Page 51 of The Complication with the Best Man

My shoulders slump.

“I’m just kidding, man.” Van squeezes my shoulder. “It can be a lot, no doubt. But honestly, it comes with such a big support system that it’s worth the never-ending intrusions into your business. If you ever need anything, someone in that family is going to step up to help. Always.”

Hudson nods.

“That doesn’t sound so bad, I suppose.” I sip my drink.

“Once you get used to it, you’ll be happy for it.” Hudson takes a pull from his beer.

I take his word for it. As if I have a choice.

twenty

HARPER

“You all right?”

Finn’s deep voice draws my attention from the million thoughts swirling through my head.

“Yeah, why?”

His large hand lands on my knee, preventing it from bouncing up and down as it has been doing since we checked in and sat down.

We’re in the waiting room, waiting to see Aunt Stella for my first official doctor’s appointment related to my pregnancy, and I’m nervous. What if she says there’s something wrong with the baby?

“Sorry, nerves, I guess.” I give him a tight smile.

He fixes me with his hazel eyes, rimmed with dark lashes. “I promise, everything will be fine. Whatever happens in there, we will figure it out, okay?”

The weird thing is, I believe him. “Yeah… okay, thanks.”

A few minutes later, we’re called into the office, and the nurse tells me to remove everything from the waist down.

Finn’s eyes widen, and he looks away from me, thumbing over his shoulder. “I’ll um… wait outside.”

It would be almost comical if it didn’t highlight the fact that we’re having a baby together and barely know each other.

I undress and put the gown on before opening the door a crack and waving Finn inside. He looks at me warily when he steps in as if to make sure all my bits and pieces are covered. Finn sits in the chair, and I hop up onto the exam table, swinging my feet.

Before either of us can say anything, there’s a knock on the door, and it opens, revealing my aunt Stella wearing her white doctor’s coat, which contrasts with her dark umber skin and her red lipstick. She always looks so put together, even when she’s working. Her dark hair is in braids and pulled back into a ponytail, and her deep brown eyes flick between Finn and me.

“How are you?” She steps over to give me a hug, which I return. “How’s my girl? Staying out of trouble?”

I think my aunt would be happy if Maven continued living with her and Uncle Kingston for years, but she doesn’t seem to hold it against me that I gave her a place to stay.

“She’s good. Perfect roommate.”

“Glad to hear it.” She squeezes my upper arms then turns to address Finn. “And you must be Finn. Good to meet you.” She extends her hand.

He takes it, telling her it’s good to meet her as well.

“So.” She claps her hands together. “Congratulations to you both. Should we try and find out when you might expect this bundle of joy?”

I smile. “Yes, please. Though I can tell you the exact date of conception, since it was a…” I trail off, not wanting to say it was a one-night hookup.

“That makes things easy. But I’ll still do a physical exam today if that’s okay with you, Harper, just to make sure everything is progressing as expected.”

I nod, thankful she’s not making it a big deal. I knew my aunt would probably be cool about it, but I’m happy that initial awkwardness is over.

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