Page 6 of Family Like This

My mask has been firmly in place all afternoon. I’m an excellent compartmentalizer, which allowed me to have fun with the guys while trying on suits, then I enjoyed sampling food and cakes with everyone, but I still snuck away to check my phone and make sure Amelia had everything she needed. She’s probably already annoyed by my constant checking in, but she’ll have to get used to it. She hasn’t had anyone to take care of her in years, and that all changes now. I will never let her face anything alone again, especially not the hard things.

Me: Do you want me to bring something for dinner?

Amelia: I don’t know. What are you having?

Me: Sushi. So that’s a no for you. Besides, I asked what you want. What do you want?

Amelia: You’re going to pick on me.

Me: Doubtful. Tell me.

Amelia: Okay. I want two McDonald’s cheeseburgers. Nothing fancy, just the basic cheeseburger, and then I need you to go to the grocery store and get a Caesar salad mix for me. Don’t worry, you can get whatever pasteurized version of Caesar dressing there is. But that’s what I want.

I smile at my phone. I’d think this was a pregnancy craving, but by the specificity, I have a feeling these are comfort foods for her.

Me: Done. I’ll text you when I’m on my way back.

Amelia: I’m not used to this, but thank you.

Me: Get used to it. Like I said, I’ve got you.

A throat clears, and I look up from my phone.

After our afternoon of suit fittings and taste tests, we’re back at Joel’s parents’ house eating sushi in the living room. It’s just the six of us, which is rare these days.

Everyone’s eyes are on me as I turn my phone screen off.

“Sorry,” I say, looking around at everyone.

Aaron and Joel glance at each other.

“Hey, we get it,” Aaron says. “It’s your first time feeling something serious for a girl. It’s easy to get caught up in it.”

“We both still do sometimes, but tonight was supposed to be about the six of us,” Joel says. “And your face has been buried in your phone the whole time.”

Shit. Now I’m neglecting my friends.I can’t even say it’s just since I found out about the pregnancy. I was doing it the other morning, too. Though I think it’s more justified now.

I glance over at Mackie, who gives me an encouraging smile.

“Fuck,” I grumble, rubbing my hands over my face. “I’m sorry. I know I’ve been focused on Amelia. You’re right, over the last few weeks, I haven’t been as present with you guys when we’ve been together—”

“We understand,” Sarah says softly. “You looked outside our friend group for your person.” She gives me a smile.

“I did, and I admit, it felt good doing what we were doing, but that’s not why I’ve been preoccupied today. I don’t know if I’m supposed to tell you all this yet or not, but I need your support. Amelia’s pregnant. I’m going to be a dad.”

Everyone looks at me in shock. Unsurprisingly, Rae is the first one to stand up and walk over to me. Our resident mama bear, she always takes care of everyone. She slides onto the couch next to me and wraps her arms around me. “Congratulations. You’re going to be an amazing dad. And we’re all here for you.”

“Hell yes,” Aaron says. “Whatever you need, you know we’ve got you. Amelia too.”

“Didn’t have you becoming a parent first on my bingo card, but you’re going to be awesome.” Joel grins at me.

“You’ve always been great with kids,” Sarah says, coming to sit on my other side. “If you or Amelia have any questions, I’m a walking encyclopedia on this stuff. I may not know it from experience, but I know the clinical side, and I’m happy to help however I can.”

“Told you,” Mackie whispers, ruffling my hair.

“Thank you. I can’t stop saying that lately, but I’m overwhelmed—with both terror and gratitude.”

“You’ve always been a kid whisperer. In that respect, you don’t have too much to worry about,” Rae says with a laugh.

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