“You were right,” I find myself saying.
“About what?”
“When you said I’ve been stuck in my own life by telling myself stories about who I am, who I’m supposed to be. I’ve been so fucking stubborn about everything. Refusing to even consider playing pop music, refusing to let people help me. Convincing myself I can’t ever have a relationship because I’m self-centered and music comes first and I’m destined to be alone on the road.” There’s a strange ache in my chest. “Fuck. All I ever did was hold myself back.”
“And you’re not holding back anymore?” she murmurs.
“I don’t think so. It’s…sort of fucked up, but the moment you told me you were pregnant, it’s like I could suddenly see all these new paths available to me.” I swallow. “Not necessarily ones that lead to fatherhood. I’m not saying we should keep it. But all those paths have one thing in common.”
“What?”
“You. All paths lead to you.”
She tilts her head up at me, and her bottom lip starts trembling. I don’t miss the flood of emotion in her eyes, so I pull her close again, gently stroking her hair. After several beats of silence, her whisper tickles my neck.
“You don’t have to stay here if you want to go write.”
“No.” I kiss the top of her head. “I’m not going anywhere.”
THE DEAN MACHINE
DEAN
They’re acting weird, right?
ALLIE
Who?
DEAN
G and Logan and their respective clans. Something’s up. They’ve barely texted me this week.
ALLIE
Just because they’re not textingyoudoesn’t mean something’s up. Contrary to popular Dean belief, the world doesn’t revolve around you, sweetie.
DEAN
Beau—back me up. Blake and the twins have been quiet, right?
BEAU
I don’t know. I haven’t noticed.
IVY
Leave him alone, Daddy. He’s sad.
ALLIE
Aw honey. AJ’s still not talking to you?
KATE
LMAO AJ’s never talking to him again. Not after what he did.
ALLIE
