“Crib. Baby carrier. Nightlight that looks like a fucking fox.”
Jake huffs a laugh, but there’s warmth behind it. “Jesus, Hutch.”
“She doesn’t want to think that far ahead yet, and I get it. But I do, so I’m just… waiting.”
“Waiting’s hard, but worth it.” Jake leans back against the bench press and eyes me. “And Carina is awesome… You love her?”
“Yeah,” I say without thinking. “I do.”
He’s quiet for a beat, then grins. “Fuck, you’re so screwed.”
Chase claps a solid hand on my shoulder. “That kid’s already lucky as hell.”
And for a second, I actually believe it.
Jake lifts a brow between sets. “You told Harry yet?”
I shake my head. “Not yet. Was gonna go see him today, though.”
“Wooo.” Chase gives a low whistle. “Shit’s about to get real!”
“It already is,” I mutter, but he’s already back to his next rep.
After the gym, I sit in my truck a few extra minutes, letting the air cool my skin and the adrenaline fade. My shirt’s damp despite my shower, and the sun’s inching higher.
I hadn’t planned to tell them today, not this morning. Not like that. But it’s out now, and Jake is one of the biggest gossips in our group, so no doubt everyone will know sooner or later.
Unlocking my phone, I scroll to the text thread that’s somehow become the most important one in my life.
Me:Told the boys this morning
Havoc:Oh yeah? Just casually dropped it in between sets?
Me:Chase asked me if I was “still fucking Dr Doom” so it felt like the right time to clarify
Havoc:Jesus. Probably for the best then. They okay about it?
Me:They were shocked and really fucking happy
Havoc:I’m glad. You’ll be an amazing dad.
I stare at that for a second longer than I mean to, then shift in my seat.
Me:Thinking I might tell Harry today, too. If that’s okay with you.
It’s Sunday, and I usually swing by late morning, bring him coffee, and sit under the shade while he tends to his ridiculous tomatoes and tells me about them as though they have personalities.
The dots reappear quickly.
Havoc:Of course. If you want to, you should.
Havoc:I hope he’s nice.
I smile, the first real one all day.
Me:He’s sharp and nosy and has opinions about soil pH. You’d love him.
Havoc:So basically you, but older and wrinklier.
