Page 50 of The Baby Twist

“I never was, and I’ve only fished once in my life with Danny. But there’s something to be said about being in the middle of a peaceful lake on a boat.”

“I guess so.” She pressed her lips together to avoid any further laughter.

“Okay. Okay.” I smiled. “You had your fun. While on that boat every day fishing, I did a lot of thinking about my father and our situation. I think I’m ready to be a father.”

“You think?” Her brow arched.

“I can’t make any promises, Jenna. It will take a lot to undo the damage inflicted upon me by my father. I can’t change overnight, but I will try to do my best. That’s all I can give youright now. But I promise I’ll always be here for you. If you need anything, all you have to do is ask.”

“I appreciate it, Lucas. But I’m fine on my own.”

“I know you are, and that’s what I admire the most about you. But you’re my friend, and I’m here for you.” The corners of my mouth curved upward. “I won’t let you go through this alone. That’s not the man I choose to be anymore.”

“It sounds to me like you found yourself,” she said.

“As I said, I had a lot of time to think.”

“I’m happy for you, Lucas. I truly am. Have you told your father any of this?”

“No. It’s none of his damn business. Whatever decisions I make are mine. I will no longer let him influence me.”

“I’m proud of you.” She smiled as she reached over and placed her hand on mine.

“Enough talk about me. Tell me what you’ve been up to the past couple of weeks besides working.”

“Actually.” She picked up her glass of water. “I went and saw my mom and dad last weekend.”

“Seriously?” I looked at her in shock. “How did it go?”

“They’re excited about the baby. We did a lot of talking, and there were a lot of tears. But for my daughter's sake, I needed to make amends with them. I can’t have any conflict in my life when she’s born.”

“I’m proud of you.” The corners of my mouth curved upward.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. I have a confession to make and want to get it out of the way.”

“Okay. Lay it on me.” She grinned.

“I don’t know the first thing about babies.”

“Really?” She laughed. “That’s your confession?”

“Yes. Why do you think that’s so funny?”

“Because I already knew that. In fact, I’m pretty sure anyone who knows you knows that.” She continued to laugh. “Don’t worry. You’re not alone. I don’t have a clue about babies either.”

“Are you scared?” I asked her.

“You bet your ass I am. I’ve never been so scared about anything in my life.”

I picked up my glass and held it up.

“To us. Two scared friends who are having a baby and have no clue what they’re doing.”

Jenna picked up her glass and tapped it against mine. “And may we not screw up her life too much.” She smirked.

“How are you feeling?” I asked her.