Page 66 of Draft Pick

I laughed, brushing away a tear that had escaped. "I think you've got some time before you need to worry about that. For now, just getting used to the idea of being a dad is enough."

He nodded, still staring at the photo. "I can't wait to meet her. To hold her. I'm going to teach her to be strong and brave and to know that she can do anything she sets her mind to."

"And to know that her dad will always have her back," I added.

"Always," Cason affirmed. He looked up at me, his expression earnest. "Starlie, thank you for letting me be a part of this. It means everything to me."

My heart swelled at his words. "We're in this together, Cason. You, me, and our little girl."

As we returned to the waiting room for a follow-up appointment with my doctor, I was floating on a cushion of euphoria.

There were still so many unknowns so much to figure out. But at that moment, with Cason by my side and the image of our daughter imprinted in my mind, everything felt just right.

Maybe I was ready to give this a shot? One foot in, one foot out was no way to bring a kid into the world. Cason seemed ready to embrace fatherhood, no matter how hard it might be. I was the one putting on the brakes out of fear.

Was that the best way to teach my daughter what courage looked like? Granted, she was still a little dancing bean, no bigger than a pear, but there was no time like the present to start embracing a fresh start, right?

"Cason—"

"Marry me," he blurted, shocking me into stunned silence, but Cason looked possessed by cupid, love-drunk, and high on life at the same time. His hands gently gripped me by the hips, peering down at my softly swelling stomach. "Marry me, Starlie. Like right now. We can go to the mall, pick out a ring, and then head straight to the courthouse and make it official. Let's do this."

I balked, my brain stuttering. "I can't marry you. I have a test in my Family Dynamics and Strategies class tomorrow," shaking my head, unable to process what he'd just asked me. "And I've never even met your friends much less your family."

But my rejection only served to cause him to drill down even harder. "All the more reason why we ought to just pull the trigger. No one can say anything if you're wearing my ring and take my last name, right?"

I frowned that queasiness returning. "Cason, what are you saying?" Was he embarrassed of me? I hated that my old insecurities were popping up, threatening to ruin a beautiful moment between us. Well, until he blurted out a marriage proposal that seemed propelled by panic and not romantic feelings. "No, I'm not marrying you. I barely know you. And vice-versa."

Realizing he'd just stuck his foot in his mouth, he tried to fix things, but at that moment, I was super glad I drove myself. "I have to go. The girls are waiting for me at our favorite coffee house to celebrate."

I forced a smile, needing to get away. I didn't know what happened, but it felt all wrong, and I needed space to figure it out.

"Starlie, wait…"

"I'll call you later," I promised, but my eyes filled with tears as I climbed into the car, desperate to put some space between us. I couldn't think straight with Cason in my bubble.

I was deliriously happy one minute and the next…ready to bawl my eyes out.

Thanks, Cason — you had to go and ruin an amazing moment…by proposing. What the hell was I supposed to do with that?

The Den'sneon sign cast a warm glow over the street as I pushed through the door, my mind a chaotic whirlwind of regret and anxiety. Starlie hadn't replied to my texts since the ultrasound, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd royally screwed up.

Inside, The Den was a haven of dim lights and comforting chatter. I spotted Lincoln and Zayden in our usual corner booth, their laughter breaking through the ambient noise. They paused as I approached, their expressions turning serious.

In no particular order, I need a beer, advice, and a smack upside the head.

"There he is, man, you look like hell," Zayden commented, eyeing me up and down. "Good thing we ordered for you."

I slumped into the booth, running a hand through my hair, grateful for their foresight as I took a deep swig, needing the liquid fortitude. "I messed up, guys. Big time."

"Instantly intrigued," Zay quipped, lifting his glass. "Proceed."

Lincoln raised an eyebrow. "This about the ultrasound today?"

I nodded, then recounted the whole ordeal - the overwhelming emotions of seeing my daughter for the first time and the impulsive, panic-driven marriage proposal to Starlie. I could see the disbelief in their eyes, and I didn't blame them. Just sharing the highlight reel gave me an instant gutache.

"Dude, proposing? Seriously?" Zayden shook his head. "What were you thinking?"

"I wasn't," I admitted, my voice low. "I panicked."

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