"This rooftop deck is amazing," I say between sips of my wine.
"I know…" he agrees. "One of the reasons I bought the place."
I smile, brought back to what seems like ages ago. "I remember the first time I saw your place… I thought it was amazing… and I didn't even know about this little oasis."
He laughs. "I'm full of surprises… as you know."
"That you are."
We slip into comfortable silence, the only sounds the hot tub's gentle hum. I trace patterns in the water.
Hard to believe it's been only six months since that night at the convenience store, since I met this man who changed everything.
I kiss him, slow and deep, tasting wine and chlorine and something that feels like home.
Life feels perfect. Like everything finally clicked into place.
My phone buzzes on the deck.
"Ignore it," Julian murmurs against my lips.
But it keeps buzzing. I groan and reach for it, water dripping from my arm.
Jenna's name flashes across the screen.
"It's Jenna." I sit up. "She's due any day now."
Julian nods, and I answer.
"Hey—"
"I had the baby!" Jenna's voice cracks with exhaustion and joy.
"Oh my God! Congratulations! Is it a boy or girl?"
A pause. Then she laughs—tired but teasing. "You'll have to come see."
"Jenna—"
"Portland General. Room 412. Get your ass over here."
The line goes dead.
I stare at the phone, then at Julian.
"She hung up on me."
He grins. "Classic Jenna."
"She won't tell me if it's a boy or girl."
"Then I guess we're going to Portland."
I laugh, setting down my wine. Amadeus lifts his head, tail wagging.
"Come on, boy." I climb out, water streaming down my legs. "We're going to meet a baby."
The hospital smells like antiseptic and floor polish—sterile but oddly comforting. Julian and I weave through the maze of hallways, Amadeus left reluctantly at home with a mountain of chew toys and stern instructions to behave.
