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“That’s great. I’m glad to hear it.,” I say as I stand. “I’ll let you guys go then. I just wanted to stop in quickly.”
Billy stands as well, eyeing me as he says, “Tom, that’s not the hardware I was talking about.”
He’s got a shit-eating grin on his face, while Adley looks on withconfusion, and we study each other for a brief moment and that twin thing happens, and I huff out a laugh and drop my head, mumbling, “Fucking guy.”
Billy comes up beside me, obviously getting ready to take a jab at me when Adley asks, “What are you two doing?”
“Let me see that ring finger, Tom,” Billy prods. “Does it have a tan line?”
Adley gasps. “What! You got married?”
Billy’s smile widens. “And no one knows about it, do they?”
I wince then reply, “No, they don’t. And don’t you dare say a word!”
“You know secrets don’t last long in this family.”
“How did you know, Billy?” Adley asks.
“I knew the minute they left for the airport. He can’t hide shit from me. I feel you, brother. Mom is going to have a fit.”
“Yeah, she is.” I pause. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. After all the emotional baggage we had to get through, we just wanted to get away, just the two of us, ya know?”
Billy smiles and glances at Adley before pulling me in for another hug. “I get it, Tom. No need to apologize. Don’t get me wrong, I would have loved to give a best man's speech. Let everyone know what a chicken you are about dick rings.”
I push him away and laugh. “Cut that shit out. If the station knew I went and did something stupid like that, I’d never live it down.”
“I guess you can make it up to me. I want front row seats when you tell mom.”
“You’re an ass.” I move toward the door. “I gotta get to work. Make sure you text me after the appointment.”
When I turn to them, they’re standing together with their arms around each other, and it makes me smile.
I lock eyes with Adley and wink then open the door and step out into the sun, and for the first time in thirty-three years, I know my brother is going to be okay.
CHAPTER FORTY
BILLY
“Congratulations,you two. You’ve got a healthy baby in there.”
My heart has been beating at super speed this whole appointment. I never realized what fear truly was until I found myself waiting to hear those seven little words.
To me, fear used to be running out of beer at a party. Fear used to be wondering how long I had to work before I could leave and head to the bar. Fear used to be deciding how many nights I could use to dull the memories before I was caught.
Now, that high I used to seek has been replaced with a new form of adrenaline. The thoughts still come fast, but now they’re focused on Adley, the baby, and whether I can be a good dad.
I won’t let myself sink into self-destructive thoughts. My woman has built me up, has reassured me for years now that I am a good man. I’ll never be perfect for her, but I’ll make sure I’m damn close or die trying.
And a good dad? I’ll bet my sobriety on it.
It’s been twenty-two days since I’ve had a beer, and though it’s my fourth set of twenty-two days over the last few years, this time is different. I’m just going to keep racking up the days. Each day I’ll wake up and choosethem, not a drink. Because the high I get by taking care of them and being next to her each night is worth so much more. It’s different, I’m different, and I feel it.
“Since you’re unsure of the date of your last menstrual cycle, judging by the measurements I took, I’m going to say you’re about twelve weeks along, give or take a few days. As he or she grows, we’ll narrow that down, but I’d look at a summer delivery.”
“There’s only one in there, right?”
Dr. Lakshmi smiles. “Yes, just one, Billy. I know twins run in your family, but it looks like Adam and Chelsea will continue to hold that trophy.”
