Page 72 of Rum & Coke

“I know. I’m just mad at myself because I let it happen again.”

“We’ll be okay.”

I meant every word. I wasn’t ready to be a father, but I loved kids—it’s why I became a teacher. Besides, I truly believed things happened for a reason. There was a reason Tessa was the stripper for Gabe’s bachelor party. There was a reason I couldn’t get her out of my head. There was a reason I was going to be Colton’s teacher. And there was a reason, after all the sex I’d had in my life, that Tessa was the one to make me lose my mind and forget to use a condom.

We made it down to the backyard just as Paul and Joss were saying their goodbyes. Afterward, with the party winding down, I drove Tessa back to her apartment. We didn’t say much as I made the drive, and when I pulled up to her complex, she hesitated before getting out.

“You know I’m not mad at you, right?”

No, I didn’t know that. I assumed she was. “You’re not?”

“I’m disappointed in myself.”

I grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it. “I promise you everything will turn out fine. Let’s not worry until we know for sure.”

She smiled tightly at me. “You’re right.”

“Good. Now, let’s go let Sophia go home.”

“Okay.”

We both got out of my SUV, and I grabbed her hand as we walked up to her apartment. After Tessa used her key to get in, we stepped inside to see Sophia sleeping as she sat on the couch, a book resting on her chest. When the door clicked shut, she started.

“You’re home.”

“We are,” Tessa stated. “Thank you so much for watching Colt.”

Sophia stood. “You know I would, anytime. I love you both.”

“Thank you,” Tessa replied.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Sophia turned and looked at me. “I’m starting to love you too.”

I stepped to her and kissed her cheek. “Feeling’s mutual.”

She patted my cheek and then turned and opened the door before saying goodbye and leaving. I turned to Tessa, ready to tell her goodnight, but she stepped over to me and shut the door.

“Stay?”

“Are you sure?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

“Okay,” I agreed.

Tessa locked the door behind me and then took my hand. “Melony gave me condoms.”

“Did she now?”

She shrugged and turned off the lamp by the couch. “She wanted me to be prepared. I didn’t realize I’d need them at the wedding.”

“Sweets, we’re going to need them every fucking day.”

But, I was wrong.

Because the next morning would be the last time I’d see Tessa until her wedding dayto someone else.

Something toldme to not let Vinny go home.