Page 42 of The Love You Fight For
I finish up my shift at the garage, drive home and shower, then head to the bar. The whole time, I think about Sam, and then I scold myself for thinking about Sam. But I continue to think about her.
Five minutes after I pull the chain on the open sign, Macon comes strolling through the front door and slides onto one of the many empty barstools. I fix him a Dr. Pepper with lime and set it on the bar top in front of him.
“Where’s Len?” I ask, glancing at the door before bringing my eyes back to my best friend.
“She’s with Harper. They’ll be here soon.” He takes a sip of his soda and then glances at me with a smirk. “I thought you were kitchen tonight? Figured you’d cook me dinner.”
I halt my movements briefly, just enough to let it sink in what he’s said—Sam is on her way—and then I busy myself by wiping down my already clean bar top.
“I am kitchen. I’m just waiting for Paul to get here. He’s got todrop his kid off at his mom’s on Thursdays.”
Macon nods, then slides a bar menu in front of himself and looks it over. I watch him scan the items, knowing full well he already knows everything that’s on it. He helped me come up with it after I bought into the bar before Alan left. Lennon and Sam must have kicked him out of the apartment for girl talk, and it makes my lips curl up into a reluctant smile.
“Hey, you given any more thought to quitting the garage now?” he asks, and I shrug.
“Yeah,” I say honestly. “But I don’t think I will just yet. I don’t know. I like the people. Keeps me busy.”
Macon nods. He knows the only reason I started working at the garage a few years ago was to help out Tiffany and Michael, but they no longer need my help financially, and I’m still working two jobs.
I’m not complaining, though. I really enjoy my job at Franklin Auto Body, but I’m down to part-time now. While owning half the bar wasn’t originally my plan, when Alan offered to sell me half at a fucking steal, I jumped at it. It’s the closest I’ll probably ever get to running my own restaurant. Moving into Alan’s old house made it possible for me to move out of The Outhouse Penthouse and rent it out, too, so it’s all worked out for the best so far. I don’t see a reason to change anything at the moment, despite Sable’s comments about me beingstunted and unwilling to improve my status.I like my life. I like my jobs. I like my home. I don’t need anything else.
Macon sets the menu down. Then takes another drink from his soda. Then pulls his hat off so he can push his hands through his hair and put the hat back on. He’s fidgeting. I raise a brow.
“What’s goin’ on? You and Lennon get into a fight or something?”
He chuckles and flares his eyes.
“Not exactly.” He drums his fingers on the bar top.
Flicks his gaze to me and then away again. I watch as he fights a smile as he tries to harness all of his nervous energy.
“Macon, what the fuck?” I laugh. “What’s going on?”
He drags a hand down his face with a sigh, then finally looks at me. His giant smile has me smiling, and I don’t even know what we’re smiling about yet.
“Lennon’s pregnant,” he says, and my jaw drops. “Doc confirmed it this morning. Ten weeks.”
I’m immediately filled with happiness for them. I’ve never met two people more perfect for each other, so the idea of Macon and Lennon starting their own little family makes me ecstatic.
“No shit? Congrats, man. How long have you known?”
He grins.
“’Bout four hours. Neither of us had any idea. She just went in because she’s been more tired than usual, and she thought she was vitamin deficient or something. Turns out she is, but only because she’s growin’ a kid.”
I bark out a laugh, my smile so big that my cheeks hurt, and I reach over and pat him on the shoulder.
“Congratulations, Macon. I’m really happy for you. You’re going to be a great dad.”
“Thank you.” His voice cracks a little. “I wasn’t expecting it, but I’m fucking thrilled. So Lennon called Sam and she showed up, and then I came here to tell you. We haven’t told our parents yet. I think we might wait until she’s officially out of the first trimester, but we wanted you and Sam to know.”
My smile softens.
“Thank you. I’m honored that I’m one of the first to know.”
“Well, also, there is something else,” Macon says, smirk still affixed to his face. “I don’t know if there’s, like, a protocol for this, and I know we’re not religious or anything, but Lennon and I want to know if you will be the baby’s godfather.”
Well, shit. Now I want to cry. I can’t even make aThe Godfatherjoke because I’m so fucking touched. I just nod and smile.
