Page 157 of Stay With Me

She’s still processing all the changes she’s going through on top of this Travis stuff, so it’s possible she’ll eventually realize she doesn’t want to lose you and will admit she wants to be with you, too. But you can’t push her about it. She has to decide on her own about this.

I’m well aware and would never give her an ultimatum in order to stay in my life.

Tripp

Hmm, do you think the diamond ring I got her for Christmas is too much?

I’m only messing with them, but their consistent wave of messages cussing me out is amusing as hell.

Tripp

Christ, y’all are gullible.

Noah

Don’t do that to me, asshole! I’m pregnant too in case you forgot. Don’t be giving me a stroke.

Wilder

Wait, does this mean she’s technically single?

Tripp

It means if you don’t stop gawking at her like I keep catching you doing, I’m going to find a Hawk to pluck out your eyeballs so you can never look at her again.

Wilder

I don’t think that’s possible.

Wilder

It’s not, is it?

When no one responds, he continues.

Wilder

IS IT??

I bellow out a laugh because one quick Google search would tell him what an idiot he is.

Even though I make jokes with my siblings, I did get Magnolia something special for Christmas, and yeah, it’s probably something that screams more thanjust friends, but I meant what I said. We’ll never be just that.

I bought her a rose gold charm bracelet with charm sentimental pieces—a sunflower, cowboy hat, baby onesie, iced coffee, tiny axe, dinosaur, pickup truck, and then in the middle the letter M with her emerald birthstone.

She might hate it since it’ll remind her of our short-lived relationship, but even if those memories are all they will ever be and nothing more, I want her to never forget what we once had.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Magnolia

20 WEEKS PREGNANT

“Whoa, what’re you watchin’?”

I’m curled up on the couch with a blanket, a large bowl of extra butter popcorn, and a Sprite when Tripp walks in from work. His eyes are wide as coasters, and his tone is harsh like he’s caught me watching porn.

“A movie. You wanna join me?”