Page 71 of Love Is Ale You Need

“Was this planned?” my dad asks as he picks up the picture for a closer look.

“No. It just happened.”

“You’re in a much better position with your life now, especially financially. Is she asking for money?” My mom sets the spoon down. Her gaze locks on mine from across the island.

I hate that my mom has to ask these questions, but I understand why she’s doing it. She only wants to protect me. “The funny thing is, she offered to do this by herself.” My mom glares at me. “Which I said wasn’t happening.” I pick at an invisible spot on the counter. “Rylee’s an amazing woman. She’s a single mom to a daughter named Abby. She’s the most amazing kid.” My heart warms just thinking about them.

“Well, it seems like you have everything in order. Congratulations.” My dad claps my shoulder.

“I think so. I really like her, and I want to do everything to be there for her.”

“Are you and Rylee dating?” my mom asks as she picks up the ultrasound picture.

I exhale a humorless laugh. “Exclusive friends with benefits. I think that’s where we’re at now.”

“You kids and all your weird dating titles.” My mom shakes her head. “Anyway, we would really like to meet her. You’ll have to invite her to dinner, along with her daughter, sometime.”

“I will. You guys will love her. Abby too.”

She rounds the island and wraps her arms around me. “Congratulations.” She kisses my temple. “You’re going to be an amazing dad. And I can’t wait to spoil our grandchild.”

It's like a boulder has been lifted off my shoulders. I know my parents only want what’s best for me. They often question my behavior but will always stand in my corner. I can’t wait until I can offer my kid that kind of love and support.

I spin on my stool, and Olivia and Ledger are standing behind me. Olivia is bouncing back and forth on her toes. I’m sure wanting to ask me all the questions, being one of my best friends and all. I climb off the stool and stroll past them and into the living room. Olivia’s hot on my heels as Ledger ambles behind. I flop down on the recliner while Olivia and Ledger sit on the love seat. Several seconds of silence pass while Olivia's stare bores into me, her lips twitching with the urge to talk.

“She really wants to say something, doesn’t she?” I ask Ledger, while pointing to Olivia.

“Yep,” Ledger replies.

Her face is damn near purple from biting back the urge to speak.

“Do you think this might actually kill her?”

Ledger nods. “Yep.”

“I can’t do that to you. I know how much you two love each other.” Directing my attention to Olivia, I say, “You get five seconds.”

She squeals, clapping her hands together. “Oh my God, I am so happy.”

“Three.”

“I can’t believe you actually found a woman.”

“Two.”

“And an amazing woman.”

“One.”

Olivia stops talking but still has the cheesiest grin on her face, silently clapping and bouncing back and forth in her seat. “Okay, screw your five seconds. Tell me everything,” Olivia squeals.

I bark out a laugh. “I tried.”

I go over my entire relationship with Rylee, from friends to benefits to exclusive friends with benefits, and now to baby daddy. But one day I hope to put a ring on her finger and call her mine forever.

I scrub my hands down my face. “As much as I want to push her, I know I can’t. She got burned once before and I want to prove to her I’m not her ex. I’m with her one thousand percent and I will do everything to show her that. If that includes waiting until the end of time, I will.”

Olivia swoons and falls into the crook of Ledger’s arm. “That is so sweet. See, I got none of that from you, that’s why it never worked out between us.”

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