Page 95 of Labor of Love

“And writing. You should stick to writing too. What if you just stay here? You said your studio was a week-to-week, right? I could clear out my stuff from the office, and we could get a bigger bed for you.”

“I don’t need a bigger bed. The one in there is fine. And I accept,” Silas answered in a rush.

“I just offered you the room. I won’t change my mind in two seconds.”

“You might, but I’ve already said yes, so it’s too late now. I never answered about what was for dinner. It’s spaghetti, salad, and fresh bread.”

“You made fresh bread?”

“Yeah, I did because I needed to soften up my temporary roommate for when I suggested we make my living situation more permanent.”

“So you were going to suggest what I just suggested?”

“Maaaaaaaaybe,” Silas answered with a wicked grin. “I like being around Audie, and you, obviously. Hopefully, I’m not too annoying. Although you couldn’t have known whether I was or not before now, which is likely why you threw my number away.”

“That’s not exactly what happened.” I laughed nervously.

“Oooooh, do tell,” Silas said and leaned forward eagerly.

Sighing, I reached into my back pocket and pulled out my wallet. I found the worn piece of paper in the bill section, unfolded it on the table, and smoothed it out.

“You kept the note?”

“I intended to call you.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“By the time I worked up my nerve, I already had symptoms with that little guy,” I answered, gesturing to the baby Silas still held, “and then I didn’t know what to say.”

“I would’ve picked up the phone.”

Silas: Got one ride left tonight. Need anything from the store?

Babydaddy: Is buttered popcorn a need?

Silas: I gotchu, babe.

Babydaddy: Yay! I’ve been craving it all night and too lazy to go myself.

Silas: All you have to do is ask.

Rowan: Do you think you can rearrange your schedule on Saturday?

Silas: Yep. What’s up?

Rowan: Uhh, my parents are coming to town to meet the baby, and they’d really like to meet you.

Silas: I did make you meet mine…

Rowan: An excellent point that I wasn’t going to mention unless you said no.

Silas: You think I don’t know your tricks, but I’m on to you.

Rowan: I’ll try harder.

Silas: Also, did you know we live together? You could have just asked me when I got home.

Rowan: It’s easier to ask if I can’t see you when I do it.

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