Page 99 of What if It's Us

Do you think she would say no?

Me

Not necessarily but she’s been an independent woman all her life. Asking her to stop living alone and be with me full time is…well…

Dad

Scary as fuck?

Me

That’s putting it mildly. Every time I consider asking her it feels like I’m in the third period with a tied score and only three seconds left on the clock and somehow I’ve got to get the puck to the other end of the ice and into the net before the buzzer sounds.

Dad

That’s a lot of pressure you’re putting on yourself. It’s just a living space. Larger and closer to the arena so you both would win.

Me

Farther from you though.

Dad

If you think your mother hasn’t already planned her future trips into the city for every other day just so she can see her grandbaby, you’re out of your damn mind. LOL!

Mom

I apologize for nothing.

Me

LOL. I guess I can’t blame you.

Mom

How about dinner in a few days if she’s feeling better? We’re here for you, whatever you need, you know that, right?

Me

Yeah. I know. And thank you. Dinner sounds great. I’ll touch base in a few days.

Dad

Love you, son.

Me

Love you too, Dad.

I lay my phone down beside me and stay still for several long minutes simply holding Marlee, while she sleeps. I try like crazy to make sure I don’t move her because if she moves too much she could wake up to another round of nausea and God knows I don’t wish that on her.

Inhaling a long breath, I release it slowly, appreciating the feel of her body against mine.

She’s so damn strong to be going through all this.

I wish I was half as strong as she is.

My eyes drift to her hand on her belly.

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