"He suggested that I sell my place and save up money to buy a house."
Elena frowned. "You don't have the money saved? I thought you'd been saving for a long time."
The only thing I spent money on besides a professional wardrobe and my SUV was paying off student loans and savings. I knew the power of money, and I never wanted to be short again. "I have money invested for Duncan's and Rae's college, and I want to make sure I don't use all my savings for the downpayment on a house. They just keep getting more expensive with the rising interest rates."
"You know their college education isn't your responsibility," Elena said gently as we watched the guys volley the ball back and forth.
I particularly enjoyed when Cooper dived on the sand to get a low ball. He didn't get it over the net, but the move was pure eye candy.
Elena slapped my arm. "Stop ogling your man, and pay attention."
With a sigh, I turned my focus to Elena. "He's not my man, and I know I don't have to pay for their education. But I want to. Now that I understand the power of investing, it's really not a big deal to put money in the account and watch it grow for them. I want them to have more than I did."
"But now you have your own child to think about. You want to ensure that he or she has everything they need."
My nose wrinkled. "You're making a lot of sense."
"I know you love that house."
"In another world, it would be mine."
Elena grinned. "How about in this world?"
"It's Cooper's house, and I'd only be living there temporarily. It makes sense for several reasons: I can save money, avoid the stairs of the condo, and then he can help me with the middle-of-the-night feedings."
"Are you sure those are the only reasons?"
"It would make things more convenient."
Elena was quiet for a few beats. Then she leaned forward. "Are you saying that you two are still going at it?"
I gave her a look. "Going at it?"
Elena rolled her eyes. "You know what I mean."
"I have needs which get worse with pregnancy."
Elena hummed.
"He's taking care of them. As he should because he's the reason why I'm in this state." I gestured at my belly.
Elena sighed. "Maybe I'll get pregnant too."
"I don't think you two could possibly have more sex." I'd heard enough over the last few months to burn my ears off. I'd learned to tune her out because it only made me want someone for myself. For the physical part anyway.
Elena sighed. "I saw the way Cooper looks over at you to make sure you're okay and that he doesn't need to rescue you from me. I can imagine he'll get more protective when you start to show. I can't wait to see how Hudson will be."
"I think it's different when you're serious about the father."
Elena leaned forward. "You're having sex, you're already pregnant, and you're moving in with him. If that's not a relationship, I don't know what is."
Before I could respond, she got up to grab a drink from the cooler someone had thought to bring to the bonfire. Then she got pulled into a conversation with Jonathan and Joy.
I couldn't deny that a committed relationship sounded nice. But for me, they always carried a low level of fear. I couldn't trust that it would last and the man wouldn't leave. It only intensified when I thought about the potential of him leaving our baby. I couldn't do that to my child.
I sat in silence, watching the guys play for a few minutes. It was entertaining to watch, not just because Cooper was shirtless and athletic, but their banter was engaging. I was so engrossed in the action; I didn't notice when Joy sat next to me.
"You have to let us throw you a shower."