Page 61 of Pretty Relentless

“All right, well, let’s get to planning a double baby shower.”

She grins as I stand up and give her a hug. When she pulls back, I whisper, “How are you doing?”

It’s no secret Ellie and TD have been trying to have a baby since they got married last summer, and unfortunately, it hasn’t happened for them yet. I know she’s anxious and worried, since we’re all in our mid to late thirties now. Pregnancies are considered high risk, and statistically speaking, the more time that passes without getting pregnant, the harder it becomes.

She shrugs. “I’m okay. TD keeps telling me to stop stressing, but that’s easier said than done. I just…what if I can’t give him a baby? We wasted so many years being just friends, and now that we’re married, what if I can’t get pregnant? He wants to be a dad so bad.”

Food forgotten, I step forward and wrap my arms around her. “Heisa dad. He’s been Brody’s dad for most of that boy’s life. It doesn’t matter what name is on the birth certificate or whose blood runs through his veins. TD is the only dad who matters to Brody.”

“I know,” Ellie whispers, her eyes filling with tears.

“And if and when you’re able to have a baby, he will be the best dad ever, I know it. I also know he would happily spend the rest of his life just the three of you. That man only needs you to be happy, Ellie. You and Brody.”

Tears start to fall down her cheeks. “I know. He tells me that all the time.”

“Believe him,” I insist. The bell over the door chimes, but neither of us pays any attention. “He loves you so much. Always has.”

“Ellie.”

We turn to see TD making his way toward us. He’s zeroed in on the fact she’s crying, and the look on his face is part pain, part concern, as if the mere sight of her with tears streaming down her cheeks could bring him to his knees.

He’s such a good guy.

“Hi,” she whispers, smiling as he approaches and takes her in his arms.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, looking her over after he kisses her lips.

“I’m just being silly. Girly emotions and all that stuff,” she says, trying to wave off his concern.

As realization sets in, he pulls her against his broad chest and holds her close. “You ready to go home, love?”

“Yes. Let me grab my bag from the office,” Ellie replies, swiping at the remaining moisture on her cheeks and giving him a small grin. “Be right back.”

As soon as she leaves the table to retrieve her bag, TD turns to me with pain in his eyes. “This is killing her.”

“I know,” I reply quietly, not really knowing what else to say.

“We’ll keep trying. We’ll try until we’re eighty if we have to.”

I don’t have the heart to tell him that probably won’t work. Once menopause sets in, their chances of having a baby the old-fashioned way will come to an end. “Is this double baby shower going to be too much for her?”

TD sighs. “I asked her if it was necessary, and she said it was. She insisted if the shoes were on the other foot, both Blair and Hallie would demand on hosting her shower.”

I nod, knowing he’s right. “I’ll do whatever I can to help. If you think it’s too much for her, let me know and I’ll take over.”

“Thanks, Ava,” he says, the relief evident in his voice, as Ellie appears from the back.

“Ready to go,” she says, slipping under his extended arm. “I’ll text you after I get the confirmation.”

“Sounds good.”

I watch as they leave together, feeling their overwhelming love for one another, as well as the added worries of not conceiving yet. I know he wants to help and protect her, which is one of the things I admire most about TD. He’s such a great man, father to Brody, and husband.

He reminds me a bit of Gavin.

Speaking of the amazing man, I grab my to-go order of Sal’s meatloaf and head for home. We haven’t spoken since he dropped me off last night, but he’s all I’ve thought about. Throughout the day, while I’m teaching my class, he randomly pops into my head at the most inopportune times. I can’t help but wonder if he’s thinking about me as often as I’ve been thinking about him. Day and night, Gavin Pierson has taken over my every thought, and I just don’t know what to do about it.

I’m afraid, at this point, there’s nothing I can do.

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