Page 10 of The Forever Game

She hangs up just as a baby starts crying in the background.

“That’s my little Supernova,” Tammy says. “Naptime’s over. Better run. Nice to see you.” She blows a kiss at the screen, then disappears, leaving just me and Caroline to lament the sad ending to what should have been a super joyful call.

Caroline groans. “Did you see Rachel’s face?”

“I know,” I murmur. “She wants to be a mama so bad.”

“I don’t get the universe sometimes!” Her voice pitches. “I just have to look at Casey’s dick and I’m knocked up. Poor Ray’s been trying for years now. It’s not fair.”

“I know. Thankfully, she’s married to Liam, who is the sweetest, kindest man. Somehow they’ll get through.”

“Yeah.” Caroline looks about ready to cry. “Do you think I should keep my distance while I go through this pregnancy? What do I do?”

“Well, thankfully you don’t live in the same town, but…” I shrug. “You can’t avoid her altogether. We’re a family, and it wouldn’t be right to ice either of you out.”

“I just want to protect her.” She swipes a tear off her face. “If being around me is too painful, then I’ll back off.”

“Why don’t you just ask what she needs from you and be fine with whatever she says?”

“Yeah.” Caroline nods, then sighs. “I’ll do that. Good idea.” Rubbing her forehead, she glances at her watch. “Troy’s due to wake in a few minutes, and I have to collect Billy from preschool soon, so give me a quick update on your life. Go.”

I laugh and tell her about my studies. “My dissertation is coming along beautifully. The small groups I’m teaching are mostly divine. My adviser is still super strict and grumpy, but I know she only wants the best for me. Even though I don’t love her serious lack of people skills, she forces me to produce top-quality work, so I really can’t fault her for that.”

“How are you finding the workload?”

“Manageable. It helps that Asher has learned how to cook a few decent meals, and he’s been keeping our place so tidy. I seriously love that man.”

“Then marry him.” Caroline singsongs like she always does.

“I know.” I laugh. “I will.”

“When?”

I glance away from her pointed look and hitch my shoulder. “I don’t know.”

“Why are you even hesitating over this? He’s your soulmate. You’ve admitted that to me multiple times. And I know you believe in marriage, so what’s the problem?”

“It’s the wedding,” I blurt. “The idea of some huge fiasco is just too much. I don’t want to plan some big thing.”

“Then don’t. Just get married in a courthouse.”

“Wow.” I tip my head with a deadpan expression. “That’s so romantic.”

“Come on.” Caroline rolls her eyes. “If you don’t want a big wedding, then what do you want?”

“I’m not sure.”

“You are impossible sometimes, you know that?” My best friend pulls a face, then laughs. “You know Asher is dying to marry you.”

“And his parents will put on some elaborate show, and my army of a family will all want to be there.”

“It doesn’t have to be this big thing.”

I tut, knowing she’s right but not wanting to admit it. “We’re basically married anyway. We’ve been living together for three years.”

“I know, but it’s not the same. There’s just something about making it official that’s so special.” Caroline touches her heart. “I love being Mrs. Pierce.”

My eyebrow arches. “I’m not changing my last name.”

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