Page 55

“Puking, sickness. Hell, you’re picky enough. We don’t need to add to it.”

If I didn’t know Dan well enough to know he’s only teasing with his typical dry humor, I’d punch him.

Based on his oomph and the way he rubs his bicep when I glance back in the rearview mirror, I figure Jenna did it for me.

“Shut up. You’re totally making me pregnant on our anniversary.”

“I am?” he asks, laughing.

I look at Braxton. He’s grinning, clearly enjoying their banter. Knowing Dan, he started it just to not make me feel such an asshole for forcing us out of a really nice restaurant to head to a hole-in-the-wall Mexican place.

“Yes.”

“Why our anniversary?”

“Because.” Jenna sighs like she’s exhausted from even having to explain this. “Then we’ll get Cara’s hand-me-downs.”

Dan barks out a laugh. Braxton’s shoulder shakes like he’s fighting one.

I turn in my seat. “What? Are you crazy?”

“No!” Jenna exclaims, and her eyes are wide and serious. “Have you read how much baby gear you need? There’s like a shit ton. Plus all the clothes they only fit into for a few weeks, nursing items you won’t need after a few months. Pumps and pillows and cribs and playpens and car seats and strollers.”

My eyes pop open with every item she lists. I haven’t even considered the gear…or the cost.

“What does that have to do with our anniversary?” Dan asks. Admittedly, I’m wondering the same thing. As nutty as Jenna is, she’s also a planner. And a huge fan of upcycling.

“Seasons. Then the babies will be born the same time of year and ours will be able to wear the same clothes as Cara’s.”

“They’re so fucking bonkers,” Braxton says, whispering to me. He’s been holding my hand and at his statement, he squeezes it, while Jenna and Dan continue arguing in the backseat.

“They drive each other crazy.”

“I think it’s their form of love.”

“Hey!” Jenna says, and her hand slaps my headrest. “Don’t talk about us like we’re not here, and help me out anyway, Cara. Doesn’t the idea of everything you need make you hyperventilate?”

An embarrassed heat flushes my cheeks. “I haven’t even thought about it,” I admit on a mutter.

“What? Aren’t you reading that book I told you about?”

“Um…” I shrug and look at Braxton.

He looks just as befuddled as me. “What book?”

“What to Expect When You’re Expecting!” Jenna shouts. “It’s like the bible of all things baby- and pregnancy-related. How are you two not prepared for this!?”

“In my defense,” Braxton says, flicking his gaze to Jenna in the mirror and back to the road, “I’ve only known about this for a few weeks.”

“And you’re a guy,” Dan cuts in.

He nods. “And I’m a guy.”

“And what does that mean?” Jenna snaps. “That only women are supposed to know this? You do know you’re responsible for a pregnancy too, right?”

“Yeah,” Dan says, face cold as stone. “The good parts.”

I burst into a laugh, Braxton does the same. “Cowboy down, Jenna, you’re not even pregnant yet.”