Page 36 of Summer Nights

He nodded. "That's a good idea. Let me know when you schedule your appointment."

"I will."

Finally, he turned to go, and I shut the door behind him. I let out the pent-up breath from my lungs and grabbed my laptop from my bag. I sat at the table and searched what to expect when you're pregnant. There was so much information; I was quickly overwhelmed.

There were so many things to think about, to plan for, and to buy. Babies were expensive. How was I going to continue to live in this condo on the third floor of a building without an elevator? With the amount of gear I'd be lugging around, it would be difficult.

It was only a one-bedroom, and the walls were thin. I couldn't imagine my neighbors would appreciate a baby crying all hours of the night.

I closed my eyes. How was I going to work with a baby? I couldn't exactly bring him or her with me in a baby carrier when I showed houses.

Sure, some people would be okay with that. But most wouldn't. Especially any of the out-of-towners and business owners. Especially if I eventually wanted to break into the Captiva market. I needed to be professional. But I didn't have a family member who could watch the baby for me.

Deep into my search, my phone buzzed. It was Elena. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," I said absentmindedly as I continued to stare at my spreadsheet.

"Did you tell the father?" Elena asked.

I hadn't told her who it was yet. "Yes."

"How did he take it?" I could hear the concern in her tone.

"He asked if he was the father, or if there was a possibility it could be someone else's baby."

She let out a breath. "That's a fair question if you weren't in a relationship."

I sighed. "I suppose."

"Was he okay when you said it was?" Elena asked tentatively.

I pursed my lips, remembering how Cooper had seemed so concerned. "He seemed to be."

"Does he want to be involved?"

"For now." My voice was flat.

"You were worried about how he'd react." Elena seemed encouraged by the news.

"We'll see how things go. I'm pregnant for nine months, and then babies are a lot of work." It was best to be prepared to go it alone. That way, I wouldn't be disappointed when Cooper decided he didn't have time for me and the baby.

"Are you really okay?" Elena asked, and her concern sparked tears in my eyes.

"I will be." I just needed to do more research.

"Take your time to process everything, and let me know if you need anything."

"I'm not planning on telling anyone else." I wasn't ready for the girls to bombard me with their positive wishes. They'd have expectations of Cooper that I didn't.

"I'll keep your news to myself. You don't have to worry about me saying anything."

"I appreciate that." I needed more time to research. "I'm tired. I think I'll head to bed."

"I've heard that you can be very tired when you're pregnant," Elena said, her tone lighter than when she initially called.

"Thanks for being there for me today." I wouldn't forget that she'd come through for me in a way I didn't expect.

"That's what friends are for," Elena said, her voice more upbeat.

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