Page 25 of Keeping Promises

“Idon’t need a babysitter, you know.” I stare at Brynn and Cal, who are cuddled on the love seat while I have the couch to myself. Lexi and Ben are out at a work event while the three of us watch movies and binge on pizza.

I haven’t heard from Asher since I stormed out of the doctor’s office. Not that there is much to say. I began texting an apology a few times, but what am I apologizing for exactly? He’s single; he’s not committed to me. He hasn’t even fully committed to us. I hope that his showing up at the appointment means that he is all in, but we never got a chance to discuss it before I ran away.

“Yeah, I know, but if we both planned on watching movies, then why not just do it together and keep each other company?” I guess it weirdly makes sense, but I still feel like a bit of a third wheel even though Brynn and Cal aren’t a couple. They freaking should be, though—maybe one day they will both get their heads out of their asses.

Cal is looking at the sonogram that he grabbed off the table moments ago. “Oh yeah, I totally see it.”

Brynn giggles as she leans over and flips it around. “It usually helps if you look at it the correct way.” I join in on her laughter as he flips us both off when there is a knock on the door.

“Expecting someone?” Cal asks, setting the photo back on the table, and begins to rise to his feet. I hold up my hand and jump up.

“I don’t think so. Now, sit your ass back down. This is my house, remember?”

He sticks his tongue out as I pass by, heading to the door.

I open the door to reveal Asher standing there nervously with his hands in his pockets. My eyes widen as they roam his body, taking in his attire. He’s wearing black dress pants and a matching suit coat, a crisp white shirt, and a loosened dark purple tie around his neck.

“Asher, what are you doing here.” My voice squeaks since he was the last person I expected to see on my doorstep.

Behind me, I can softly hear the conversation going on between Brynn and Cal.

“I think that’s our cue to leave,” Brynn calls out, and there is movement behind me.

“But I want to watch,” Cal whines. I’m not sure if he’s referring to the movie or whatever brought Asher to my apartment on a Friday evening.

Without turning around, I know that Brynn has given him a look to get his ass moving because the shuffling behind me tells me that they are getting up to go. Asher and I still haven’t moved from our standoff in the doorway.

“Call me later, Had.” Brynn leans in for a hug.

Cal waves as he passes, looking back and forth between Asher and me as he walks out the door. Once he’s behind Asher, he makes an obscene hand gesture and winks before Brynn pulls him by the collar down the hall.

Asher clears his throat, and I turn my gaze back to him.

“What… what are you doing here?” I repeat, stuttering this time.

“Aren’t you going to let me in, or do I have to wait out here all night?”

I back up from the door, allowing him to enter. “Come on in. Nice of you to at least ask this time instead of just barging in like before.” I roll my eyes, referring to the day he found out about the baby.

I cross my arms over my chest after shutting the door.

“I have to admit, I’m feeling a little overdressed here.” I take in his outfit versus my old WCU T-shirt that I’ve cut the collar out of and turned into an off-the-shoulder top and cotton shorts.

“Oh, yeah. Sorry, I was with Ben and Lexi at the Abrams Jewelers gala that Maritime was a sponsor of tonight.”Well, that explains the tux.

“So then why are you here?”

“You know, that’s a good question.” He runs his hand over his jaw and looks around the room. “I was there at the event, standing over by the bar having a drink, when the bartender began hitting on me. Blonde hair and big tits any man would want to run his—”

“Asher,” I scold. This isn’t really something I want or need to hear about. Is this supposed to make me feel better? Because I’m starting to feel the pizza I consumed earlier trying to make its way back up.

“Yeah, sorry. Anyways, I was standing there, but all I could keep thinking about was the baby, and well, somehow I ended up here.”

My mouth gapes open, not really sure how to respond.

Asher steps closer, and his palm grazes my chin, pushing my mouth closed.

“To be honest, I haven’t been able to think about anything besides you or the baby the past few days.”

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