Page 258 of The Baby Bargain

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"Okay."

"You're my brother. I love you, Hunter. I always will."

"Uh…" He picks his jaw up from the floor. "Have you been seeing a shrink?"

"I probably should."

"Yeah." His laugh is awkward. "It helps."

"You still?"

He nods. "I'm still on meds."

"They help?"

"Yeah. Fuck with my sleep. And my appetite. But they help." His eyes go to the take out cups. He studies them like they're works of art. "That's genetic too."

"I know."

"You… no offense, Chase, but what the fuck?"

My chuckle is a little easier. "I, uh… I can't spontaneously forgive my brother?"

"No." He picks up his coffee cup. Goes to sip. Stops himself. "This poison? Are you granting my final wish before you kill me?"

"You think I'm that clever?"

He shakes his headhell noand takes a sip. "This about Ariel?"

"No."

He raises a browyeah right.

"Kind of." I press my hands together. Bring my gaze to his eyes. Fuck, they're just like mine. Like Wes's. Like Mom's. It's terrifying how much he resembles Mom. "She's pregnant."

"What?"

"Yeah. We… we're having a baby. I mean… fuck, I don't know if she still wants me."

"That's a pretty big—" He trips over his words. "Since when?"

"It's a long story."

"What's the short version?"

"She asked for my help."

"Coming? You could buy her a toy."

I can't help but laugh. "Getting pregnant. But now… I really fucking like her."

"You love her?"

"Fuck, I haven't said that word in so long."

"You just said you loved me."

"You know what I mean."

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