Page 87 of The Vow We Made
“How romantic mate. No wonder she couldn’t resist,” I smirk, and then it dawns on me. “Hold on a minute, you haven’t been to Dubai for years.” I try and calculate it in my head, but I’m only sure it was a while ago.
“I didn’t say it was a recent thing. It started as a casual hook-up during her business trips to London, but now—.” He stares into his pint glass.
“What’s the problem?”
His eyes close as if he’s letting whatever it is, settle in his mind. Then he confesses, “She’s pregnant.”
“What the fu—”
“Exactly.”
I take several large mouthfuls of the black stuff. “What the fuck happened?”
“Have you not learnt about the birds and bees yet?” he manages to joke.
“You know what I mean, you’ve always been careful about this stuff.”
“Obviously not careful enough.”
We both sit, deep in thought until I ask, “So what happens now? Is she keeping it?”
“She wants to.”
“And what doyouwant?”
He runs his fingers through his hair. “I don’t know mate. I really don’t. It’s not as if we have to worry about money or anything, it’s more about the responsibility. I’m not sure I’m ready for it.”
I’ve no idea of how to help but I do my best. “Think about it. Can you give up the one night stands for her? You wouldn’t be able to play away when you want.”
His response surprises me, “I haven’t slept with another women in months. I don’t need to.”
“Then that’s a good start.”
“I suppose it is, it’s just I thought I’d be married before kids came along.”
“I understand where you’re coming from, but you haven’t exactly been in a stable relationship in the last ten years.”
“I had my reasons.” He’s referring to the one-night fiancé.
“You have to get over the engagement from hell at some point and maybe an instant family is just what you need.”
“Mate, I’m not disagreeing. In fact, I could see myself falling in love with Eve.”
“Then that’s absolutely bloody perfect, surely.”
“It is but I don’t want to force it with complications. I want us to be together because wewantto be, not because we have to.”
I can see the turmoil he’s going through. It’s a difficult decision and not one I envy. “Listen, you might have to move things along quicker than you wanted, but surely there’s no better person to fall in love with than the mother of your baby?”
Luke sits back on his stool with wide and alert eyes. “When did you get so wise?”
I admit, I’ve taken myself by surprise. “Not sure. That came from nowhere.”
He slaps his hand to my shoulder. “Thanks mate.”
“Don’t get all soppy on me ya big tart.” This is probably the most serious Luke and I have ever been. I take in a huge breath and sigh out before I broach the next question. “Have you told your sister?”
“No. And she can’t find out yet. I don’t want Georgie worrying about anything.”
