“How are you feeling? When did you find out? Have you seen a doctor? I mean, a real doctor, not a PhD. No offense, but you’re not really qualified to birth your own kid here, Doc, so don’t even think that’s an option.”
“Never said I was. To answer your questions, I’m feeling fine. No morning sickness yet. I found out yesterday after I took six different brand pregnancy tests. I’ve not seen a doctor, but I have an appointment the day after tomorrow. And yes, she’s a real doctor, though she might have a PhD as well. Many medical professionals do.”
Wow. How had I gone from thinking this woman was an insufferable know-it-all to loving that she had all the answers?
She smiled up at me. “Your boys did well.”
“Told you spicing it up was a good option. My swimmers needed the freedom to roam.”
“I guess they did. You were right, but don’t get used to hearing it.”
That night in Detroit, almost three weeks ago, we had used that hotel bed well. Once more after dinner, and twice again overnight because we couldn’t keep our hands off each other. We had stayed in touch by text, but nothing beat seeing her in person.
We were going to be parents.
I grinned. “Come into the kitchen and tell me all the details.”
“Sorry, I have a class to teach at eight, and then I have a call with a colleague in Philadelphia.”
Disappointment checked me. “Okay. You want to come over tonight and celebrate?”
“I have a prior appointment, I’m afraid. I wanted to give you the news in person, but there isn’t really anything more to tell.”
Hmm. Why did this feel like the kiss off? And more to the point, why was I trying to force her to play at happy families? Sure, I wanted to be involved, but this was her deal. We were not a couple.
“Okay, I should let you get on.”
She took a step back, then jumped forward, and gave me a hug.
“Thank you, Jason.”
Wrapping her up tight, I shut my eyes and touched my lips to her hair. It had been forever since I’d held her, and knowing the last time was the night we made a baby washed over me like a soft wave of lust mixed with pride and not a little sadness.
Because this also felt like goodbye.
Goodbye to our efforts to conceive. To sneaking around. To the fun times we had in bed—and out of it, if I was being honest.
She pulled back, though her fingers lingered on my chest. “I should let you get back to sleep. You played well this last week.”
I had something to play for, that sizzle of anticipation. Now I had even more on the line.
I was going to be a dad.
“Thanks to you, too, Francesca.” I kissed her forehead, inhaled her scent, let it buoy me. “We did it.”
She nodded, words seeming to fail her. I knew how she felt. Then she stepped outside to get on with her day without me.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Jason
* * *
Every year my brother threw a banger of a Halloween party at his house. As we were scheduled to play a home game on the holiday itself, it meant this year’s event had to happen the night before. I loved these parties. Ever since I was twelve, coming here—or to any gathering at Theo’s house—cemented my love for his family and the realization that my dad was lacking in all things parental. I suspected my father had been invited tonight, but he usually declined because seeing his ex-wife, my mother, reminded him of his bad behavior. I wouldn’t miss him, but it was nice to see my mom. I waved at her. Looked like she was dressed as a witch. Classic.
The first person I ran into was Conor, but not the Conor I knew. He wore a very tight yellow sweater cropped to reveal his abs, along with skinny jeans that looked like they might burst at the seams any second.
Then there was the make-up.
