Page 62 of Summer Nights

"That's sweet but not necessary. We already went shopping and got everything we need for the nurseries." Then I paused, remembering that we might move in together. If that was my plan, I'd need to cancel one of the furniture orders.

Joy's expression dimmed slightly, and I felt bad.

"There're other things you could buy, like baby clothes."

Her face lit up again. "Oh, I love shopping for baby clothes."

"I heard they grow out of them fast," I said, relieved I'd recovered her good mood.

"I was lucky I had so many boys; I was able to reuse most of it." She waved a hand at me. "What am I thinking? Your mom might be planning something."

"We didn't talk to her yet. I guess we'll do it sometime this week before the rumors get around."

"You told us first?"

"It was important to Cooper."

Joy nodded. "I'm sure your mother will be thrilled."

I didn't answer because no one knew my mom like I did. She most certainly wouldn't be happy for me. She'd probably tell me that I was repeating her pattern of getting pregnant outside of a solid relationship.

"You let me know if she's not planning one, and we can do that for you."

"Thank you, Mrs. Kingston. That's really nice of you." I had no intention of letting anyone throw me a shower. I couldn't imagine being on the receiving end of numerous gifts. It was so foreign to me. I could get whatever I needed, especially if I moved in with Cooper. That possibility was sounding more attractive the more I considered it.

"Please, call me Joy."

Cooper appeared in front of us. "You ready to head out?"

He'd remembered that I tired more easily. I appreciated the thought. "That would be great."

"I'm sure you're tired. I remember being wiped out with my pregnancies," Joy said.

"The doctor said I should feel better soon."

"Now's the time to get everything ready. By the last trimester, you'll be exhausted and swollen."

I laughed, even as I worried about how I'd be on my feet so much in my job. I'd make it work. I had to.

We said our goodbyes, getting a second round of well wishes before finally heading out. It took more time than I anticipated to talk to everyone.

In Cooper's cab, he kept a hand on the back of my seat. "It wasn't so bad, was it?"

"Not at all."

He rested his forearm over the wheel. "How was the conversation with Elena?"

"She actually encouraged me to move in with you."

Cooper grinned. "I knew I liked that girl. And not just because she makes my brother less of a grump."

I looked out the window at a family on one of the tourist bikes the entire family could ride. "What she said made sense."

"What was that?"

I glanced over at him. "I could save more money and buy my own place sooner."

His smile dimmed. "It would only be temporary."

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