Page 221 of The Baby Bargain

"So…"

"So what?" He brings his hand to my chin. Tilts me so we're face-to-face. "You're gonna look beautiful no matter what."

"Even if I stay flat as a board?"

"Even then."

"What if I go huge? Porn star huge?"

He chuckles. "It doesn't sound like you."

"Maybe it's the new me."

"Then it's the new you." He leans down to press his lips to mine. "I get why you're scared. It's fucking terrifying. But you don't have to worry about whether or not I'll want you. I'm always going to want you."

"Always?"

He nods. "Always."

Always as in forever? As in he wants this relationship forever? As in I really can have the dream of the nuclear family and the white picket fence?

I should ask.

But I'm not ready for the answer.

Chapter Forty-Six

Ariel

Ablood test confirms it.

Everything else fades away.

The world is a beautiful, bright place full of love and happiness and bliss.

Students, coworkers, actual tenured professors ask questions. I answer with a shrug and a smileit's just a beautiful day.

Thanksgiving morning, we go for our usual family walk. Dad, Holden, and Forest spend the entire trek debating my good mood.

When Dad heads to the store to pick up forgotten green beans, my brothers launch into questions.What's up? You look different? Are you getting laid? No way that's it. No one's that good.

Maybe Phillip was that bad.

Wait? Are you and Phillip back together?

Are you fucking his best friend, getting the best kind of revenge?

That's stupid. The best revenge is living well.

How is that revenge? It doesn't hurt the other person.

That's not the point.

Uh, yeah it is.

How does hurting your ex make you feel better?

How are you asking that question?