Page 160 of Rule Breakers Fall Hardest

With a shrug, I stick my wallet back into my purse. “This is your day.”

She gives me a playful shove. “Next time, it’s on me. No arguing.”

“Sure thing.”

When our shakes are up, we sit at our usual booth in the corner.

I almost don’t want to ask her, but I’m curious, so I go for it. “Are you feeling any better?”

She stirs her shake with her straw, mixing in the whipped cream. “Yeah, I am, actually. I feel… still scared. But seeing it? That’s my baby, Rosie. My little boy or girl. So yeah, I’m terrified, but I’m excited now too.”

A weight drops off my shoulders at that admission. I hate that she’s been dealing with this alone for the last couple of weeks.

Reaching across the table, I give her hand a small squeeze. “I’m going to be there for you. Whatever you need.”

“Thank you.” The smile she gives me is small, but there’s a bit of happiness in it that’s been missing all day.

It’s going to be hard not to spoil her kid. I already go overboard with Sammy.

“I think…” She pauses, stirring her shake again, her focus set on the movement. “If you don’t mind, before you drop me off, could we go to Target or somewhere and look at baby clothes?”

“Yes!” I blurt way too enthusiastically.

Shopping for baby clothes has become an addiction. I absolutely wouldn’t mind picking up a few things for Sammy while we’re there. And it seems like we always need diapers and formula, so it’ll save us a trip later this week.

“I’m glad I have you,” Bertie says, pulling me from my thoughts of all things baby.

“Don’t you dare make me cry,” I warn her, sniffing to alleviate the tingling in my nose.

She smiles, taking a sip of her shake. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Both our lives have changed drastically this year, but the one thing that hasn’t is the way we have each other’s back.

35

DAIRE

Time is movingat a speed I can’t comprehend. Graduation is around the corner, and hopefully custody of Sammy will be finalized soon. Nina keeps telling me these things take time, and I understand that, but fuck, I hate all the waiting.

The front door closes, and Rosie’s high-heeled shoes make a sharp clacking sound against the wood floors.

“My boys,” she chimes, bending to scoop up Sammy from the floor and smacking a kiss on his head.

“Where’s my kiss?”

She rolls her eyes, sticking her tongue out. “Don’t be jealous.”

“Me? Jealous?” I scoff. “Never.”

“You’re a bigger baby than Sammy.”

She leans in, gently cradling Sammy’s head, and presses her lips to mine, her kiss soft and tender. I cup her cheek, deepening it. I can’t get enough of her. For someone who was hellbent on this never being real, I don’t know what I’d do without the connection we have. I have a feeling when she walks down the aisle in September, I’m going to cry.

“How’d it go at the dress place?”

She had to go in for more measurements and to discuss any adjustments she wanted to make.

“Great.” Her eyes light up with excitement. Sammy’s balanced on her hip, smacking his hand against her collarbone for attention.

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