Page 47 of Honest Boys Don’t Play

I feel the baby again and a laugh rips out of me. I keep my hand against her stomach for another minute or two but there’s no more movement.

“I’m so happy you finally got to feel it. I swear this baby has been shy around you.”

“Thank you.”

Her brows furrow. “You really don’t have to thank me for letting you touch my stomach.” She gestures at herself.

“I don’t mean that. I meant, thank you for carrying our baby and taking such good care of them.”

“Oh.” She ducks her head almost shyly. “I promise you don’t need to thank me for that either.”

“Trust me, I do. I know pregnancy hasn’t been the easiest for you.”

“It’s better now, and as freaked out as I was in the beginning of all of this, I want you to know I’m past that. I want this. I’m ready for it.”

She’s making it even harder for me to not kiss her.

We finish our meal and pack up our things to toss in the trash on our way back to the car.

That night, after Bertie has gone to sleep beside me, I pull out a basic spiral bound notebook and start writing.

Dear baby,

Hi. I’m your dad.

Though, I suppose if you’re old enough to be reading this then you probably already know that. Today, I convinced your mom to go on a date with me. She’s stubborn so she was reluctant at first. I can tell she likes me, but she’s scared. I can’t say I blame her with her past. But it’s okay. I’m happy to take things at her pace.

We got subs and went to the park to eat and baby … your mom is so pretty. The way the sun shined on her blond hair made her glow. And when she talks about you, she can’t help but smile.

I got to feel you move today too for the first time, and it was magical. I can’t believe how strong you are. Something tells me you’re going to be a determined, firecracker of a kid.

I can’t wait to meet you.

Love,

Dad

CHAPTER 16

BERTIE

Rosie: Isn’t this so cute?

Rosie: And this?

Rosie: I’m going to make sure you have the cutest baby shower ever.

Shaking my head, I can’t help but to smile. My best friend is crazy planning my baby shower and her wedding at the same time, but she doesn’t seem overwhelmed at all like I would be. I’ve barely even shopped for things the baby is going to need because every time I start browsing, I panic and then Google reviews and mentally spiral.

Lately, my brain has been preoccupied thinking about this appointment and my test for gestational diabetes. I keep hearing mixed things on how the drink tastes and if it’s as bad as some people claim I’m worried I won’t be able to keep it down.

The warmth of Luke’s hand closes over my bouncing knee. “It’s going to be okay.”

Nodding, I give him a closed mouth smile. That’s easy for him to say. He’s not the one who’s pregnant and has to do the test. Regardless, I’m glad for his company. I know things are going to change for us shortly when preseason starts.