Page 74 of One Pucking Surprise
Chloe tilts her head. “Someone’s being overprotective.”
Janelle grins. “I don’t blame her. Zach is her baby daddy.”
Chloe laughs. “Okay, Janelle, let’s stop. Let Lainey talk.”
I sigh again, setting the jar down. “He’s… trying. He wants me to move in with him.”
Janelle’s eyebrows shoot up. “Move in? Like, as in live with him?”
“Yes,” I say, crossing my arms. “He thinks it’s practical.”
Chloe snorts. “Practical for who?”
“That’s what I said,” I mutter. “He says it’s for the baby, for us, so he can be there. But I can’t shake the feeling that he’s doing it more out of obligation than anything else.”
What do you want?” Chloe asks gently.
“I don’t know,” I admit. “I don’t want to feel like someone’s responsibility. I’ve always wanted a real partner—someone who’s all in, not just there because they think they have to be.”
“There’s something else,” I add, hesitating. “My sister Anna offered for me to move in with her. So she can help me with the baby.”
Janelle’s eyes widen. “To move out of state?”
Chloe’s expression softens. “Are you considering it?”
I pause, running my fingers along the edge of the table. “She’s been great about everything. She told me I could move in with her anytime I needed to. She even sent me links to schools and community programs nearby. She’s really thought it through.”
“We’re going to miss you if you decide to move,” Chloe says, her voice soft.
“Me too,” I reply, but the knot in my chest doesn’t ease. “It’s tempting, but moving out of state? Leaving my career, my life here… I don’t know. It feels like running away.”
Janelle smiles warmly. “You know we’re here for you, whatever you decide.”
“Thanks,” I say, my voice thick. “I appreciate it.”
Before I can say more, my phone buzzes on the table. The vibration rattles the honey jars, drawing their attention.
“Speaking of the devil,” I mutter, unlocking the screen. Zach’s name flashes across the top of my messages.
“What’s he saying?” Chloe asks, watching me closely.
I read the message aloud.
Zach: Hey, I’ll be at hockey camp this weekend, but I really want to figure this out between us. Feel like joining me?
Another message quickly follows.
Zach: I’ll show you I’m serious. About the move. About the baby. Just say yes.
“Well?” Janelle asks, her voice curious but cautious. “What are you going to do?”
I don’t answer right away, my thoughts spinning. Zach wants to convince me to move in. He says it’s for the baby, but I need to know if there’s something more behind it—something he’s not saying.
Finally, I exhale and set my phone down. “I guess I’ll find out this weekend.”
Chapter 28
Zach
