Page 113 of Mended Hearts

“What’cha thinking, Trouble?”

She blinked, pulling herself back into the moment. “Hmm?”

“You okay?”

She took a breath. “Yeah,” she said dreamily. “I think I am.”

“Think?”

She faced me fully then, setting down the mug. “There’s just been…a lot of change in the last twenty-four hours. It’s a lot to process.”

“Beyond baby?”

Her eyes narrowed. That was more like it.

“First, you take me on the most romantic date of all time.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Don’t get cocky.”

“Duly noted.”

“Thenyou leave me with a high-strung hoo-ha.”

“Which I remedied, thank you very much.”

“Aftertelling me you love me.”

“That did happen.”

“And basically admitted you’ve been pining.”

“Also not inaccurate.”

“And then—bam—we’re having a baby. Something that—until this morning—I thought would never happen for me.”

Yikes.

“Yep. That…sums it up.”

“So, yeah.” She bobbed her head. “Processing.”

“Understandable.”

“Isn’t it?” she squeaked. Then she slid me her still-full latte like it was an offering. I accepted without hesitation.

“Wanna blow this popsicle stand?”

“If that’s what you want.”

“I’m craving pajamas.”

“Fair.”

We stood and headed for the door, and just like that, a new fear took root.

What if she left?

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