Page 152 of Even Exchange

“I’m sure wherever your baby mama is, she isjustfine,” Theo says.

“Pleasestop!” I beg, my body buzzing with annoyance.

“What the hell’s gotten into you?” Theo asks, brows furrowed.

Gripping the edge of the counter, I blow out a shaky breath. “It’s not mine.”

“What’s not yours?” Elijah asks, concern etched all over his face.

I grip the edge harder, knuckles turning white. “The baby.”

“What?” Theo shrieks, and he and Elijah share a look.

“It’s not my baby,” I choke out, shaking my head, eyes stinging in disbelief. “It’s Jonathan’s.”

“Oh shit,” Elijah says.

“Isn’t this good news?” Theo asks, and my muscles tense.

“No, it’s not good news!” I snap, pulse pounding in my ears. “It’s the worst news I’ve ever heard in my fucking life.”

“Most guys our age would be happy to find out they’re not the father,” Theo says.

“Well, I’m not.”

“Maybe she went to see a friend,” Elijah suggests.

“Well,maybeshe did!” I say, throwing my arms in the air, unable to suppress my frustration.

“So relax then,” Theo says, gesturing down with his hands.

“Relax?” I shriek. “You want me to relax? Charlotte’s out there convinced she should leave me because… because why?!”

Theo places a hand on my shoulder, our eyes meeting. “Because she knows this baby is not your problem.”

“Thisbaby,”I seethe, pushing Theo’s hand away. “This perfect little girl Charlotte is growing”—I blink hard, shoving down the overwhelming emotions—“isnotand never will be aproblem.And neither is she.”

“Noah,” Charlotte’s voice fills my ears, and I freeze, every hair standing up.

Theo flashes a smug grin.He knew she was here.

Turning, I find Charlotte standing near the island with her arms crossed. I move toward her slowly on unsteady legs. Her eyes meet mine, and I place my hands on her face, analyzing every inch of it, as if to make sure she’s real. “Stai bene.”?2I throw my arms around her, tugging her against my chest. She loops her arms around my waist, nuzzling into me.She’s here.

Dropping my face in the crook of her neck, I inhale deeply, her sweet scent flooding me with a cosmic wave of relief. The surge is so strong, tears escape my eyes as I hold her tight. Afraid if I let her go for even one moment, she’ll vanish.

“You left,” I mumble into her hair, attempting firmness, but the words come out broken. Just like I am.

“No, I didn’t,” she says, the shakiness in her tone showing she’s just as distraught. Pulling away, I hold her face in my hands, lips pursed.“I just needed a little friend time,” she adds, fingers gently wrapping around my wrists, the physical contact reducing my anxiety.

“Did it help?”

“A little,” she admits.

“I couldn’t get a hold of you.”

“My phone’s dead,” she explains, and I release a frustrated breath.

“You’re lucky you’re pregnant, because you’re oh for two, and that tattoo of my phone number would be on your asstoday.” She rolls her lips together. “When I got home, you were gone, and I…”Lost my ever-loving mind.“Panicked.”

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