Adamant, she shook her head. “No.” The love she already felt for the life growing inside her left her no doubts. “It’s everything else that worries me. Not the baby,” she hurried to explain. “I can afford it.”
“I assumed so.”
“I’ve already considered ways I can adjust my schedule. That is, once I’m able to go back to work.”
“Then let’s start with the biggest worry. Mike, I assume?”
Yes, Mike scared her. She didn’t know who else might get hurt before he was out of her life. She didn’t know when he’d show up, what trouble he’d cause, or when it would end.
At this particular moment, though, Kam was her biggest concern. He’d just agreed to give up his goals, his apartment, and she’d tossed something new—and very serious—at him.
“I love your family, Kam. You know I don’t have one of my own. I have Callie’s mom and dad, and I love them, but it’s not the same.”
By way of agreement, he said, “Liz isn’t the nurturing type.”
She never had been, though she’d been amazingly attentive with Glory’s recent injuries. “Addie’s been so kind to me, and Tanner is like the brother I never had.”
“Just so we’re clear here: I’m not your brother.”
She choked on a laugh, then flinched at the discomfort. “Believe me, I’m well aware.”
“Hey, don’t do that.” Helping to readjust her, he fixed the pillow behind her and straightened the quilt over her legs. “No emoting in painful ways, okay? I can’t bear it. When you hurt, I hurt.”
That caused her to snort.
Grinning, he continued, “Okay, so I don’t feel your physical pain, but I swear, babe, it devastates me, so let’s keep this discussion calm and even.” His large palm cupped over the slight curve of her belly, lightly caressing. “There’s a baby under those broken ribs, and I’m certain he doesn’t want you hurt any more than I do.”
“Do you want a boy?”
“Or a girl.”
“Well,” she said, “odds are good for either.”
This grin was bigger, with pleasure overtaking the residual shock. “Addie won’t hate you, not ever, so forget that.”
“I’ve brought so much confusion.”
“No, that’s on Mike, not you. Plus, Tanner loves Callie more than life, and in every way possible, she considers you her sister. We’re all glad that you’re here with us and not facing Mike on your own.” He kissed her temple. “Tell me the real problem.”
No one could be that obtuse. “I’m not married.”
“Like that’s a requirement.” The snarky comment felt like a slap.
A tiny flame of annoyance ignited. Was he being deliberately mean? “I’ve been a disappointment my entire life! First, to my parents, then to Callie’s parents. I don’t want to disappoint them again.”
“Fuck ’em.” Despite the dismissive words, his touch remained gentle, his smile more so. “Tell me the problem.”
The tiny flame flared brighter.“You.”Her voice rose and her breath huffed. “You’re the problem!”
As if he’d known all along what she would say, he nodded. “So we’re clear, I’ve always wanted my own family.”
“You have Addie. You have Tanner.”
“A mom, a brother, and now Callie as a sis.” Nodding his agreement, he added, “I thank God for them every single day.” His intent gaze moved over her face. “It’s not the same as my own little family, though.”
Her eyes widened. “You’re telling me you want the baby?”
“Damn right I do.”