Page 89 of Almost Always

“Shit, Daze, that man might be in love with you.”

Turning back to her best friend, Daisy said, “I’ve been in love with him since I was thirteen, so that tracks.”

“And the tongue fucking is proof that he’s just getting started.”

She couldn’t stop the laugh that bubbled out of her. Leaning in slightly, she dropped her voice and smiled. “I called himdaddyafterwards.”

“You kinky bitch,” Roe teased, clinking their glasses together. “I approve. And…uh, speaking of…Wyatt and I have been making some pretty big decisions. Like life changing ones.”

Daisy’s heart dropped when she made the connection, but she arched an eyebrow and said, “As long as you’re not leaving me, I support whatever they are.”

“Leaving you? Honey, I’d leave my husband before I left you.”

“I can hear you!” Wyatt called out, making everyone laugh.

Focusing on her best friend, she offered her a small smile and nodded. As much as it would sting, she would be happy for Monroe.

“We’re thinking about trying for a baby.”

She hesitated for a split second before she was setting her glass down and launching herself at Monroe. None of her shortcomings were part of this conversation, it was all about her best friend and the possibility of being the best aunt ever. Later, she would wallow about how unfair the universe was to do that to her. Now, and forever, she would be so happy for Monroe. It was such a blessing to be able to have a kid and a privilege to have that chance, she wouldn’t take it away from her.

“I’m so excited for you,” she said, pulling back and smiling at her teary best friend. “You and Wyatt are going to be the best parents.”

“I know this is hard for you.”

“No. This is not about me at all. This is aboutyouand the future of your family, Roe.”

Her friend stared at her a moment and smiled, wiping away the tears spilling down her cheeks. “We’re meeting with my OB-GYN next week to discuss what needs to be done. So it’s not official or anything, but Wyatt and I talked about it and we’re ready.”

“You’re about to make your husband a DILF, Roe. Are you ready for what that will mean?”

Monroe groaned dramatically. “He’s already printing T-shirts. I can’t even with him.”

“I’m so happy for you.”

With another sniffle, they were hugging again. Then she hugged and congratulated Wyatt when he came over. Monroe complained about making a mess of her makeup and the Bowers went into their house. Daisy inhaled deeply and sat down, smiling when Rafferty’s hands reached for hers.

“Wyatt told me. You holding up okay?”

She nodded, because she was okay. She washappyfor them. She was also sad that it might never happen for her. “It’s hard, you know? But I’m also really excited for them.”

“You’re allowed to be sad too, Hero.”

“In the privacy of my own home. Here, I’m not sad. Roe will make a great mom and I don’t want to step on her joy because of my own struggles.”

“I get it. As your best friend, I think she’d understand,” he said, dragging his thumbs over her cheeks.

She leaned into his touch and closed her eyes for a moment. “Speaking of best friends, is Wyatt yours?”

He chuckled. “He’ll never replace you. Don’t need anyone else when I have you.”

“Silly man. You always need more friends.”

He kissed her. “Then yes, I guess he’s my friend. He’s really interesting and pretty hilarious. But I don’t need another best friend.”

“Good answer,” she mumbled and kissed him again, dragging her short nails through his beard.

The screen door opened and the Bowers stepped out. She put her worries and sadness aside, aware that she could deal with them in her next therapy session and grinned at her best friend. Monroe and Wyatt were not only going to make a beautiful kid, they were also going to be such incredible parents.

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