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Full-throated, belly squeezing laughter overpowers the comedy playing on the flat screen in my living room. "Troy!" I throw a kernel of popcorn at his laughing face. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Put it this way, citrus fruit should stay in the kitchen. It has no business in the bedroom."

"But it looks like so much fun!"

"To you maybe. To the guy, hell no!"

We both bust out laughing.

"OK. I get you," I concede.

Troy grabs a handful of popcorn from the bowl in my lap. "So, have you decided what you're going to do?" he asks.

"Yes, I'm keeping her. She didn't ask to be here."

"Her? Isn't it too soon to know?" He pops a few kernels in his mouth.

"Yes, but I like to think it's a she." I smile at the thought.

"And the guy, Phoenix?"

"Haven't talked in a month. I just can't with him. He's taken me through too much."

"A baby needs a father, Ari. You needed yours."

"Don't remind me. Besides, I've evolved. I don't need Tristan anymore."

Troy turns to face me. "I'll be there for you, Ari. You're not alone in this. You know that, right?"

I set the popcorn aside and hug him. My heart fills with gratitude for him. "You're always there. You're amazing, Troy Lockhart." I take my hand and ruffle the sandy blonde curls on top of his head. The warmth of his gorgeous green eyes lifts my spirits.

"Now, where's the hot sauce? A brother needs to spice up this bland ass popcorn." He licks his lips in anticipation.

"Right away, sir!" I head to the kitchen. "Want anything else, while I'm up?"

"Just the sauce."

I return to the couch. "You're serious about your hot sauce, huh?"

He chuckles as he douses the entire bowl with it.

I snicker at his childlike eagerness.

What does the future hold? What will life look like with you?

I rub my belly and sigh.