Page 43 of Summer Nights

I didn't want to pull back. Especially when I wasn’t sure if I'd have Cooper's support. Did I need it?

I'd never ask for anything. I didn't need Cooper to step in and save the day. I wouldn't get addicted to having him around, only to lose him again.

So no matter how sweet it was when he offered to help, I couldn't let myself even think about the possibility.

I rested my hand on my belly that was still perfectly flat. "It's just you and me, baby." I rested my head on the seat. "And Duncan and Rae."

I could support us.

A knock sounded on the car window, and I jumped. It was Cooper.

I pushed the button to roll it down. "What are you doing here?"

I was here to do a walk-through of the home. Usually I'd call Cooper to do his inspection, but I couldn't bring myself to talk to him. I was worried about what he'd say. That he'd change his mind and decide that this was too much for him.

"Kinsley told me that you were closing on this one soon. Don't you usually ask me to take a look at any houses that are coming up for settlement?"

"Usually."

His forehead wrinkled. "Then why didn't you call me about it?"

I opened the door and got out. "You have time to go through it now?"

He stepped back. "That's why I'm here."

He waited for me to unlock the door to the house.

"I also wanted to see how you were doing. You didn't answer my texts beyond saying you were fine. I was worried."

My back stiffened. "I said I was fine."

Cooper looked away. "I didn't think you'd tell me if there was an issue or if you weren't feeling well."

That made me feel like a shitty person because it was accurate. "I'm not used to anyone checking on me."

"I get that. But I'm here for you. I want to know how you're feeling. If you're having a craving, I can pick food up for you. I can rub your back if you're sick."

I nodded, my throat tightening. "Okay."

"When is the first appointment?"

"I have to wait until I'm eight weeks along to make the initial appointment."

"Is that normal?" Cooper asked, his forehead wrinkled with concern.

I was touched that he was so worried for me and the baby. "They won't let you come in before that unless there's an issue. But I think at this point there's nothing they can do for the baby if I miscarry."

Cooper's eyes widened. "Are you worried about that?"

I shrugged. "A little."

Cooper sighed. "I think I'm going to have to get some books on pregnancy."

"I've been reading online." And making lists for everything. It was becoming a bit of an obsession.

"How are you feeling physically? Any symptoms?"

"I'm more tired than usual. But that's it." It was awkward to be having this conversation in the foyer.

---