Page 98 of Denim & Diamonds

“Hold up. Shesaidshe couldn’t handle it, or you’re assuming that?”

“She didn’t say it exactly. But she’s in a state of shock, and when the fog lessens, she’ll realize even more clearly that she wants nothing to do with this.”

“How are you so certain of that?”

I paused, unsure whether to tell him about February’s pregnancy scare.

“There was a time she thought she might be pregnant by an ex, and she said she wasn’t sure if she wanted kids. She was relieved when the test turned out to be negative. And this wouldn’t even beherkid. Why would someone who wasn’t sure they wanted kids of their own want to raise someone else’s?”

He sighed.

If Trevor couldn’t come up with a rebuttal to make me feel better, that likely meant he knew I was screwed when it came to February now.

“When do you get the results?” he asked.

“Twenty-four hours. But you know how you justknowsometimes? I already know I’m this baby’s father. It’s just a matter of figuring out what to do with that information.”

“Maybe there’s a reason this happened.”

“Not sure I’m following you…”

“Maybe it was meant to be.”

I ran a hand through my hair. “Okay.Stillnot following you.”

“I’m not sure you would’ve ever decided to have kids were it not for an accident like this, Brock. Maybe this is your chance to experience something you never knew you wanted?”

“I haven’t made a decision about raising this baby.”

“Brock, seriously? I know you. You would never let anyone else raise your kid. You treat usalllike your kids, and you’re the best damn pseudo-father around. So, while you might not have officially made your decision, I already know how this is going to go.”

I knew he was right, but I still couldn’t accept that this was happening, let alone admit that I’d be keeping the baby.

I rubbed my eyes. “Maybe by some miracle he’ll turn out not to be mine.”

“Wait…he?”

“Yeah.” I swallowed. “It’s a boy.”

Trevor went silent on the other end. “A boy?” he finally said.

“Yeah…”

“I’m gonna have a nephew?” I could hear the excitement in his tone.

I attempted to quell it. “Trev…”

“Sorry. I—”

“Don’t get all emotional on me. We don’t know shit yet.”

“Right.” He cleared his throat. “Yeah. Of course. But just know, if heisone of us, we’ll all help you. This little guy will be raised by a band of brothers.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “I think that sounds good in theory, but if you’re not gonna be there to wipe his ass in the middle of the night, I’m not sure it counts.”

“Okay, maybe you’re right. But we’ll help out however we can. I’ll take some babysitting classes if I have to. Learn CPR.”

“Nowthat’sfunny.”

---