Page 52 of Summer Nights

I rolled my eyes. "I know what she's going to say. That I didn't learn anything from her. Why would I think the father would stick around?"

Cooper halted and looked at me. "Seriously?"

I shrugged. "Maybe. It's what I've been imagining in my head."

His jaw tightened. "I'll come with you."

I shook my head. "That's not necessary. I can handle it."

"I need you there when I tell my family, so it only makes sense that I'll be with you when you tell your mother. I want your brother and sister to know that I'm going to be part of your life. Even if we're not officially together.

I'd appreciated that Cooper respected my boundaries. He was fine with a physical relationship while at the same time being present in my life for the doctor's appointments. He'd impressed me so far, but this was the easy part. There wasn't a screaming baby that needed to be taken care of twenty-four seven.

He was free to come and go as he pleased. I'd be the one who would be living with this change.

I was touched that he wanted my sister and brother to know that he was supporting me. It was a healthy thing for them to witness. But I didn't want to get their hopes up that he'd be in our lives going forward.

"Let's talk to my family first. We get together on Sunday afternoon for the pool and dinner."

I blew out a breath. "I'm scared. What if people think differently of me? What if I lose all my clients?"

He placed an arm around me and pulled me in close. "That's not going to happen because you're an amazing realtor. The best on the island."

"I don't know about that."

"You're good at your job."

I was successful at what I did. I tended to know what was happening on the island before other people because they felt comfortable confiding in me. "I hope you're right."

"I know I am."

Everything was so easy for Cooper. He had a huge supportive family, and he couldn't imagine mine being any different. Even when his family was faced with scrutiny and questions, they banded together against them and came out of any situation stronger.

I was by myself. I didn't have a family backing me or the clout of a respected family name. All I had was my own. It wouldn't be enough if island gossip trended against me.

"Let's grab lunch and then get started on your list. We can buy the nursery furniture. I don't think anyone will get that from your registry."

I paused as we approached his passenger-side door. "What registry?"

Cooper cleared his throat. "When you sent me the list, I created a registry for you."

"Why would you do that? I want to buy my own things for the baby."

"We'll take care of the nursery. But everyone will want to get you something. You might as well have them get you things you need."

His reasoning was sound. "I don't want people to think they need to get me anything."

"You have a lot of friends. They will be happy for you. Let them buy you gifts."

I chewed my lip as he helped me inside the truck's cab. I appreciated that he was a gentleman, but I didn't feel comfortable with him creating that registry, and I didn't want to be there when he told his parents. It made everything more real.

He drove to a restaurant, and we sat at a table on the deck overlooking the water. I couldn't believe that everything would be different in a few short months. I wouldn't be able to go to a restaurant without considering whether the baby needed to eat or nap or would cry and ruin everyone's lunch.

"What are you thinking about?" Cooper asked me once we'd placed our order.

"How everything is going to change. My world is going to be all about this baby soon." I touched my stomach, wondering when I'd feel the telltale bump. I wasn't prepared for this.

Cooper nodded. "I thought the same thing. It's hard to imagine. I just hope I'm ready when the time comes. I'm reading as many books as I can so I’m ready."

---