Page 16 of Curvy Girl and the Bad Boy Cowboy

As I pull out of the medical center parking lot, I find myself wondering what kind of father I'll be to this little girl. Will I be patient like Vincent or protective like Cole? Or will I find my own way?

"You know," I say, breaking the comfortable silence that's fallen between us, "I've never missed an appointment to pick up Lucy from school when Vincent needs help. Not once in five years."

Naomi looks at me quizzically. "Okay?"

"I'm just saying... I can be reliable. When it matters."

She nods slowly. "I'm starting to see that."

"I want to be reliable for her," I continue, gesturing to the ultrasound photo Naomi is still holding. "For both of you, actually."

"One day at a time, Ethan," she says gently. "That's all I'm asking for."

One day at a time. I can do that. Today, I made it to the appointment. Today, I saw my daughter for the first time. Today, I'm taking Naomi to lunch.

Tomorrow, I'll worry about tomorrow.

For now, I just want to savor this strange new feeling—like I've been given something precious and unexpected. Something worth fighting for.

We pull into Madeline's Diner, a Cedar Falls institution with its chrome exterior and neon sign that's been flickering the same way since I was a kid. The lunch rush is over, so we easily find a booth by the window.

Madeline herself approaches—a stout woman in her sixties who's known every Covington since before we were born.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in," she says, eyeing me with mock suspicion before turning a warm smile to Naomi. "And with such lovely company. How are you doing, sweetheart? The morning pastries you sent over last week were divine."

"Thanks, Madeline," Naomi replies. "We have a bakery-diner trade agreement going," she explains to me. "I send pastries, she sends pie recipes."

"Best deal in town," Madeline nods. "Now, what can I get you two?"

"Grilled cheese for me," Naomi says. "With the tomato soup. And a chocolate milkshake."

"Smart girl, eating for two," Madeline says with a knowing wink that makes both Naomi and me freeze.

"How did you—" Naomi starts.

Madeline laughs. "Honey, I've seen five pregnancies up close and served food to hundreds of pregnant women over the years. You've got the glow, and you just ordered my famous pregnancy combo—grilled cheese, tomato soup, and chocolate shake. Dead giveaway."

She turns to me with raised eyebrows. "And you, Ethan Covington? Finally settling down?"

"Just feeding the mother of my child," I reply, surprising myself with how easily the words come. "I'll have the same as her, minus the shake."

Madeline's eyes widen slightly, but she recovers quickly.

"Well, well. Wonders never cease." She scribbles our order and pats Naomi's shoulder. "Congratulations, you two. Food'll be up in a jiffy."

When she walks away, Naomi gives me a look. "That was... direct."

I shrug. "Cedar Falls. News travels fast, and we might as well own the narrative."

"Is that what we're doing? Owning the narrative?"

"I just don't want you to have to deal with whispers and rumors," I explain. "People are going to find out eventually. You're already showing a little."

She places a protective hand over her stomach. "I guess you're right. I've been hiding it with loose clothes at the bakery, but pretty soon that won't work."

"Are you worried? About what people will say?"

Naomi considers this. "A little. Small towns can be judgmental. Unwed mother and all that."

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