Page 88 of A Hate Like This

“So happy. You?”

“I had no idea this kind of joy was possible,” I tell her honestly.

Just then, I feel a thump coming from inside her belly. A thrill shoots through me. “Was that?”

“Her first kick,” Moira says, tearing up. “And you got to feel it, too.”

Feeling myself get a little choked up, I whisper, “There’s a real little human in there.”

“Isn’t it incredible?”

Nodding, I clear my throat, then crouch so I’m closer to the baby. “Hey you, get used to this voice because I’m your dad. I’m going to read you lots of stories and sing off-key to you and teach you how to surf and swim and catch fish.”

The baby kicks again and Moira grins up at me. “I think she likes you already.”

“The feeling’s mutual.”

Standing, I give Moira a kiss on the lips. “I’d better get to work if you’re shopping for high-end baby clothes.”

Laughing, Moira says, “Yes. Those books don’t write themselves. Good luck with the commute!”

“Let’s hope they cleared that collision on the I-10,” I tell her, walking over to the counter to top up my coffee.

“But seriously, Gamble is so much better than Los Angeles, isn’t it?” Moira asks.

“It is. For so many reasons. The most important of which is because this is where I found you and the boys.”

“I love you, Mr. Caplan. Have a great morning.”

“Love you, too, Mrs. Caplan. See you at lunch.”

And just like that, we’re going to have yet another perfect day…