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“It’s hard to when I’m never home.”

“But what about…extracurricular activities?” The second those words leave my lips, I’m regretting the question.

He laughs. “You mean the kind your parents insinuated we’ve already been partaking in?”

Groaning, I bury my head in my hands. “Gah, don’t remind me.”

His laughter gets louder. “Don’t worry about it, Lennon. Like I said, your parents are harmless.”

“Still. Discussing sex with your parents isn’t something most people enjoy, even as adults.”

“I don’t disagree, but don’t worry about my needs.” He clears his throat. “I’m…fine.”

Part of me wants to push for more, like what exactly does he mean by that? But then I think better of it.

I do not want to think about Easton with other women.

I lift my head and meet his gaze. “I’m really surprised they didn’t have more to say about the baby, though.”

“Why? Did you think they wouldn’t be supportive?”

“No, I just…”

“My mom was more upset about missing the wedding than the baby,” Easton adds.

“Yeah, that’s what they were disappointed about too.”

“What if we tell them we’ll give them a real wedding after the baby is born?” he suggests.

“Why would we do that?”

“To placate them.”

“But we’re not actually going to do that because this isn’t real…” My words trail off as I wait for his reaction.

Easton’s face relaxes before he stares out at the field again. “Yeah, I guess not.”

“What if we give this a year then?”

His eyes meet mine once more. “You think that will be enough time?”

“I mean, I hope. Once I finish school, I can get a job and pay for daycare—”

“I think two years would be better. It gives you time to graduate, recover, and get settled at work without rushing,” he cuts me off.

Two years? Can I handle being married to him and living with him for two years without jeopardizing our friendship even more?

And more importantly, what if one of us changes our minds?

“Like I said, I have no timeline for this, Lennon. I’ll do whatever you want, whatever you need.”

“Okay… But if I feel like I can make it on my own before then, I’m letting you off the hook.” Our eyes are locked and my heart starts racing, especially when he accepts my stipulation. Needing to make sure he understands my gratitude for his sacrifice, I quickly follow up my last statement. “I just hope you know how much I appreciate this, Easton. Thank you doesn’t feel like enough.”

“You know I’d do anything for you, Lennon. You don’t have to thank me…but you’re welcome,” he says with a grin.

“Well, I will continue to thank you. You’re literally making room in your life for me and my baby.” Saying those words out loud makes me yearn for a connection to him. So I reach for his hand, slide it against mine, and draw those familiar circles on his wrist, followed by two taps.

His voice cuts through the silence. “Do you remember the first time you did that?”