Page 46 of Milo

“I’m Nature,” I introduced myself.

“Nice to meet you, babe.”

“The feeling is mutual.”

“So, a son, huh?”

“Yes.”

“Decided on a name?”

“Mason. We chose that name some time ago in college. We were kids but we wanted to honor the pledge.”

“I get it. How far along are you?”

“I’m thirty-five, almost thirty-six weeks.”

“Almost at the finish line.”

“Yes. Almost.”

“Well, you two have been togeth—around each other long enough for me not to have to tell you this, but you have a good one, girl. I haven’t met a Domino that’s made me turn my nose up yet. They’re all…” She paused, struggling to find the perfect word to describe them.

“Men.”

“Yes. Exactly. It’s that simple. They’re all men.”

“You’re right.”

I dried my hands, still stuck on her hiccup.

Together.

We weren’t. And just like her, I thought that fiancée had a ring to it. Wife had an even bigger ring, and somehow, my heart still yearned for that title. Milo, it was him I wanted to give it to me but he was dangerous territory.

Loving Milo was equivalent to living life in a minefield. Any movement in the wrong direction could lead to destruction. Heart and body exploding, leaving me unrecognizable and unidentifiable. The risk outweighed the reward, and if I was smart, I’d keep my heart in check.

“Congratulations on the baby.”

“Thank you so much. Congratulations on the future nuptials.” I chuckled. “Pretend or not.”

“Thank you.”

I exited the restroom, bumping right into Lawe.

“Damn, move that motherfucker over or something!” he fussed.

“My belly? Seriously? How do you suppose I do that?” I asked, hand on my hip as I tilted my head and waited for an answer.

“Shit, I don’t know. Y’all the fucking doctors.”

“Hello to you, too, Lawe. Milo, I’m going to sit down.”

I started for the booth we’d chosen. Immediately, I felt a hand on my arm, pulling me back in the direction I was fleeing from.

“Nah,” Lawe protested. “I know you fucking lying. You trying to wobble your ass over to the table and give me that dry ass greeting like you don’t know me or something.”

“I do know you. That’s why I’m trying to wobble away,” I assured him, settling into his embrace.

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