Page 95 of Vegas with my Brother’s Best Friends

She doesn’t look all that optimistic. I hope she’s not as pessimistic as Jackson.

“I keep checking my phone over and over again in case I missed a call from the doctor,” she admits as she glances at her phone screen.

“It’ll probably be tomorrow,” I tell her. “I’ve been dying to know too.”

I don’t know the first thing about what it’s like to be in an actual happy family. That makes me wary of how I’ll be as a father, but deep down, past the uncertainty and fear that I feel, there is a resounding hope that the baby is mine.

Why wouldn’t I want a baby with the woman I love?

I just have to prove to her and to myself that I’m good enough to be the father of her child.

“Well, you guys will be the first to know when I get the call,” she replies. “I should probably head back out there before they send someone to come look for me.”

“Wait,” I say. “How are you feeling?”

Cassidy sighs. “I’m tired. I miss my brother and my best friend. My entire body hurts. I’m nauseous and hungry at the same time. That kind of summarizes it all.”

I frown. “Is there anything I can do for you? I can head into town and get whatever you need. Maybe a heating pad could help with the aches. Or I could have room service bring you a ginger ale.”

Cassidy shakes her head. “It’s fine, Marcus.”

“You don’t have to handle this alone, Cass,” I tell her as I step closer to her, automatically reaching for her hand.

Cassidy motions for me to stop, her eyes widening. “What are you doing? Do you want us to be seen?”

I drop my hand and glance around, making sure no one we know is around us. “I’m sorry. I’m just worried about you.”

“I know. And I know Jackson and Tyler are too, but you can’t fix every problem and soothe every ache for me,” Cassidy says, lowering her voice. “Especially when other people can see or hear us.”

I nod, knowing she’s right. Knowing I’m stepping over a line.

But I’m still so damn worried.

She hasn’t been taking care of herself as much as she should, and the stress on top of it all could cost her heavily. She could hurt herself. She could lose the baby.

“I get that. Just…don’t hesitate to call if you need something,” I tell her. “We’ll sneak it to you or whatever.”

Cassidy closes her eyes and exhales heavily. “No, I’m tired of sneaking around. I’m tired of…everything. Just back off a little.”

Her words hit like a punch to the chest, but I still nod because I’m going to do as she asks.

“I should head to the room,” I say as I back away from her.

“I’m going back out to them,” Cassidy replies as she stays put. “I’ll let you know when the doctor calls with the results.”

“Okay,” I tell her before forcing myself to turn around and head to the elevator.

I can’t help but glance over my shoulder once I reach it. She’s long gone by then.

Chapter thirty-three

Chapter 33: Cassidy

It’s almost midnight, and I still can’t fall asleep.

I’m not not trying to rest on purpose. But my mind won’t stop talking and coming up with dozens of scenarios, and I just don’t feel good. I’m exhausted, but I guess I’m not tired enough to fall asleep.

That doesn’t even make any sense, but here I am. Wide awake. Unable to shut my brain up.