Page 100 of Irreplaceable

Alexis nodded. “Trust me, I suggested it. But he was so excited to surprise you.”

“I think it’s sweet,” Lauren said.

I rolled my eyes, but I was smiling as I said, “Of course you do. I mean, he bribed you with tickets to a Leatherbacks game.”

“Whatever.” Lauren nudged my shoulder with hers. “You know you’re more important to me, right?”

I nodded, but I was quiet as we continued to peruse the store. I’d underestimated just how little time together Enzo and I would have while the season was in full swing. Lately, I spent more time with Nico than Enzo, and I was looking forward to the season ending in November. Hopefully, that would give us a few months to get to know each other as a couple before Aiden arrived.

“I get the feeling that something’s bothering you, Harp,” Lauren finally said. “What’s going on?”

“I don’t know.” I sank down on a couch under the pretense of testing it out. “It’s all happening a bit fast, don’t you think?”

I glanced at the price tag and nearly swallowed my tongue. Holy shit.

“Does it feel fast?” Alexis asked, joining me. “Or are you just afraid that other people will think it is?”

Damn, she was perceptive. “Perhaps a little of both. And now—knowing who he is—I guess I wonder if people will think I did this on purpose. To trap him.” He’d even voiced such a concern when I’d first told him, as had Val. And that was a big part of the reason why I’d stayed offline since the gender reveal.

“First of all,” Alexis said. “Screw them.”

Lauren nodded.

“People will always talk and speculate,” Alexis said. “Believe me, I know. But what matters is how you feel about the situation. Because at the end of the day, you’re not building a life, a family, with them. You’re building one with Enzo.”

I knew Alexis spoke from experience. When she and Preston had first started dating, they’d kept it a secret at her insistence. She thought everyone would judge her for sleeping with a man who was not only nine years younger than her, but also her daughter’s nanny.

“There is no one timeline,” Lauren said, and I traced the curves of my bracelet. “Just like there’s no one relationship solution. Some couples get married; some don’t. Some have children; some don’t. Some consolidate bank accounts; some don’t. You have to do what’s best for you.”

I nodded, considering her words. She and Hunter had been together for several years now and were very happy. They weren’t married, nor did they plan to have children. It worked for them, and I was thrilled for her.

“Does it feel rushed to you?” Lauren asked.

“There are just…so many things happening so quickly. And my hormones are freaking all over the place.” It felt good to be honest, because I was scared to trust what was happening with Enzo. It all seemed a little too good to be true.

Alexis wrapped an arm around my shoulder. “It’ll get easier. But at some point, you’re going to have to slow down and be honest with yourself.”

“Slow down?” I scoffed. “Now is not the time for me to slow down. I’ve got a million work projects going on. I’ve got stock photo sites asking me when I’ll have more images to sell them. I’ve got the pregnancy—and all the things I need to research about baby gear. I can’t possibly do it all.”

“That’s why you have us.” Lauren grinned. “And Enzo. Lean on your friends and family.”

I laughed. “I know. I know.”

“No.” Alexis shook her head. “You think life will slow down once you have the baby, but time only speeds up. And as they grow up…” Her smile was wistful. “You’ll be running around to soccer camp and playdates and so many other things. Don’t miss out on this time. Don’t miss out on your pregnancy—something you’ve wanted for so long—because you’re too focused on the future.”

I nodded, taking her words to heart. She was right. I just didn’t know what to do about it.

“Have you been doing yoga lately?” Lauren asked.

I shook my head and tried not to laugh at Enzo’s and my code word for sex. “I stopped doing pole a few months ago, and my yoga practice has been sporadic. I just don’t have time.”

“I think you should focus on making time for it. You always seem more centered when you do.”

“Yeah…” I hedged. “I know I should.”

“Maybe Enzo will do it with you,” she suggested.

My cheeks heated at the reminder of Enzo’s and my last yoga session. I wouldn’t mind another one of those.

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