Page 93 of Bad Boy for Hire
May stood over the crib, one hand resting absently over the swell of her belly, the other on the top rail. She was nearly four months pregnant and in excellent health. Xavier had seen to that. He’d managed to be everything she needed, and not too much of what she didn’t. He’d meant what he’d said the night she’d come here to ask if they could be friends.
They were, but they were also so much more.
She stepped deeper into the room, admiring the sprawl of yard outside the window. There wasn’t snow on the ground, but it was cold. The kind of cold that made one question why they lived at the lake. But soon it would be spring, and then summer, and then they would be navigating the choppy waters of parenthood.
She’d moved in mere weeks after their reconciliation, not wanting to waste time or navigate a move while even more pregnant than she’d been at the time.
Her house had sold at the beginning of December—to Hazel, of all people. The young librarian had grown tired of apartment life and had recently received a promotion. May was happy that her sweet little house went to someone who loved it as much as she had.
Now May was embracing another chapter of her life. She and Xavier had visited his parents’ house today. They’d eaten dinner with the entire family—Lynx included. May liked his dad and adored his mom, who was the right amount of intrusive. And Lynx, who hadn’t straightened out yet, had offered a welcome respite from any seriousness at the dinner table. He was “stoked” about being an uncle. And went on and on about taking “your kid on a dirt bike as soon as possible.” Xavier, predictably, argued that Lynx would never be alone with “our kid.” May had cupped her mouth to cover a proud smile. Xavier had already perfected his Dad Voice.
May enjoyed the lively family banter that had been absent for her over the years. She was also back in touch with Prescott’s sisters and mother, but at a healthy distance, and with Xavier’s blessing. He wasn’t jealous of her ex, which she knew. He simply wanted her to have all the support and connection she desired.
And that was only one of a million reasons she loved him so much.
“Hey,” came his voice from behind her.
Her fiancé was wearing the jeans and sweater he’d worn to dinner tonight, and was carrying a glass with a scant inch of brown liquid in it.
“Decide on that nightcap after all?”
He strolled in, his socks shuffling along the rug. “Lynx drives me to drink.”
She chuckled.
Her fingers drifted along the edge of the crib. “I was thinking about this new chapter of my life. I’m turning the page. Leaving behind the past.”
He hummed. “But not entirely.”
“No, I guess you’re right. I am still friends with the Stantons. And technically, you’re my past who has turned into my future.”
“We don’t ever really leave things behind. The people, the circumstances. They shape who we become. We wouldn’t be who we are now without them.”
“So true. Makes it hard to have regrets.”
“Regrets are a waste of time.”
She loved that outlook. She loved him.
They stood there, letting the quiet wrap around them like a warm blanket. She tilted her head back to admire where the earth-green paint met the stark white ceiling. “You know, your mom did an amazing job on the trim. She has a steady hand for being?—”
A knock at the front door startled her out of the thought.
“Who could that be?”
He narrowed his eyes. “Hmm. I wonder.”
“Do you.” She watched him, suspicious.
“Come with me.” He led her down the stairs. Another knock came, and she felt her breath catch. Something was going on, and it felt big. Significant, even.
The tall Christmas tree downstairs was lit, and the gas fireplace flickered—the only lights in the room.
“You ready?” He clasped the doorknob.
“What did you do?” Her mind was racing. He could pull open that door and reveal anything. A hot tub. Carolers. A pony?
Instead, the open door revealed an older man clutching a bouquet of colorful flowers. What kind, she had no idea. She couldn’t take her eyes off his face.
