Page 92 of Pregnant By the Playboy

And I’ve been talking to him as I fall asleep lately, though I hadn’t done so in years.

But no, that’s not what’s keeping me awake.

“If I sing the song,” Vince says, “will it help, or will it make you cry?”

“The latter.”

He falls asleep a few minutes later, but I stay awake for a long time.

Chapter 25

Vince

It’s a warm day, and I don’t need anything more than a T-shirt and jeans. When we exit the subway station, I put on my sunglasses and strike a pose.

“Don’t I look cool, Evie?”

Julian is carrying Evie strapped to his chest, facing outward. I asked my brother about the carrier so I can order one for my collection of baby stuff.

Evie giggles. She seems in good spirits.

Courtney smiles, though she looks a little tired. Apparently, Evie is teething and keeps her parents up at night more than she has for months.

“A few years ago, you never would have taken a Friday afternoon off,” I say to Julian. “You wouldn’t have even left the office before seven.”

“This is true.”

“And now, here you are.” I spread out my arms as we follow the crowds into High Park. “A romantic walk to see the cherry blossoms with your wife and baby.”

Julian squeezes Courtney’s hand then turns to me. “And my little brother.”

“Yep,” I say cheerfully. “Gotta make sure you stay out of trouble.”

“Very funny. Usually you’re the one trying to get me into trouble.”

I shrug. “What can I say?”

That’s me, the troublemaking younger brother.

And soon-to-be fiancé and father and family man.

The change in Julian is perhaps not as surprising as the change in me. Even six months ago, I never could have imagined this.

Though unlike him, I’m the sort of person who swings wildly from one thing to another.

“It’s so pretty,” Courtney sighs as we pass the first cherry tree with pale pink blossoms.

“It’s not quite at peak bloom,” I say.

“Pretty close.”

Evie makes a squawk. Of agreement, I presume.

They have a point. It’s close to perfect...just not quite perfect, and I want the best for Marissa.

“A few more might open by tomorrow morning,” Julian points out.

We stop by a cherry tree. I hold up my phone and point it at Julian and Evie.