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“We should talk about this later,” he murmurs.
I nod again. “Sure.”
I want to say there’s nothing to talk about. I can’t give Danielle a baby, now or at any point in the future. But this isn’t just about me. This is about all of us. Where we’re going and what we’re doing.
Christmas has really brought it home that we need to discuss what we all want. Now and later.
I’ve never wanted kids. I don’t even know why I’m upset.
Maybe because the idea that I can’t give Danielle something she might want makes me feel like shit. But I remind myself that even if I can’t meet all of Danielle’s needs, there are two other men in this relationship. That’s something pretty damn special.
“I’m really happy to be here,” I tell Michael truthfully. “Your family is awesome.”
“They are. But, fair warning, I think my mother has decided to adopt you. I’ve never seen her pat a newcomer’s arm as much as she has yours.”
That makes me feel ridiculously pleased. I want Michael’s parents to like me. “It was the poinsettia. It won her over.”
Michael chuckles. “It didn’t hurt. Do you think we have enough food?” he asks with a grin.
“I’m going to destroy everything in sight. It all looks amazing. Then I’m going to need to hit the gym first thing tomorrow. Care to join me?”
“I would love to.” Michael pats his gut. “I lied. I’ve been eating cookies all week.”
“You weren’t fooling anyone,” I tell him. “Crew isn’t the only one with a sweet tooth, and we all know it.”
Lorraine comes up behind us. She rubs my back with the palm of her hand, and it makes me feel pretty damn good.
Michael gives me a “I told you” look.
“Do you two have everything ready in here?” Lorraine asks.
“Michael? Anything else we need to do?”
“No, I think we’re ready to eat.”
“Isn’t he fantastic in the kitchen?” his mother asks, clearly proud of her son.
“Mom,” Michael says, chuckling softly. “What’s he supposed to say to that?”
“What? I’m allowed to brag on my son. Thedoctor. Who also cooks.”
“He definitely keeps us in pancakes,” I tell Lorraine. “And he’s slowly breaking Crew of his dependence on Pop Tarts.”
“Then I have even more reason to be proud of him.” Lorraine takes a bowl of biscuits and departs. She calls down the basement steps, “Time to eat!”
My phone buzzes in my pocket. I wouldn’t even look at it, except I see Michael’s phone light up on the counter at the same time. It’s from Danielle.
“What does that say?” he asks.
I hold his phone up so we can both read it.
No one panic. I do NOT want a baby right now.
Crew responds.
#17 to Cookie&Co: Thank God. lol.
Michael quickly types.
