Page 43 of Peach

“Really? You want this? The trouble, the pain, all the hours spent awake, walking the floor with worry as the baby screams in pain from an earache or teething?”

He didn’t break eye contact as he nodded. “Yes. Maybe it’s not how most people get together, but this is us. We’llmake it work. We’ll figure out a path forward. Plus, we have friends. Already, the women are talking to Mel about how they are going to show up and help her with the newborn.”

“That’s great. I never expected to have help, but your friends are different.”

“They really are great.”

“I’m looking forward to spending time with Mel next week.”

“I’m glad you’re getting along with them. When Ava first showed up in Wild’s life, I was skeptical. But she’s an awesome person.”

“Yeah, they’ve made me feel great. I’m impressed.”

“Are you hungry?” Peach asked as he stood and helped her out of bed.

“Um, I could eat something.”

“How about a sandwich?”

“Sure, I can make you one.”

Peach threw back his head, laughter spilling out. “Heck no. I was going to make you one. I can make my own damn sandwiches. You blew me and then had amazing as hell sex with me.”

She shook her head. “You’re so…”

“What?” he asked as he flipped on the light in the kitchen.

“Good. You’re good. And I love it.”

His smile made her heart fill with emotions. She was falling hard for him. He wasn’t at all like anyone she’d experienced before, and she knew if she ruined this, she would regret it for the rest of her life. Peach was the type of man who was a keeper. She needed to not fuck this up.

Chapter 28

Haisley worriedabout Mel coming over, unsure how they would mesh while alone, but she shouldn't have worried. Mel was so sweet and kind. They bonded fast, though no one else was there.

"So, how excited are you about having the baby?" Mel asked.

“Very.” Haisley cradled her belly. “This is the first time a pregnancy hasn’t ended with a miscarriage. I mean, I know it could still happen, but the other ones were already over. And the doctors seem to think this one is going to last. So what about you? It’s almost time.”

Mel laughed. “I really didn’t think I would have kids. It was the first time we actually had sex.”

“The first time?”

Mel nodded. "We'd just gotten together, and I had an IUD, and Andy used protection, though I think he forgot to roll one on. We weren't even in a serious relationship, not really. But something happened to the IUD, and now we're here. I'm thrilled, but it's going to take some getting used to the idea."

“Wow. So you didn’t want to end the pregnancy?”

Mel shook her head. “No. By the time I figured out I was pregnant, I was in love with Andy. I’m thrilled now, and he’s excited.”

“I’m happy for you. That’s great that you two are in love with each other.”

“What about you and Peach?” Mel asked.

Heat filled her, and she didn't know what to say. Last week, they hadn't been more than friends, and now they were sleeping in the same bed, and he was kissing her before he left for work.

"Oh my goodness," Mel said as she reached out and grabbed Haisley's arm. "He's so hot. He looks so young, like a model."

Haisley laughed. “Yeah, he’s much hotter than anyone I’ve ever dated. I don’t know what to do with that.”