Page 55 of The Lonely Hearts Guide

“I already told you, she’s just stretching,” Alexander said.

“Yes, well, you’ve never gone through pregnancy. I’d like to seek a second opinion from someone who has.” Elliot’s nervous eyes found Twylah’s. “Can babies break through skin?”

She shook her head. “No, Elliot. And she wouldn’t want to if she could.” She placed her hand atop Elliot’s and guided it toward the baby’s foot. “She can hear you, you know. Do you ever talk to her? I used to sing to Lexy all the time. I think it helped our bond.”

“Should I have been doing that already? Mother’s manual didn’t mention anything about singing or speaking to her.” His jaw trembled. “What if I’ve already severed any bond we could have shared simply by remaining silent?”

Alexander opened his mouth to respond, but his mother cut him off. “Lexy says you’re about six months pregnant?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Then you still have plenty of time. Besides, I don’t think they can actually hear you until around six or seven months, anyway. She’s been listening to your heart, though.” Her smile reminded Alexander of the way she would look at him after a particularly brutal day at school. How she would flash her pearly whites, reassuring Alexander that the opinions of homophobic bullies did not define who he was. “Do you love her?”

Elliot nodded emphatically. “With my whole heart.” He sniffled. “I’m baking her from scratch. That’s what my mother used to tell me.”

Her hand soothingly caressed Elliot’s. “Then she knows, Elliot.” Leaning closer, she kissed Elliot on the forehead. “Lexy and I are going to get you through this pregnancy, and you’re going to have the happiest, healthiest family. I can feel it.”

Elliot looked like he wanted to cry. His hand moved on top of Alexander’s mother’s, and he held onto it like a touchstone. “Thank you. That really puts me—” Elliot yelped like a kicked dog, jolting back a step. He closed his eyes and breathed slowly, as if he’d just ran back and forth across the entire island. “I’m sorry. That was the strongest kick yet. I wasn’t expecting it.”

Alexander’s mother nodded. “She’s got a lion’s heart, I can tell.”

Elliot shook his head. “No, ma’am. Her heart is half-human, half-automaton. It says so in Mother’s guide.” He looked down, reaching out his hand for something that wasn’t there. Sucking in a sharp breath as he stared at the floor beside him. His eyes widened, and he jerked his head in Alexander’s direction. “My suitcase! I forgot my suitcase. The book was inside. Alexander, I was supposed to—”

Alexander smiled and reached for the tail of his shirt. As he lifted the fabric, Elliot stared at the book wedged between his hip and trousers. It was the only item he’d snuck off the cruise ship. Mrs. Peppercorn was supposed to gather the rest of their belongings once the ship docked, but Alexander thought Elliot might need his manual before then. “Here you go, baby. Safe and sound.”

“Y-you remembered to grab it for me?”

Alexander chewed his cheek. Was Elliot upset with him for going through his things? He hoped not. Alexander only wanted to help, but he hadn’t asked Elliot’s permission, so there was a good chance he’d crossed some line he hadn’t known was there. He hadn’t even thought of seeking Elliot’s permission, and it left him feeling guiltier than he ever had. He opened his mouth to apologize, but Elliot cut him off.

“No one has ever looked out for me the way you do. The cruise ship shopping spree. Cuddling me by the pool until I felt better. You even served me breakfast in bed.”

“It was just room service,” Alexander said sheepishly.

“You took the time out of your day to do something special for me.” He wrapped his hand around Alexander’s wrist. “Please don’t diminish yourself or your actions. I appreciate them both.” Elliot leaned forward and kissed Alexander sweetly, purring into his mouth like a kitten when Alexander stroked the side of his face.

When they pulled away, Alexander noticed his mother dabbing at her glossy eyes. “I didn’t think I’d ever get to see this, Lexy. You look so happy.”

Alexander blushed, unable to keep the smile off his face. “I am. I’ve never been happier.” He held the book out for Elliot. “Here you go.”

Elliot took the book and stared at it, then at Alexander. “Thank you. Thank you for everything.” He flipped through the opening pages, pausing at a page labeled Mother’s Mission Statement. “See, Ms. Twylah? There were no lion parts used in the making of our baby, only a bit of my source code and a sprinkle of Jared’s . . . well, you know.” He blushed furiously, immediately looking down.

She snorted a laugh. “Oh, I like you, Elliot. We’re going to be the best of friends. I can tell.”

“Until last week, I never had any friends at all. Now, they’re practically coming out my ears.” A grin worked its way onto his face. “I’m looking forward to getting to know you, Ms. Twylah.”

“Right back at you, sweetie.”

When they departed the ferry and made their way toward the crowd of Sugarplumians, Alexander watched as members of the small community welcomed Elliot with open arms.

“You’re one of us now,” Old man O’Connell promised. “Damn shame you had to miss the rest of your cruise, but you’re home now, so that’s got to count for something.”

“Thank you,” Elliot said, blushing.

Next was Myrtle McMillan, who was holding the sign apologizing for chasing Elliot with a rake. When they first met, Elliot mentioned someone chasing him off, but he didn’t know the details. Now, Alexander had to bite down the urge to issue her a notice of eviction from his island.

“I’m really sorry,” she said. “Your eyes were flashing up a storm, and I thought you were a demon coming to bring about the end times.”

Elliot shook his head. “I’m not a demon,” he said matter-of-factly. “I’m a bountiful beau. Apology accepted but not forgotten. Please show a bit more kindness in the future. It costs nothing.”

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