Page 72 of Summer Kisses

"And you will be."

His brow furrowed. "But what if she doesn't let me?"

"What did your attorney say?"

"That it could be contentious. That she might insist I not be allowed to take a newborn anywhere."

"What's the plan then?"

"To see if we can work out a schedule before the baby's born. But I don't think that's going to happen. She's not interested in a formalized plan. I think she likes lording it over me.If you do this, then you can see the baby."

I shook my head. "That's awful. I'm sorry."

Dalton nodded miserably. "I got myself into this situation. I'll deal with it."

I felt horrible for him, but there was nothing I could do beyond what I already had. "I'm able to help with childcare. You'll need baby stuff at your new place."

"I think Mom's throwing me a baby shower.”

"That's a good idea." I made a mental note to talk to my brothers about getting him everything he'd need to have the baby at his place.

"If only we could fast forward a year from now and see how everything works out," Dalton said.

He was thinking about the situation with his baby mama, but I was wondering about Hazel. Would she still be here next year? Would we be together? Or would I have messed everything up? "It will work out. Nothing's going to keep us from seeing that baby. We just have to be patient and let the system work."

He tipped his bottle to this mouth. "I hope you're right."

"You'll meet someone who's meant for you. I don't think it's Oakley," I said.

"Are you the expert now that you're engaged?" Dalton asked.

"Not at all. I'm a hundred percent positive that I'm going to screw this up." I nodded toward where Hazel was smiling with Elena on the dance floor.

"We're a mess."

"The only thing we can hope for is that a good woman falls in love with us and doesn't leave us when they realize we're not perfect."

"Yeah," Dalton said softly.

Hazel turned her head as if she was searching for me. When her gaze landed on me, her face lit up, and she gestured for me to join her. I clasped Dalton's shoulder. "Duty calls."

"Enjoy your night," Dalton said, and I knew he was going to slip out. This was too much for him, and that was okay. I'd check on him tomorrow. I could be there for Dalton but still preserve my independence.

I crossed the room, placing my hands on Hazel's hips as she danced in front of me. "You miss me?"

She grinned back at me. "So much."

"Are you enjoying your party?"

She leaned against me, closing her eyes. "It's been the best. Spending time with friends and family."

I turned her so that she faced me, and I tipped up her chin. "We're going to get through this together."

"Of course we will."

We were friends first, and I wouldn't let anything ruin that.

As soon as the engagement photos were forwarded to me, I posted a few to my social-media accounts. The after-school program would be announced on Saturday, and I'd be there to represent Kingston Construction.

---