Page 8 of Doctor I Do

“You should have seen how much I cried after Ethan was born.”

My lips part. “Wh-what?” I stutter, shock transforming my expression.

His eyes focus on Alice, who stares back at him warmly. “She handled labor so well. Like, it’s fucking traumatizing. And then, the next minute, they lifted a little piece of me and her onto her chest, and I bawled like a fucking baby. The feelings were so overwhelming.”

“How come you felt like that?” I didn’t mean for that question to leave my lips, but I’m curious about what made my hard-ass brother break down. It’s not like him.

“I remember it all too well; it’s so fresh in my mind. My chest was going to combust with pride. She’s a warrior.”

While he’s all soft and sleep deprived and won’t think anything about my questions, I ask what I’m dying to know. “How did you know she was the one?” I say it quietly, not wanting the girls to overhear.

His face breaks into a bright beam of glee. “She feels like home. Keeping me safe, warm, and loved.”

Home?

What does that mean?

I don’t ask, because I figure if I have to ask, then I’ve never felt it.

I remember last night, when I was with another meaningless hook-up, how numb and hollow I felt…definitely not a feeling of home.

I was cold, not warm.

There was no care or desire to hold on to them because I love her with every piece of me.

Yeah, no, that’s not where I’m at. My life is to focus on my career, and when it’s my time, I’m sure I’ll know.

“Yeah, that makes sense.”

The girls have stopped talking, and the room is now quiet. I’m still leaning back, watching Tahlia hold Ethan with fascination. “Why’d you ask? Are you seeing someone?” Mike asks.

Tahlia’s head turns to us curiously, so I say loud enough for her to hear, so she knows, I can see her listening in.

“No, I’m just curious, that’s all.” I shrug, and he nods, and luckily doesn’t push any further.

A knock sounds at the door, and it swings open.

“Where is this little man?”

I peer over and see Tahlia’s roommate Maddison, and her friend Blake. Everyone says hi, including me, but I know it’s my cue to leave. There are too many people in this room.

I turn to Mike, whose puzzled expression stares back at me. “I’ll let you all catch up, and then I’ll come back later for a hug.”

Blake and Maddison take a seat directly next to Tahlia, and she stands immediately, handing over Ethan into Maddison's arms.

Mike rolls his lips, as if deliberating something. “You know what, I might grab a coffee from downstairs and let them be alone for a minute,” he says.

I nod and wait as he crosses to the other side of Alice. She smiles lovingly as he whispers something and presses a soft kiss to her lips before rejoining me.

“Ready?” he asks.

I walk over to the group, Mike behind me.

Tahlia looks up, curiosity etched into her face.

“I’m going to leave you all to meet Ethan. Nice seeing you again T, Blake, and Maddy. I hope to see you again soon.”

Blake winks. “I’ll probably see you at Luxe this weekend.”

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