Page 57 of Family Like This

“What do you mean?”

“We went from hooking up, to becoming friends while doing that, to having a baby and something more serious. We’ve never talked about our futures or made silly plans or…” He laughs and shakes his head.

“What?”

“Will you be my date to the wedding tomorrow?”

“Uh, I thought I already was.”

“I never officially asked you. And more importantly, I didn’t approach it as adate.That’s what it’s going to be, though. It’s going to be the start of us dating. I never got to take you out for a first date. We didn’t get to sit at a table and discuss all the little things we wanted from our lives and where we wanted to go. We’ve talked about some of it now, but more out of necessity. We skipped the fun parts of dating, and I don’t want to keep doing that. Starting now, we’re going on regular dates, so you better clear your schedule.”

“Like flowers and small talk and dinner dates?”

“Holding hands and walking through a park. Getting ice cream on Sunday. Saturday morning breakfast dates. I’m going to date you and woo you and make you feel like the most spoiled woman on the planet.”

My heart does a little flip. I didn’t know I wanted that, but I do. Maybe I’m like my mom and like getting presents. Not because I want more things, but there’s something special about someone doing something thoughtful or picking something out just for you.

“I like the sound of that, as long as you feel spoiled, too.”

He kisses me again. “As long as I’m with you, I will.” He gives me a grin that would make me weak in the knees if I was standing and not sitting on the couch in grubby sweats. His eyes dance as he stares at me like I’m the only person in the world.

“This brings us back to my question. Did you want a one-night stand or more?”

He brushes his fingers over mine before slowly trailing them up my arm. “At some point in my life, I wanted this. I wanted to find the right person for me and have a family. With the rate at which my friends have found those things, occasionally I longed for it, but I wasn’t actively seeking it. I trusted that when I met the right person, I’d know I wanted something more—and I did. It’s why I walked back to your apartment that morning. I knew you had to be more than one incredible night.” His hand returns to my stomach again. “Turns out I was right.”

Wrapping my hand around the back of his neck, I pull his lips to mine, absolutely ravenous for the warmth of his touch, the intensity of his kiss.

He kisses me back with passion, his tongue curling around mine as I fist his hair, pulling him closer.

I pull away only long enough to ask, “So, if we’re dating now, are we still having sex?”

He lifts an eyebrow and smiles. “I could never deny my gorgeous baby mama the fulfillment of any of her needs.” He brushes his lips over mine. “What do you need?”

“You,” I breathe. “I just need you.” The words slip easily from my lips.

He slants his mouth over mine again in a hard kiss. “You’ve got me.” He turns and grabs the McDonald’s bag, then lifts me into his arms, stands, and carries me into my bedroom. The bedroom he’s slept in every night since we moved in because I haven’t wanted him to sleep anywhere else. He tucks me under the covers, then slides in with me, pulling my legs over his lap and wrapping one arm around my back as he feeds me hamburgers and fries with the other.

It’s so simple, but it makes me feel cherished. He’s not just content to do this, he’s thrilled. Even though this time in my life is hard for many reasons, I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time. I’ve fallen harder than I thought possible for Miles. And while it’s terrifying, it’s freeing to allow myself to be loved and cared for in a way I’d forgotten I could be.

Miles

Why is picking flowers so complicated? I’m waiting anxiously at the florist counter at Briar Lane Gardens. I looked at bouquets for the last ten minutes, then the florist asked me a bunch of questions, half of which I didn’t know the answer to. I also have no idea what Amelia’s favorite flowers are. Hence this whole dating thing because we skipped the get-to-know-you phase and went straight into having a kid and living together and serious relationship things.

The florist returns, smiling proudly. I truly wish I had her confidence. Though the bouquet does look beautiful.

“Don’t look so worried. Most women are appreciative that you thought of them. Worst case, she’ll tell you the flowers she likes so you know for next time. Either way, I think she’ll enjoy this, even if these aren’t her favorites.”

I nod. “I’m probably overthinking this. Thank you.”

“Of course. Enjoy the wedding,” she says with a smile after I pay.

“Thanks.” I take the bouquet and walk across the gravel parking lot, waiting for Amelia to arrive. I did not turn into a panic-stricken asshole at the idea of her driving here alone. That’s a win for me. Even if I still wish I could hire a car to drive her around for the rest of her pregnancy. Pretty sure she’d kick my ass if I did that, though.

The girls left Rae’s parents’ house a few minutes ago, but Amelia left before them since she was driving my car over. I rode in the limo with the guys, so we need a car here to get home tonight.

I glance over at the road, but don’t see my car among those turning into the parking lot.

“What are you doing over here?” Joel asks, strolling over to me.

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