25
SAGE
“Tell the truth,what made you more nervous? Finding me to tell me you were pregnant, or right now?” Brady’s voice makes it clear he’s teasing me, but his words still hit hard. I guess I thought I was doing a better job of hiding my nerves than I am.
“Fiona’s the closest thing I have to family,” I say, then I pause. I don’t want him to be hurt, or for him to worry if I finish my thought. That if she doesn’t like Brady…
But Brady’s intuition is strong. He wraps his arms around me, his hands resting on my belly. Kissing my shoulder, he says softly, “It’s gonna be fine. I’ll be on my best behaviour, she’s gonna love me.”
I let myself relax back against his warm body, feeling enveloped in the security and comfort he always offers without question.
The sharp knock on the door startles me, even though we’ve been expecting it.
“Okay. She’s here.” I blow out a breath, then walk to the door and open it.
My best friend walks in with her usual energy. She hugs me and bends over to kiss my belly. “How’s my nugget doing? Hi baby, it’s Auntie Fi,” she coos. Over the top of her head, I meet Brady’s amused gaze.
Fiona straightens and pivots, looking him up and down.
“So you’re the guy who knocked up my best friend.”
I nearly choke. “Fiona!”
But Brady stays calm, unbothered. He cracks a small smile and nods. “That’s one way to put it. I prefer to think of myself as the lucky bastard who gets to be with your best friend and have a baby with her.”
Fiona folds her arms over her chest, appearing unimpressed, even as I’m swooning a little bit. “I see. Well, let’s talk.”
“How about some tea or coffee first?” I interject, shooting a glare at my best friend, who’s acting more like an interrogator.
“I’ll get it, little mama,” Brady murmurs, kissing the top of my head. “You and Fiona go sit down.”
He strides toward the kitchen where I’ve spent the last half hour fussing over preparing snacks for today. I know how ridiculous it is, being so worked up over Fiona and Brady meeting. But her opinion means everything to me.
Fi drags me over to the couch and sits down in the corner, tugging me down next to her.
“Little mama?” she whispers, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Okay, fine, that’s adorable. He gets a point for cute nicknames.”
Brady walks back over to us, carrying a tray with three mugs of tea and the plate of cookies I baked last night. He sets it down on the table before sitting in the big chair opposite the couch, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. He’s the picture of calm, cool, and collected.
“Alright, what do you want to know?”
“What are your intentions with my girl?” Fiona fires at him.
“To be by her side, no matter what. To never let her regret giving me a chance, and to raise our child together.”
Tears prick the backs of my eyes, but Fiona doesn’t let up.
“What about diaper duty and midnight feedings? Are you planning to help or leave it all to her?”
“She’s not doing any of this alone. If I can help, I will. And if there’s something only Sage can do for our baby, then my job will become supporting her to allow her to do whatever that is.”
Fiona nods and she takes my hand in hers. “And if you ever hurt her?”
“I’m guessing you’ll be first in line to kick my ass, and I’ll let you.”
“She gets the first punch.”
“Deal.”
