Page 29 of On Thin Ice

I started to fidget. “I don’t know. I mean, yeah? I guess. Ugh. I have no clue what to do.”

“Why? You’re building a relationship with him that is going to benefit you and your daughter. He seems invested. I know it’s a bit unorthodox how this is all playing out, but that’s what makes it… interesting.”

“I’ve definitely gone so far off my plan that I can’t even see it anymore. His involvement was not on the checklist. I really thought I would just tell him and he would at most offer me money to help out or pretend like he wanted to be there for me without following through.” I’d hated that I’d sold him short, but based on our previous interactions, those choices weren’t too far-fetched. Hell, it’d taken him a week to call me after I’d told him, for fuck’s sake.

“But you guys are still talking, and I think you just have to go with it. See what happens. You have eleven weeks before Baby Girl shows up. And sending you flowers was sweet,” she said.

Warmth spread through my chest. I’d been shocked when they’d been delivered this morning with a simple note.

Ally,

Hope you enjoy a few of your favorites. You are going to be a kick-ass mom and I can’t wait to meet our little girl. Movie night tomorrow?

Dom

He’d included a bag of gourmet buttered popcorn, five boxes of plain M&M’s, and a cute onesie that said, “not all math puns are terrible, just sum.” Plus, the softest maternity shirt that had the word “growing” and then an acute angle and the symbol for pi.

Growing a cutie pie.

Dammit. That was adorable and, obviously, custom because I’d never seen it in my search for fun shirts.

“That’s a pretty big smile,” Darcy said as the car came to a stop.

I hadn’t even registered the end of the drive as I thought about the gifts, but we were currently parked in front of Ethan’s house.

“Am I setting us both up for disappointment?” I asked, running my hand over my belly.

Darcy turned to face me and linked her fingers with mine, squeezing. “There’s no way to know for sure, but so far, he’sdoing the right things. And he’s not doing them because people are watching how he treats you. No one even knows it’s him. I’d like to believe that means he wants this to work out. Co-parenting, friends, whatever. I don’t think he’s going to walk away as soon as you give birth.”

“Thanks. I want to believe that, too, but it’s better when you say it.”

“And obviously, if he turns out to be a douchebag, we’ll take him out. The boys don’t even have to know,” she added matter-of-factly.

I laughed. “A bit bloodthirsty there.”

“You’re my best friend. You know I’d do anything for you.”

“Me too,” I replied, feeling tears prick the back of my eyes. “Don’t make me cry.”

“Ooh, tears might be a good idea. ‘She’s so surprised that she’s crying.’”

“Very funny.”

“But really. Everything’s going to work out. Have you decided how to tell Ethan yet?”

“Ugh. Now you’re really going to stress me out. No, I haven’t. And yes, I know I need to, especially since Dom’s going to be in town in less than two weeks and wants to see me.”

Darcy patted my hand. “It’ll be fine. But yeah, maybe tell him before the Stampede shows up. I’ll go with you.”

“You’re the best. Now, can we go get some cake and open presents?” I pushed open my door.

“Act surprised,” she admonished.

***

“So, were you really surprised?” Penny asked as we loaded up Ethan’s SUV and Darcy’s car with all the gifts hours later.

“Of course. And it was amazing,” I said, giving her another hug. I couldn’t believe all the love and support that I’d been showered with this afternoon. This little girl was going to be so spoiled. I would forever be grateful to everyone.

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