Page 90 of The Seven Month Itch
I’m so proud of her.
“So.” Lee slaps the back of my shoulder and reaches for his beer. “Only a few weeks left.”
I rub a hand over my chin and nod. “Yeah. Justice hit week thirty-seven. The doctor told us she could have them any day now.”
Which is why you all are here.
It’s no coincidence her parents and my mother decided to visit us for Christmas. They hope two little gifts will make an appearance this week.
“Are you ready?”
“I think so.”
Babyproofing.Check.
Car seats installed.Check.
Hospital bag packed.Check.
Nursery complete.Check.
I read every pregnancy book, attended childbirth classes with Jay, and bookmarked natural childbirth videos on YouTube in case we’re on the side of the road with no doctor or help.
My father-in-law shakes his head and smiles. “I’m sure you have everything crossed off that checklist.” He turns to me and studies my face. “I know you’ll take care of my daughter. I want to know ifyouare ready.”
A few moments pass. Justice was my only focus this entire pregnancy. “I…don’t know,” I say. “I think I am, and I know I’ll do what’s needed to keep my family safe, but—“
“You question what type of father you’ll be since you didn’t have one to look up to when you were younger.”
Bingo.
The only memory I have of my father is when he walked out on us when I was seven. I became the man of the house at a young age, not because my mother demanded it, but because she didn’t deserve to bear the weight of the world on her shoulders. I did my best to be someone I’m proud of, the husband Justice deserves. But part of me questions if it’s enough.
“You’re a good man, Terrence, and you’ll be a great dad. If you ever need anything, I’m here for you, son. Always am.”
We stand to hug and pat each other on the back. “Thanks. That means a lot.”
Lee put me through the wringer when Justice and I started dating, but I expected nothing less. She’s his pride and joy, and I was a football player on one of the most popular college teams in the country. God knows I’ll do the same with our girls.
“Hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
Justice stands in the doorway with the biggest grin. Her glow is undeniable, even in that hideous “There are cookies in this oven” Christmas sweater. She takes in my sweater that says, “I put the cookies in that oven.”
Damn right I did.
Her eyes darken. She licks her lips and eyes the package she wants to unwrap. It’s subtle, but I catch it.
I give my head the slightest shake and shoot her a look that says,Not in front of your father. This woman’s hormones have her on edge. “Need something, princess?” I ask to snap her out of eye-fucking me next to her dad.
“Yes. You.”
I raise an eyebrow.
“I mean,” she giggles, “I’m taking a nap. Care to join?” She looks to her dad. “Mom and Robin told me to get you. They want to go out for lunch and get a few last-minute items.”
“Sounds great.” Lee walks to Justice and plants a kiss on the top of her head. For a guy in his sixties, he looks like her older brother. I know he breaks hearts with that salt-and-pepper situation. “Rest up, sweetheart. Later, Terrence.”
“See ya, Lee.”
