Page 46 of One Timer With A Wingman

He takes a step toward me. “I’m in.”

“What?” I ask, confused.

“I’m in, Briar. You aren’t doing this alone.”

The well of tears I was holding back comes pouring out. I sob so hard my body shakes. Aaron walks around the counter and gathers me in his arms. His fresh scent envelops me in the best way. Being back in his arms feels so good. But we aren’t together. He is in this because he is a responsible human and wants to be there for our baby.

“I’m terrified,” I confess.

“Me too,” he says.

“I reached out to my parents and told them I needed help. I didn’t know what to do and neither of them got back to me. No. . .that’s not true, my mom left me a message saying she couldn’t afford my lease anymore and would have to come pick up my car.”

“So they don’t know your pregnant?” he asks, dropping his arms from around me.

“No.” I shake my head.

“Okay, well, this is going to be fine. I have another year left of school. I’m going to the NHL. Financially, this will be okay.” He runs his fingers through his hair and rubs the back of his neck like a nervous tick.

“Aaron, this baby is coming in September. I did the math. My due date is about September 28th. I won’t be able to finish my senior year. I’m going to lose my scholarship. Everything is a big mess.”

“Shit. I’m sorry,” he says about my rant. Doesn’t he have something better than that?

I blink a few times. I need to get my bearings. “I’m booked for an ultrasound at the hospital on Tuesday, if you want to come. Don’t feel obligated if you have a class or something,” I murmur.

“Briar, I’m coming to your ultrasound, even if I have to miss class. I told you I’ll be here for you, and I meant it. Not just for the baby but for you too. I’m probably not saying or doing the right thing right now because I need to process. My head is all messed up and I’m sorry if I’m being an asshole.”

“You aren’t. . .” I swallow. “Being an asshole. I almost fainted at the doctor’s office when they told me the news.”

“When did you find out?” he asks.

“Monday. I needed time to process. I was scared and lost,” I admit.

“Yeah,” his voice cracks and he squeezes the back of his neck again. “I’m going to need to tell my parents. They’ll probably want to meet you. I don’t know how Mom is going to take the news with everything that’s going on. She has so much to deal with and her and Dad are in a good place now after their trip. They’re trying to act all happy and shit, even though I feel like it’s just an act. I hope this news doesn’t break her.” He is rambling and I read the nerves running off him in spades.

I take a step toward him and hug him. “It’s not going to be easy, but from what you’ve told me about them. . .well, they sound like loving people. I’m guessing your mom will be supportive. I’m not a parent yet, but I want this nugget to feel loved. To know that his or her parents would never abandon them because I know how that feels, and I don’t wish it on anyone.”

Aaron hugs me back squishing, my body into his. He holds on tight for a moment then he takes a step back. “Sorry, I don’t want to hurt. . .” His brows furrow. “Did you call the baby Nugget?”

“Yes.” I smile and touch my belly.

“I like it.”

“Aaron, I think we should keep the pregnancy a secret for now. It’s fine if you want to tell your parents, but I was reading on Google that the first three months are the most unstable part of the pregnancy. Like the rate of miscarriage is much higher.”

Aaron hisses, “Don’t talk like that.”

“I’m a realist. I think we should keep the pregnancy under wraps until we speak with a doctor,” I urge.

“I can respect that. Although, I feel like I need to be around to check on you and stuff,” he says. We are both flailing, that much is clear, but Aaron is a gentleman through and through.

“That would be nice,” I say, biting into my lip. I have another issue to raise but it feels a little awkward. “I. . .uh. . .I just want to make sure we, you know, are on good terms and stuff. For the sake of the baby.”

“Definitely,” he replies, as if it’s obvious.

I want to say we should stay platonic and keep sex out of the picture, but it could be what he was expecting anyway so I keep my mouth shut.

“Okay. I’ll text you the details for the ultrasound on Tuesday.”

---