“How do you know?” I ask.

“Because there’s no way I could hate you. And even if you and I didn’t get along, I sure as shit won’t let our kid suffer because of it. And my family would still be there for you and the baby no matter what. I hate to break it to you, baby, you’re stuck with us.”

“I think I can live with that.” I smile. “And speaking of the baby, I felt it move tonight.”

---