Page 65 of Manny's Surprise Baby

I followed him slowly to the door. “There’s no need to do this.” The last thing I wanted to witness was Colin’s face when he realized his friend was nuts.

“You need to hear it from someone you trust.”

“Pierce, I have to get to work.”

He glared at me. “You think I’m nuts. I’d like to prove that I’m not.”

“You really want to go over and bug Colin right now?”

“I don’t have much choice. You won’t believe me.”

I glanced at my watch. “The most I can give you is an hour.”

“That should be fine.”

“Okay. But this is probably going to be pretty embarrassing for you.” I sighed and walked out of the house to his car. I slid into the passenger side, watching him get behind the wheel. His face was flushed red, and he looked angry. I guess it made sense. If he truly believed his delusion, he’d be pissed off at anyone who didn’t. And since he was driving me to Colin’s house, I had to assume he was fully in the grips of his nutty beliefs.

“You don’t feel violent or anything, right?” I asked softly.

“Other than I want to strangle you? No, I feel fine.” He accelerated down the treelined street toward the freeway on-ramp.

I squirmed in my seat, wishing I could get him to turn around. This was going to be so humiliating for him. I didn’t want him crushed when Colin and Riley laughed at him. “Have you ever sought any psychological counseling after everything you went through with Baxter?”

His jaw muscles clenched. “I’m going to love watching you eat your words, Seth. It’s going to be a beautiful thing.”

“I’m serious, Pierce. I’m concerned for you.”

He chuffed. “Riley didn’t believe Colin at first either.”

I shifted toward him. I wanted to touch his hand and feel the heat of his skin against mine. “No matter what, I’ll be here for you.”

He snapped his head toward me, looking almost startled. “What?”

I swallowed. “Whether I’m right or… or you are actually… pregnant… we will work through this together.”

He looked back at the road, blinking, as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “You mean, even if it turned out I’m a raving loon… you’d still want to be with me?”

“Yes,” I said firmly.

“Well, the good news is I’m not crazy.”

We drove a while in silence, and then he turned onto Colin and Riley’s street. He pulled up to the double gate and punched in the code. Then we drove the long driveway and parked in front of the house. He got out faster than me, and I followed him up the steps. He rang the bell, and Riley answered the door. When he saw us, a knowing look descended over his features.

“Come in. We’ve been expecting you.” He smirked.

“We’ve got a nonbeliever on our hands,” Pierce said as he moved past Riley.

I smiled apologetically at Riley. “I’m sorry to barge in.”

“I feel for you.” He sighed and closed the door.

“He’s got it in his head… well… I guess I’ll let him tell you.” I followed Pierce and wound up on the back patio.

Colin was in the pool on the steps, bobbing little Garrett up and down in the clear water. He gave me a sympathetic look as I approached.

Pierce stood near him, his arms crossed.

Colin sighed. “Buckle your seat belt, Seth. This is going to be a weird day for you.”