Page 103 of Love Is Ale You Need

“Oh shit. That was fast.” I mentally run through the Pop Goes Rylee checklist. “Grab your shoes. I have the slip-ons next to the door. I’ll grab the bag.” Racing through the house, adrenaline pumps through my veins as I reach the bedroom and hastily grab the bag. When I return, Rylee has made it halfway to the door. “You gotta move faster than that.”

“Fuck off. I only have one speed and it’s not fast,” she says over her shoulder.

I race into the garage, throw the duffel in the back seat, and pull out and park as close to the door as possible. I push open the front door and Rylee has both her shoes on. Linking my arm with hers like I’m helping an elderly lady across the street, I escort her to the SUV. Once she’s inside, with two fingers, I guide her face to meet mine and kiss her. “I love you.” I don’t wait for her to say it back, instead I shut the door, round the hood, and jump in.

I shove it into drive and peel out of the driveway. Trees zip by in a blur like streaks of paint. It’s happening. I’m going to be a dad. My hand white knuckles the steering wheel as I glance over at Rylee. She’s calmly sitting there with her hand on her belly. I wish I could be that calm.

I pass her my phone. “Want to message everyone. Let them know we’re on our way to the hospital.” My phone connects to the LCD screen and Bennett’s name pops up. “No, use the group chat.”

“I’m not using the group chat.”

“Use the group chat. That’s why I set it up.”

She huffs, then types out a message and hits send. It pops up on the LCD dash screen.

Pop goes Rylee

Trey

This is Rylee. Trey’s driving. Baby is coming.

Dessa

Oh my God! Yay!

Bennett

Congrats you two!

Parisa

Where’s Abby? Do we need to pick her up from school?

Trey

Yes, that would be fantastic. Thank you!

Seth

I never thought the day would come where someone would call Trey, Daddy.

Bennett

I thought that was an every weekend occurrence.

I press reply on the dashboard.

Trey

That was then. From now on there’s only one person who’s calling me Daddy.

Seth

Is that Rylee?

Trey

Rylee here. I never once called him Daddy. We’ll see you all at the hospital.

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