· Kissing in the rain
· Do something out of my comfort zone
· Go on a Ferris Wheel
·Buy my own place and decorate!
· Eat cake in bed
· Get over my fear of clowns
· Learn something new
· Attend a cookery class
· Safari
· Tell Morgana no!!
As I look down her list, I realise she’s come so far, especially doing something out of her comfort zone and making that decision to come back home, but there are still things she needs to tick off, and I know that today is her day off from doing anything. I check the time, and it’s gone seven, she’ll still be asleep hopefully.
I grab my keys and head to the bakery in town, parking right outside. I climb out and walk up to the door, but when I try the handle, it doesn’t open. Then I see it, a note stuck to the window on the inside telling people it’s closed today.
Shit.
Getting back in my car, I remember Irene gets to her place early to set up for the day, maybe she has some cakes.
When I arrive at Irene’s, I’m glad to see she’s already open, and when I push the door open and walk inside, the smell of freshly baked bread hits me, making my mouth water. I do a double-take when I get to the counter and my brother, Cas, walks out of the kitchen door.
He clasps the paper bag he’s holding close to his chest, his eyes widening and his cheeks turning red as he lets out a loud barking laugh. “Nate, my brother. Hey, Irene, Nate, my brother is here.” He points a finger at me as Irene rolls her eyes. Cas doesn’t skip a beat; his voice is unusually high-pitched as he stammers. “S-so, what are you doing here? Here to buy some goods? Some baked goods? In the area, or here specifically? I mean, I’mnothere specifically, I happened to drive past and stopped and…” He stops talking and gulps.
He’s so fucking weird sometimes.
I fold my arms and stare at him. I love this part. People always get so uncomfortable when you don’t speak; they feel the need to fill the silence, and in Cas’s case, he can’t help himself.
His shoulders drop, and he blows out his breath. “Fine, but don’t tell the others.”
I smile at him. “Course I won't.”
He raises his brows at me. “Who am I kidding? Of course you will, but I’m asking for you to wait until I tell them first.” I nod, and he carries on. “I come here every morning for Irene’s freshly baked sea salt and cracked black pepper bagels. Emmy has a taste for them lately.”
I walk over to him and punch him in the arm, eliciting an ouch from him. “Cas, you fucking idiot, I thought it was something more interesting than that. Way to exaggerate.” I turn and look back to the counter to ask Irene about the cake for Hayleigh, but Cas’s voice stops me in my tracks.
“I’m going to be a dad.”
I whirl around, my eyes stinging. “Are you for fucking real right now?” He nods, so I stride forward and wrap my arms around him as I let out a whoop. “I’m so proud of you. I’m so happy for you both.”
When we break apart, he checks the inside of his bag and smiles. “Good job, these aren’t squashed.” He looks unsure before he carries on. “Listen, I haven’t told the others because Emmy’s worried about it being so early. She wants to wait until our second scan, you won’t say anything, will you?”
I shake my head. “Your secrets are safe with me. I’m happy for you, Cas, you both deserve all the happiness in the world.”
He pats my arm. “So do you, Nate. I'd best get back; nobody wants to see a hangry Emmy.” His eyes widen once more as he shudders before hurrying outside.
My baby brother walks out the door, and I shake my head.
He’s going to be a dad.
He’s going to be so amazing at it, but it gets me thinking, is that something I want? Could I be a dad? Does Hayleigh even want kids?
