“She’s pregnant?” Oliver calmly lays the documents on the table.
“Yeah.”
“Congratulations.”
“Thanks.” I turn Fin’s way. “You can shut your mouth now.”
“I amshook.”
“You’ve been hanging around with Ronny too much. But also, I know how that feels,” I add, rubbing my finger at the edge of my smile to temper it.
“But you’re okay about it. I mean, you look fucking happy.”
“Yeah, I am okay. And slightly terrified, naturally.” The terror comes from the shedload of pregnancy books I ordered, which has left me wondering if too much information is a thing. Reading some chapters makes me feel all sorts of warm and fuzzy and smile like an eejit. Other bits—and here comes the terror—leave me wondering if the human race would still be a thing if blokes were responsible for birthing babies.Or maybe it would just end if it was left to me.
Women. The fairer sex, for sure. The stronger sex, no doubt. And I don’t care what anyone says, the recent uptick of dipshit social media “We’re pregnant!” announcements makes not one bit of sense. Women bear the burden—generally speaking, and not to diminish anyone’s gender identity—they experience the pregnancy. Growing a whole new-arsed human is a 100 percent solo activity. Their partners might be lucky enough to be involved in the fun start, but to my mind, we’re entitled to zero of the kudos.
I’m all for sharing and mutual responsibilities. I’m committed to equal parenting, and of course I’ll support Ryan wherever and however I can.Where she’ll let me.But I’ll be sure to let herknow that she deserves my endless gratitude for taking this one for the team.
“How far along?” Fin’s voice brings me out of my thoughts.
“Fourteen weeks.”
“A Manhattan October baby.”
I slice him a look. “That’s fucking weird.”
“That I know the last time you had sex? Agreed.”
“Whatever blows your hair back.”
Fin snorts. “If my internal joy was waiting on you getting your rocks off, I’d be miserable most of the time.”
I just haven’t been interested in anyone else thanks to this massive Ryan hangover I’ve been suffering.But it’s over now.
“And things are all right?” Oliver’s inquiry turns the conversation sensible. Thank the feckin’ Lord.
“Yeah, she’s okay? Happy, healthy, and shit?” Fin puts in.
My smile falls a touch. “She’s happy,” I answer tentatively. “But we’re not together.”
Oliver says nothing.
Fin says, “Oh, shit.”
“The official line is we’re in this together but we’re not together. Until I can change that.”
“Right.” Only Oliver speaks this time.
“It’s sudden, but things will improve.” I’m more than willing to do the work. To make her feel safe enough to let down those walls. Let her see in her own time how good this could be for us.For the three of us.
“So ... what are you gonna do?” Fin asks.
“Be there for her. Literally. She’s agreed to stay with me.”
“She’s moving in?” Fin asks with wide-eyed astonishment.
“Well, yeah. The timing isn’t great.” My hands open in a gesture ofwhat the fuck. “Theta fired her. It kind of caught her off guard.”
