Page 35 of Trying Not to Need You

“She’s close, right?”

“Yeah, next month, but she’s far enough along now, it could be anytime, and the baby would be okay. That’s what the doctor told them this week at their appointment.”

“Are you excited about being an aunt?” I ask, even though I already know the answer.

“Yes!” she exclaims. “I can’t wait, and I’m so happy that they found their way back to each other.”

“Agreed.”

“They say—whoever they are—” She laughs. “—that everything happens for a reason. They’re together, happily married, and about to be parents. They were always meant to be, and the universe knew that.”

“You’re going to be the best aunt,” I reply. I want to tell her that she’s also going to be the best mom, hopefully to our kids, but that’s pushing, and I promised I wouldn’t. She’d surely freak the hell out if she were able to read my mind where she’s concerned.

“Thanks, Mac,” she says sweetly. “I can’t wait to spoil her.”

“So, about tonight. I was thinking we could have dinner. I can cook for you, or we can order in, or go out. Whatever you’re feeling, I’ll make it happen.”

“Just like that? What about what you want? What you’re feeling?” she asks, removing her hand from the stall and turning to face me. I do the same, missing the heat of her body pressed to mine.

“I get time with you, Bay. That’s all I want.”

She’s quiet for a few minutes. Her eyes bounce around the stables before coming to land on me. “I want dinner at your place. We can order in. Pizza with ham and pineapple, and sweet tea is a must.”

“Yeah?” I ask, excitement roaring through my veins. I was certain she was going to turn me down. “Anything else?”

“You still have the stuff for those sundaes you made us?”

“I’ll make sure that I do. Can I pick you up?”

She tilts her head to the side. “Is that what you want?”

I nod. “I want to knock on your door, walk you to my truck, and all the other things that go with a date.”

“Pulling out all the stops, huh?” she teases, no doubt to break the moment, but I hold steady.

I step closer, sliding one arm around her waist and tugging her close. “For you, absolutely,” I say, kissing her temple. I asked for a chance, and this feels like she’s giving me one.

“Fine, you can pick me up. Seven?”

I nod. “I’ll be there to get you at seven. If you think of anything else you need, text me, and I’ll get it done.”

“I don’t need anything, Macklin. A nice dinner… with you. That’s plenty.”

I want to kiss her so fucking badly, but I refrain. “Done.” I bring her in closer and, this time, wrap both arms around her, hugging her tightly.

“I should get back. I have a few more things to go over with Ellie to prepare for her maternity leave.”

“Let me know if I can help.”

She smiles. “Thanks, Macklin. I’ll see you later?” she asks, taking a step back, out of my hold and out of my arms, but that’s okay, because tonight she’s going to be at my place. And if I’m lucky, she’ll let me hold her again. I’m a desperate man, willing to take anything she tosses my way.

I’ve spent the entire afternoon and early evening preparing for my date with Baylor tonight. I have her wrapped present under my little ceramic tree. Because, come on, I’m a single guy, living alone. I’m not going through the trouble of putting up a big-ass tree just for me. Then again, she probably would have loved it. Next season, hopefully, she’ll be living here with me, or we’ll be in a new place, and we can get a big tree and decorate it together.

Anyway, the present is wrapped, the sundae supplies are stocked and ready, and a few surprises are prepared. Now, all that’s left is to call in the order for our pizza, pick up my girl, then the food, and our night together can begin.

When I reach their house, I leave the truck running, hop out, and rush to the front door, keeping my head tucked. The winter wind is harsh. Once at the door, I knock three times, shove my hands into my pockets, and wait. A few seconds later, the door opens to Copeland, wearing a shit-eating grin.

“Whatcha doing, Mac?” he asks, and I know damn well he can’t live in this house with my girl and her sisters and not know why I’m here, but that’s fine. I’ll play along, because I have nothing to hide.