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“I just meant I won’t be looking for money or anything.”
He starts the vehicle and puts his seat belt on, eyeing me to do the same.
“We’re done?” I ask.
“We can’t really have this conversation until after we find out about the paternity. Then we can make some arrangements.”
“Is there something I should be concerned about?” I’m not sure what he means by arrangements.
He finishes backing out of the spot and puts his hand over my clasped ones in my lap. “Of course not. When did you say your doctor’s appointment is?”
“Next Tuesday,” I answer.
“Where should I pick you up?” He removes his hand, and I miss the feel of it immediately.
“I can drive myself.”
He thinks about it for a second while driving back to the school. “Fine.”
Once we reach the school, I give him the doctor’s address and the time of my appointment. He thanks me. Now this entire exchange feels more awkward and weird than when it started.
“Is there anything you need before Tuesday?” he asks as I place my hand on the door handle to get out.
“No, I’m fine.” I open the door but stop from exiting and turn to him. “Please know, I’m not your worry, just baby.”
He scrunches up his forehead. “The baby is inside ofyou, so as of right now, you’re both my worry. Call me if you need anything.”
“I will. Thank you, Damon. Thanks for understanding. Some men would have been upset with me for waiting so long.” Even though I didn’t actually instigate this meeting. Note to self: find out who sent that text.
“We’re in this together.” He smiles for the first time all day, and it causes my stomach to flutter. Damn him and his charm.
I nod and exit the car. He waits for me to get into my car and doesn’t pull out until I do. He’s taking this whole protective thing a little too seriously, but damn if it doesn’t give me a warm feeling in my chest.
I pull into my parents’ driveway and walk into their house. The house smells like chili, and my mouth waters even though I just had that Reuben sandwich. “Mom? Dad?”
My mom comes out of the kitchen archway, wiping her hands on a dish towel. She was the first person I told about the pregnancy. It wasn’t like she could get angry. I’m twenty-nine years old, with a job and a house of my own. Her worry has been mostly contained to who the father is and what that might mean for the baby and myself.
“Just in time, the cornbread is out of the oven.” She hugs me and places her hand on my stomach. “How are my two girls?”
“You have no idea if it’s a girl,” I say, following her into the kitchen.
“Sure, I do. It’s the way you’re carrying her. A mother knows these things.” She taps her temple.
“Because you had so many kids of your own?” I take a piece of the cornbread she’s cutting and quirk an eyebrow at her since I’m an only child.
She points at me. “You just wait and see.”
I’m not sure when to drop the bomb about Damon visiting me at school. It’ll probably freak her out.
My dad walks in and leans in to kiss my cheek. “Look who’s here. How’s my grandbaby?”
I run my hand down my belly. “He or she is good. Kicking like crazy and making me eat about five thousand calories a day. Have you been to Ira’s Deli before?”
My dad nods because he’s been everywhere. The minute a new restaurant opens, he’s the first one in line. Maybe I’m just a foodie like him, and it’s not the baby at all.
“The Reuben is so good.” I lick my lips for emphasis.
“Since when do you eat Reubens?” My mom looks up from spooning the chili into our bowls on the counter.
