Page 75 of The Way We Score

“I started thinking about it after Mom’s fall.” I squint up at him. “It’s just her and me now, and when I was driving home, I felt how far away she was if something happened.”

His lips tighten, and he hasn’t eaten his ice cream either. “I know what you mean.”

He hesitates as if he’ll say more, but when I look up, he only smiles. It’s a tight smile, and my stomach knots. We’re both acting weird, like we’ve been shaken awake from a fuzzy dream.

“I think I’ll wait to tell her about the baby until thirteen weeks. It’s just a little longer.”

“The book said it’s common practice.” He nods. “Once you’re in the second trimester, there’s a lot less chance of anything going wrong. Not that anything’s going to go wrong.”

“That was a really strong heartbeat.” Warmth moves through my chest.

A real smile curls his lips, and he nods. “Strong and steady.”

He finally takes a bite of ice cream. “What’s this book you’re reading?”

“It’s calledA Dad’s Guide to Pregnancy. I got it on audiobook so I could listen to it while I’m training.”

More warmth. “You’re listening to it while you train?”

“I’m listening to it all the time. It says you’d appreciate compliments.”

“I don’t think a person has to be pregnant to appreciate compliments.”

“Yes, but it says you might be especially sensitive about your changing body.”

I take another bite of ice cream and inspect my torso. “I haven’t changed much yet.”

“Not true. You’re really glowing since I knocked you up.”

A laugh snorts through my nose as I eat more ice cream. “Is that so?”

“And your boobs have gotten bigger.”

“Garrett!” I push his arm with my elbow.

“I mean, you’ve always had a hot body.” He points his spoon at me. “But you look especially good growing our baby.”

Hesitating, I chew my bottom lip before saying it. “They’re going to think we’re back together… But of course, we’re not,” I quickly add. “It was just one night.”

“Technically it was two if you count the kiss.” His voice is thoughtful, and I dare to glance up at him.

Our eyes meet, and his are serious, studying me like he’s considering it. Energy flashes from my chest to my stomach, and my ears get hot. The baby is too small for me to feel, but I wonder if strawberry-sized he or she can tell—something happens when I look at Daddy.

“We’ve changed a lot since we were teenagers,” he continues. “We’re different people now.”

“Are we?” My nose wrinkles.

“I know I am.”

My lips twist, and I toss my ice cream cup into a nearbytrash can. “We’re not the type to get back together just because we’re pregnant. Those relationships never last.”

“I guess not.” He walks over and tosses his cup as well.

Is it possible he seems a little disappointed? It’s time to drive him to the airport, and my emotions have been on a roller-coaster ride since he got here.

It’s not a long drive from here to the airport, and I don’t get out at the Departures gate.

He only has a carry-on bag, but before he gets out, he pauses. “About what you said earlier, you’re not alone, Liv. You never will be. I told you I’d be there, and I will.”

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