Page 68 of Before You Go

“Let us know if you need anything.”

“I will. Thanks, Tucker, and tell everyone I say hi.” I give him a wave as the doors close, then step off the elevator on Clay and Willow’s floor.

After knocking softly, Willow answers the door and smiles before she wraps me in a hug and whispers, “Hey, how are you doing?”

“Okay.” I hug her tight, then let her go to pick up PJ, who is jumping up to greet me. “I missed you too, buddy.” I smile as he licks my jaw and then focus on Willow. “I really appreciate you looking after him for me.”

“Are you kidding? He is the best dog.” She smiles, closing the door. “I told Clay I want to get a Havanese when Rowen is a little older, and the only reason I want to put it off is because we are going to start potty training soon, and I don’t think I can handle a kid and a puppy peeing everywhere.” She laughs, and I laugh along with her.

“That’s probably smart. It took about four months for PJ to catch on to going outside, and all the accidents before that were exhausting.”

“I bet.” Her eyes move to my stomach. “How are you feeling?”

“Tired, but I think that’s just from not getting much sleep the last few days.”

“Keep lying to yourself. Being pregnant is exhausting; I would fall asleep anywhere and everywhere.”

“You could have fibbed and told me it gets better.”

“It does when the baby gets here, and your partner can take over. Right now, you’re doing all the work.” She tips her head to the side. “Speaking of partners, where is Dayton?”

“At work. He’s meeting me at the hospital when he gets off.”

“Are you two still lying to yourselves about just being friends?” she questions with a smirk.

“No, we’re figuring it out.”

“Good. That makes me happy.”

It makes me happy too, which is scary—but not as scary as the idea of never seeing if things might work out between me and him.

“Your dad… is he okay?” she asks.

“Better.” I put PJ down. “I think they might release him soon.”

Her head jerks back in surprise. “Already?”

“I’m not sure. The doctor is supposed to talk to Mom this afternoon. I think we’ll know more after that.”

“Well, if you need anything, you know we’re right here.”

My throat gets tight at her sincerity. “Thank you.”

“That’s what family’s for.” She reaches out to rub my arm, and my nose starts to sting as my eyes start to water.

“Thanks,” I whisper, and she smiles.

“Those pregnancy hormones are a bitch.”

“Yeah, they are.” I laugh, wiping away the tears overflowing my eyes.

“All right.” She laughs. “Go shower, and I’ll see you when you bring PJ back.”

“Thanks, Willow.”

“Any time.” She opens the door, and I leave with PJ on my heels.

When I get downstairs to my apartment, I don’t waste a second getting in the shower, and I spend a long time under the hot spray, just letting the water wash away the past few days.

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