Theo nods slowly. “Ivy’s Christa.”
“That’s the one.”
Jasper exhales. “Bloody hell.”
There’s a pause. I brace myself for questions. For judgement. For someone to say something stupid.
Instead, Theo reaches for his coffee and takes a thoughtful sip. “Okay,” he says. “That explains Ivy.”
Jasper snorts. “How did she not explode keeping that secret?”
Theo looks back at me. “What’s the plan?”
I swallow. “We’re figuring it out. Together. Appointments. Logistics. Money. I’ll be there for everything. Whatever she needs.”
As I’m saying it, I realise how quickly it comes. How natural. There’s no hesitation, no caveat. That surprises me a bit, even now.
Jasper’s mouth twitches. “You’ve already got the dad voice.”
“I do not have a dad voice.”
“You do,” Theo says. “You just used it.”
I feel heat creep up my neck. “I’m just… being practical.”
Theo smiles. Not teasing. Something warmer. “You’re being you.”
Jasper leans back in his chair. “Alright. I’m officially happy. Mildly terrified on your behalf, but happy.”
“Same,” Theo says. “This is big. But… I’m glad for you.”
The knot in my chest loosens, just a fraction. I hadn’t realised how tightly I’d been holding it until now.
“And,” Jasper adds, “what about the relationship situation?”
Here it is.
“There isn’t one,” I say, a bit too fast. I rein it in. “I mean. We’re friends. Very clear. Very grown-up. No expectations, no pressure.”
Theo arches an eyebrow. “You’re having a baby together.”
“Yes.”
“That tends to come with… feelings.”
“I know,” I say. “But we’re not doingthat. We’ve agreed. We’re focusing on the baby. Being solid. Not complicating things.”
Jasper smirks. “You say that like you’re trying to convince yourself.”
I scowl. “I’m being realistic.”
Theo watches me for a moment, thoughtful. “Are you?”
I open my mouth, then close it again. My instinct is to give a neat answer. A sensible one. The kind that doesn’t invite follow-ups.
Instead, I sigh. “It’s… easier, for now. And I don’t want to mess it up by overthinking.”
Theo nods slowly. “Fair.”
