Page 128 of We Can't Be Friends

He holds the tiny onesies in one hand, swiping the back of the other across his cheek.

“Are you crying?” Liam asks George with a hint of teasing in his tone.

“No,” George lies. “Allergies.”

“What are you allergic to? Emotions.” Liam asks.

“Being a dad,” he corrects. “These are tiny. And cute. And there’s going to be a human that fits in them. And holy shit, I’m going to be a dad. What if I can’t do it? I don’t know what I’m doing.”

“Does anyone when they have a kid?”

“Yeah. Have you seen some of the amazing parents out there? I could never live up to that.”

“You can, George. You will,” Liam says.

“I had the worst example of parents.”

Liam cuts him off. “George, stop. Think about your aunt and uncle. Look how much they loved and raised you.”

“They did a grand job.” He nods in agreement, straightening himself. “I’m scared,” he admits.

“That’s okay,” I tell him.

“Mhm,” Liam adds in agreement. “Bea is probably scared, too. That’s a normal emotion. Becoming a parent is a change, and it’s new to you. What other emotions are you feeling?”

“Excited. Uh, proud—yeah, proud of Bea. She’s a champ. I’m blown away by what her body is doing, growing a tiny human. I didn’t think I could love her any more than I have my entire life, but seeing her like this. . .” He shuts his eyes, cheeks blushing as much as they can, and a smile on his face. “She’s beautiful.”

I take a sip of my beer. Proud is a resounding feeling I have toward him.

“We are proud of you,” I tell him.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. Look at you, mate. Everything you just said, your reactions, it shows you will be the best dad. Don’t worry about the unknown. Bea will be by your side, and together you’ll figure it out.”

“And you’ve got us,” Liam says as the door opens.

“And me!” States says as she enters their flat. “You boys talk loud.” She squeezes George’s shoulder as she walks by him and plants a kiss on his cheek. Emerson sits in Liam’s lap. “You’ve got us,” she echoes Liam’s sentiment. “That little girl has the best parents and the best family.”

Liam pulls Emerson back into his chest, having a quick but public moment of affection. They are like this now. I wish I could say it’s disgusting, but I’m happy they are this happy together. She nuzzles her head into his neck. “I love you, States,” he whispers to her. “Missed you today.”

“I love you, too,” she whispers back.

“Does that mean you’ll do my bidding when she brings home a date? I hate being the bad cop,” George groans. “There’s not a bad bone in my body.” He tilts his head one way, then the other. “Well. . . except. . .”

“I think Bea has that covered for you,” I reassure him. “But yes, we will be at the table waiting to speak with him or her.”

“Thank goodness.” George leans back on the couch. Clapping his hands together, he rubs them. “Now, let’s play that game.”

There is a chorus of groans from us before we appease him by playing a guessing game—Mom or Dad, who will do what?

Every answer is George.

He’s going to be the best and most obnoxious dad.

38

CHLOE

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