Page 53 of Summer Nights

"You are?" I asked him.

"Once I saw your spreadsheets, I realized how little I know about all of this.”

I could understand that. But I was surprised he wanted to be that involved. Showing up for a monthly doctor's appointment wasn't that time-consuming. But researching took time and effort. I'd spent many evenings deep in online searches about childbirth and what to expect when the baby was born. "Me too."

When we'd finished our food and were waiting for the check, Cooper said, "You want to drive off the island and to a department store to get the items on your list?"

I shrugged, touched that he wanted to go through that much trouble. "We could just order online."

"Don't you want to see it in person? You can even check out a few of the strollers you listed. Find out which one is easier to use."

"That would be a good idea and save me the trouble of returns."

He grinned, pulling out his credit card to pay the bill. "Let's do it."

I wondered if he always paid the bill with the women he dated. Then I had to remind myself that we weren't dating. I was merely his baby's momma. I didn't like that characterization, but it was my new reality.

On the drive, he turned toward me and asked, "What kind of mom do you think you'll be?"

"I hadn't thought much about it, other than being present, both financially and emotionally. I'll always be there for my child. I don't want to be working all the time."

"That's commendable."

"What about you? Have you thought about what kind of dad you want to be?"

"I want this child to know that I love them so whatever I need to do to make that clear."

That was an answer I hadn't been expecting. Not having a present father, I'd lowered my expectations for Cooper. I was surprised by everything he did, any interest he showed me. I wasn’t sure I'd ever get over that feeling.

He grinned. "This baby will have me and my large extended family."

I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. It was nice but a little foreign to me. I only had my mother and then my brother and sister. Mom was an only child, and when she graduated from high school, her parents moved away. They didn't visit often. I couldn't even remember the last time I'd seen them.

Cooper parked at a department store, and we went inside, checking out the various cribs and changing tables. I was impressed that Cooper seemed to know the safety standards. He'd done his research.

I was partial to a white crib. "I'll order this when I get home."

Cooper looked around for a sales associate. "Let's order it now and be done with it. We need a set for both houses."

It seemed wasteful for us to buy two of everything. But how else did co-parents manage this situation? There was no way I could deal with Cooper moving in with me or me with him, even though his house was my dream home.

We found a sales associate and placed an order for the large furniture to be delivered to our respective houses. I was pleased when he didn't offer to pay for my set. We each paid for our own. That was practical. It was important to me that I provide for my child.

We wandered around the rest of the store, debating what kind of bottles we'd need and a breast pump. It was overwhelming. "I think I need to talk to someone who's been through this and can give me practical advice. It's not always about safety. It comes down to convenience."

Cooper nodded.

"I'll look for a social media group for new moms and see what they say."

"I think I read somewhere that the baby decides which bottle they like."

I blew out a breath. "No matter how carefully we plan this out, the baby's going to make his own decisions."

"I think so," Cooper said, and warmth spread through my body.

It felt like we were closer in that moment. That we'd connected somehow.

"I still can't quite believe I'm pregnant. Maybe when my belly starts popping out."

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