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“The baby?” he asks hesitantly.
“He’s a part of her.”
“He is.”
“I love all of her.”
“That’s big, man.” Clayton whistles.
“Maybe.” I shrug. “To me, it just feels right.”
“How do you know she wants you there? She still hasn’t written you.”
“She didn’t write you either.”
“She has said hello via Raven’s letters. She’s been busy.”
“I know. And she needs me.”
“It sounds to me like she’s doing just fine on her own.”
I glare at him. “Thanks for your support, friend,” I say sarcastically.
“Look.” He levels me with a stare. “I love Riley too, but you’re also my best friend, and I’m worried about what you’re setting yourself up for.”
“Love?”
“Man, it’s been months with no communication. You slept with her, and she snuck out and refused to say goodbye when she knew you were going to be gone for a year. And the elephant in the room? She’s having a baby that’s not yours.”
“It takes more than blood to be family.”
“I happen to agree with you. But it’s not going to be as easy as just walking into her house and telling her the two of you are going to be together,” he cautions.
“I know it’s not going to be easy, but fuck, man, I have to try. I can’t be here when I know she’s doing this on her own.” I pause before I continue. “It’s more than that. I want to be there for her. For both of them. I know our friends are there and that she has Raven, but I don’t know, Clay, I can’t explain it. My gut tells me I need to go home.”
He nods. “Then you go home.”
“Rodney said a few days. He’s going to start the exit process.”
“It was good having you here, Hud. I’m going to miss your mopey ass.”
“I’ll write. And send you lots of packages because I know what they mean, and I feel bad for bailing early, but like I said, my gut tells me this is the right choice.”
“I hope you get the girl.”
“The girl and the boy,” I correct him. “I’m going to fight my hardest.”
“I have no doubt.”
We talk about things we miss from home for the rest of the night. Raven is his number one, and Riley is mine, which is no surprise. It’s not until we’re settled in bed, and the lights are off that he speaks.
“I envy you.”
“How so?”
“You’re going after what you want.”
“You can too.”
“Yeah,” he agrees. “I might just have to follow your lead.”
“At least you’ll know. You won’t have regrets. You’ll know that you fought for her. However, I know Raven, and I don’t think your fight is going to be nearly as hard as mine.”
“Two years is a long time.”
“Yeah, but the two of you have history. It will all work out.”
He’s quiet as if he’s contemplating my words.
“Night, Hud.”
“Night, Clay.” I close my eyes and will myself to fall asleep, but I’m too amped up to sleep. Hopefully, I’ll be home in a few days, and I can hold her. Fuck, I just want to wrap my arms around her and breathe her in.
CHAPTER 17
Riley
For the past two weeks, I’ve been exiled to desk duty by my sister and doctor. My baby boy is due to arrive any day now. In fact, he was supposed to be here three days ago. My sister is staying at my place, afraid that I’ll go into labor while I’m alone. She’s been my rock through the entire pregnancy, and I don’t know how I’m ever going to repay her for all that she’s done.
“What are we doing for lunch?” Raven asks. She steps up to the counter and leans on her elbows. Her eyes watch my every move, assessing me.
“How about we order sandwiches from the pizza place? A hoagie sounds really good to me.”
“Oh, mushroom hoagie with pickle and onion. Yes, please.”
“Am I allowed to call and order?” I tease.
“Hush.” She laughs. “I’m just looking out for you and my nephew. How are you feeling?”
“Just like I was when you asked me ten minutes ago.”
She shrugs. “I’m going to ask you plenty more times until my nephew makes his debut, so you might as well get used to it,” she says as the bell on the door chimes, and Bruce walks in.
“What are we getting used to?” he asks, leaning on the counter. Like Raven’s, his eyes sweep over me. Not in a creepy, “I want her” look. It’s an “is she going to pop this kid out while I’m standing here” look.
“Me asking her how she’s feeling,” Raven explains.
“How are you feeling?” Bruce asks, grinning.
“I’m good,” I assure him.
“What brings you in?” Raven asks.
“Just checking on my nephew.” He smiles at me. “I feel like he’s been baking for years. I’m ready to meet him already.”
“Trust me. I feel the same way. But I have to admit I’ve enjoyed it.”
