Page 92 of Summer Nights

I didn't have any desire to go out to a bar when I couldn't drink and I was exhausted. Instead, we met at a local restaurant. It was popular with tourists, so we had a bit of a wait when we arrived.

"How are things with Cooper?" Elena asked while we sat on the benches by the front door.

"We're officially moved in together.”

She frowned. "I thought you already did.”

"It was supposed to be a temporary arrangement. I was in the guest room, but he asked if I'd stay in his room. It was more of a formality." He probably realized I needed clear lines drawn.

Elena's eyes widened. "He seems to know how to handle you."

I wasn't sure I liked that characterization. "Yeah, he seems to know me well."

Elena's forehead creased. "And you aren't worried about him leaving or changing his mind?"

"That's a hard one to let go of. He's been very involved with shopping and the baby shower. So patient and thoughtful."

"I sense a but coming."

"He used to be the one who came home early from work and never did paperwork or read emails. Now he's taking calls, he's on his computer a lot, and he's cryptic about what he's doing."

"Hudson usually leaves the work at the office. If they have issues, they meet during work hours. They aren't exchanging emails or having discussions at home."

"You're saying I'm right to be worried?"

"Maybe he's planning a surprise for you, and you won't want to ruin it."

"But he already surprised me with the baby shower. He can't be having another one." That would be too much.

Elena chewed on her lip. "Maybe he's planning something for the nursery or for you when the baby comes. Like the push present."

My brow furrowed. "The what now?"

"The push present. It's customary to get the mother a gift after the delivery."

I waved a hand. "That's not necessary."

"Cooper's a nice guy. He's going to treat you right and get you something."

I was doubtful he'd ever heard of a push present, but then again, he'd been doing a lot of research into the pregnancy and what came after. He'd been a lifesaver when it came to those things since I couldn't seem to stay awake long enough to read any of the books. "So I don't have anything to worry about?"

She chewed her lip. "I wonder if he has a good reason for what he's doing."

"I'll have to wait and see." And try not to freak out. "Luckily, I found a great nanny." I relayed everything I knew about Blakely.

"She sounds perfect for you."

"Cooper wasn't available for the meeting. I could have waited, but I didn't want to let the nanny go to someone else."

"I'm sure he'll be fine with whoever you chose. You have to be comfortable with her."

"Yeah."

The hostess said our table was ready. Tonight, Daria, Elena, Hazel, Nora, Kinsley, and even Penny were here. Penny had recently moved to Colorado for a job and fell in love with the town and the local doctor.

We ordered, and when the waitress took our menus, Penny said, "So much has changed since I left. Ivy's pregnant?—"

"I'm engaged to Hudson, and Hazel's officially engaged to Brady now," Elena said with a smile.

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