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But what happens after this is over, Easton? Remember, Lennon wants this arrangement to end in two years…

It’s only been a week since she moved in with me, but I’m already getting way too used to it.

I actually get excited coming home from work knowing she’ll be there. I look forward to the nights when the Nashville Lightning are playing and we sit together on the couch—her with her books, pretending to study even though she never does—and me fighting not to watch her every move, especially when she starts yelling at the TV.

And her stuff—her clothes, her books for school scattered all over the dining room table, and her body wash in my shower—it’s surrounding me and I don’t regret it, not one little bit.

That’s when it occurs to me for the hundredth time that I’m in over my head, and I need to be snapped back to reality.

I shake off that thought as Jake stares at me. “What the hell! You’re having a baby?”

“Yeah.” I glanced down at my phone to check the time. “As a matter of fact, I have to leave in about an hour for our first doctor’s appointment.”

“Who the hell are you, man?”

I chuckle. “It’s a long story, one that I don’t have time to get into today.” And probably won’t with Jake. It’s not that I don’t trust him, but the fewer people who know the truth about our marriage, the better.

“Jesus, it’s like you’ve been living a double life.”

“No. I’m just a guy who’s trying to do right by my girl.”

My girl.

Lennon was the one I always wanted to call that.

And now that I can, there’s a warm swirl of pride running through my veins.

But I can’t get used to it.

I don’t want to let myself.

Unfortunately, I feel like that’s a battle I’m already losing, and I’m not sure that I care.

***

“You must be the dad.” The nurse says as I follow her and Lennon down the hallway to the exam room.

“Uh, yeah. That’s me.”

Lennon glances over at me as I shrug.

What was I supposed to say? No? I mouth to her before she turns back around.

“Is this your first pregnancy?” the nurse continues, directing the question to Lennon as she rolls fresh paper across the exam table and sets out a paper drape for Lennon once we get in the room.

“Yes,” Lennon answers this time.

“You must be thrilled.”

Lennon clears her throat. “Um, well, that’s one of the many things that I’m feeling.”

The nurse smiles. “Don’t worry. Dr. Monogan will be happy to answer any of your questions and concerns.” She logs into the computer next to the sink, clicking around for a few beats before nodding. “Okay. Just undress from the waist down and the doctor will be in to see you shortly.”

We watch the nurse exit before Lennon blows out a breath. “God, did she have to be so cheery?”

“She was just being polite…”

Lennon rolls her eyes. “She shouldn’t assume women are happy about their pregnancies when they come in here.”