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“Who’s who?” I say, playing stupid.

“Don’t leave your mother in suspense any longer, son,” Dad says, perusing the menu. “Other than the wedding, speculating on who your new lady is has taken over every single conversation.”

Checking the time once more, I sit back in my seat and fold my arms across my chest. “I’ll be honest with you. I don’t have a girlfriend at this point.”

“At this point? What’s that supposed to mean?” Mom responds.

Scrubbing a hand over my face, I consider my next words carefully. No matter how I put this next thirty seconds, the glass of beer currently in my dad’s hand is likely to end up in his lap. “I’m going to be a dad, and the woman carrying my baby isn’t my biggest fan. We’re stepping into the friendship zone, but she doesn’t want a romantic relationship with me.”

There, that should do it.

“Jesus,” Dad slurs, quickly setting his glass back on the table.

Mom’s mouth continues to hang open.

“My intention was to tell you when I came back home for the suit fittings, but you remember how I had to rush back to Seattle, right?”

Mom’s head nods slowly, but still, no words materialize.

“She’s been struggling with morning sickness, which turns out to be more like all-day sickness.” I pick up my drink and take a sip, checking my watch again. “Anyway, I needed to get back and help her.”

“Do we know this girl?” my mom asks.

They’ve met Kate a few times at games, but other than that, I’ve only mentioned her to my parents in passing and normally as part of a conversation about our wider group. “Kind of. Her name’s Kate.”

Or Princess.

“Why isn’t she here today?” Mom still looks phased out. The news is clearly not sinking in.

“She’s at work. She’s a lawyer.”

“Oh, Kate! Felicity’s friend, right?” Dad snaps his fingers.

“When is she due?” Mom asks.

“Actually, we’re heading for her first scan this afternoon. We should get a better idea of the date, but it's estimated to be March twenty-third.”

“Wow. Jensen, I’m literally speechless.” Mom continues to stare at me. “Was it something that just happened? I mean, I know the baby isn’t planned, but you seem really thrilled.” She smiles at me sweetly.

The smile I’ve worn this entire time grows wider. “No, it wasn’t planned, but it was meant to be.”

Mom cocks her head to the side. “What do you mean?”

I think back to the day she told me and specifically the date, July sixteenth. “Do you believe in fate?”

“Absolutely,” Dad chimes in.

“Well, this is it for me. She’s it for me.”

“But you’re just friends?” Mom questions.

“For now, yeah. But I’m working on it. She doesn’t do commitment.”

“Neither have you since…” Dad hesitates before saying her name. “Well, since Lauren.”

“She’s what I want,” I reply. “No girl has come close to her.”

Dad nods in understanding. “Then go get her.”