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“Uh…”

“Discretion isn’t your strong suit, sometimes.”

“No. Sorry. But…you know…Foster made the comment.”

“And you think he was sensing he’d get a receptive audience.”

“I honestly don’t know. I mean, I didn’t get a pup vibe from him, and I didn’t get a Daddy vibe from Arnav…but if I’d seen them in another context, I probably would’ve seen something.”

“Because once you see it, you can’t unsee it.” I understood what he was saying. I also thought I might have a super difficult time facing my friend again.Yeah, except if your mother told everyone, they know anyway.

I pushed the pup topic aside, for now. “I feel like I should be contributing more.”

He blinked. “Uh… We were talking about Arnav and Foster…”

“And I moved on to the subject of your new house. And, for the record, Foster said he was barely able to contribute anything to their down payment, and Arnav didn’t care.”

“Well, he wouldn’t be the man I’m coming to know and respect if that had been an impediment.”

“I have virtually nothing.”

“Jai—”

“No, let me say this. I don’t even own furniture. If not for Alessandra and Smith’s kindness, I wouldn’t have a place to live. I’ve worked low-paid jobs—”

“Important jobs.”

“—and I have almost nothing to show for it.”

“Okay.” He cupped my cheek. “Buttercup, most of what I have is because of Erlene. I spent any theoretical inheritance I might’ve had after Nan died, to take care of my sisters. I was starting to build somesavings when Erlene and I found each other. She needed me. That we have money now is because of her life-insurance policy. This house will be the kids’ legacy. I’ll keep saving for their education, of course. And—”

I placed a finger to his lips. “I want to contribute. I don’t know…pay rent or something. I’ve got a good salary. And now benefits and contributions to a pension. Alessandra is a very generous employer. I’m also free to take other work during the downtimes.”

“She’s also willing to pay for you to retrain.” He held my gaze.

“I like being a financial analyst. Putting that degree to good use—it’s what got me the job.” I shrugged. “What else would I do?”

“Whatever you like. That’s her point. Or keep doing what you’re doing. There are probably other nonprofits that could use your expertise. I’m just trying to say that you don’t have to feel obliged to contribute to our household.”

I blinked. “Gary…”

“The Gnat.”

“Yes….”

“I’m not judging you for being with him, by the way. I’m judging him for being a total jackass.”

I smiled. “Thank you for that.” I drew in a deep breath. “I’d been contributing, and he still kept everything.”

“Which is one of the reasons I’m saying you need to build your own nest egg.”

“Am I your partner? I feel like we’re moving so fast.”

He nodded. “Sorry. I’m a bit of a freight train. Would you like to be my boyfriend?”

“Yes.” I nodded frantically.

“Would you like to move in with me and the kids? No pressure.”