Page 8

“I’m a golfer. I’ve been playing for Walker since my freshman year.

So, yeah, I can’t use the university doctors until I figure out what to do.

I can’t lose my scholarship. If the pregnancy is confirmed, I’m going to have to try to play out the rest of the fall season at the very least. The other issue is that I’m premed.

And I’ve heard you have your own plans, so honestly, Archie, I’m completely overwhelmed, trying to think about how this will all work.

And I wasn’t really sure what you were going to say.

It would almost be easier if you didn’t want to be invol?—”

“I’m gonna stop you right there, Emma. Don’t think for a second that I’m going to let you do this alone.

And if you’re pregnant, that is my baby you’re carrying.

I will never abandon my child or you. We’ll figure it out, but let’s take this one step at a time.

What do you want to do about a doctor then?

Since you’re premed, can you get some referrals or something?

” I release her hand and scoot my chair closer to her.

She looks down at the table. “I could probably find someone, but worst case, we go to an OB-GYN in town through the hospital here just to get it confirmed, then decide what works from there. What do you think?” Her gaze meets mine again. She looks scared, uncertain.

I’m going to do everything I can to make sure she doesn’t feel alone in this. And okay, fine, there’s a little bit of caveman trying to break through. I can’t believe I’m gonna be a dad. My little swimmers are pretty fucking strong to break through latex.

“Whatever you want to do, I’ll do. You need me to look for doctors, I can. I want to be at every appointment I can be. The timing is not particularly great, but we’ll figure it out together. Come here.” I lean forward and wrap my arms around her.

“What are you doing?” she mumbles into my shoulder.

I lean back and tilt her face to look at me. “Emma, everything will be okay.”

My ringtone goes off and startles us both.

“Holy shit, Archie. What is that?”

I laugh, letting go of her, and reach for my phone in my back pocket. “It’s my ringtone for my phone. It’s the Walker fight song.”

When I look at the screen, I see a text from Beck, asking where I am, and then I look at the clock to see I have ten minutes to get to practice.

“You need to go, don’t you?” she asks.

“I’m sorry, but I do. You aren’t leaving without giving me your number this time. Oh, and by the way, do you have my T-shirt from that night?”

She smirks. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Darlin’ … I think you do.” I laugh. Glad to be able to laugh too. “Can I drop you at yours on my way, or do you have a ride?”

“Oh, no, I’m good. I parked on campus for class, so I’ll just go grab my car before I also have to get to practice.” She stands from my lap.

“I really don’t want you to go. I feel like we should talk some more. Plug your number into my phone, and I’ll call you later? Maybe we can grab dinner or something and talk some more?” I hand her my phone.

“Sure, we can probably do that. And, Archie, can I ask you not to say anything to anyone? Only one of my roommates—who is also my best friend and a teammate—knows, but my other two roommates don’t know yet.

I just want to figure out how to deal with my scholarship before I tell anyone.

And because I don’t know your friends, can I ask that you keep it between us for now too? ”

She’s looking up at me, and I see vulnerability in her eyes.

“You got it, darlin’. I’ll call you later, and we’ll figure out a plan.” I take her hand and lead her to the door.

“Thanks, Archie. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m feeling a little less scared now.”

We stop at the door, and she glances up at me.

I open the door for her; she walks out, and then I follow. I don’t want her to leave. I want to keep talking to her, spending time with her.

“I’m glad you feel better. I think it’ll take a minute for it to settle in, but I know everything will be okay. Besides, whether it’s a boy or a girl, this is gonna be one good-lookin’ kid. Am I right?” I wink at her, trying to lighten the mood again.

She laughs and steps off the porch stoop and down the walkway .

When she reaches the sidewalk, I call out to her, “Oh, wait, Emma! What’s your last name?”

She stops and turns toward me. “Tucker.” She smiles and starts walking away.

“I’ll call you later, Emma Tucker, and you’d better answer!” I know I’m shouting now, but I don’t really give a shit.

She waves a hand over her head and turns the corner. Once she’s out of my sight, I rush back into the house to grab my shake and my bag.

As I’m running toward my room, Liam calls my name.

Fuck .

“Duuude, Arch. What in the actual fuck? You’re gonna be a dad?”

“Pitzy, why aren’t you at practice right now? I thought I was here alone.” I go into my room and grab my bag, then turn and walk back out.

“Bro, are you not gonna answer me? I was taking a little siesta, and my alarm clock didn’t go off—which thank fuck I heard you out here, or I would have missed practice. Then I opened the door, just as I heard, ‘I’m pregnant.’”

Pitz reaches down and grabs his bag while I pass.

I stop in front of him and try not to smile.

“Look, she doesn’t want anyone to know. Like, at all.

So, you have to promise me you won’t say a word to anyone.

We still don’t know for sure anyway. Give me your word you won’t say anything.

This is bigger than gossip. Her scholarship is at risk with this. ”

“Damn. No, of course you have my word. I’m just … speechless. And why aren’t you freaking out? I would be toast if a chick came in, telling me she was pregnant!”

I shrug. “Because I’m not freaked out. If she’s pregnant, I’m gonna be a daddy. If she’s not, I got her number.” I wink and walk away.

“Arch, I gotta say, I’m a little nervous about how you’re acting here,” he says from behind me .

I pull open the front door, and we walk out to my truck that is sitting in the front of the house on the street.

“I mean, it’s not ideal timing for either one of us.

But I gotta tell you, there’s something about this girl.

It wasn’t just good sex. For the first time in my life, I felt a connection.

I haven’t stopped thinking about her since that night.

You know I’ve been looking for her. And regardless of how this turns out, I’m not letting her out of my sight again. ”

I round the front of the truck to get in on the driver’s side, and Pitz opens the passenger side and hops in. When I get in the truck, Pitz looks at me.

“You really do like her then.” He barks out a laugh. “You know, just because she’s carrying your kid, doesn’t mean she’s gonna fall in love with you.”

“Who said anything about love?”

“The way you’re swooning all over the damn living room says a lot. This could be the first girl who breaks your heart.”

“I just found out I’m gonna be a dad, and you’re already trying to spoil the good news.”

“Just looking out for my boy. This is a lot to take in. Never thought I’d see the day, man. I mean, maybe when we’re in our thirties, but not now, for sure.”

“You know how much my family means to me. I had the best role models for parents. Marriage, kids—I’ve always wanted that. I was just having a good time while I was here. But this changes things.” I turn on the truck and pull out onto the road.

“Daddy Archie. Who woulda thought?” He laughs.

And me? A deep sense of pride fills me. I’m gonna rock the shit out of being a dad, but also, I’m gonna show Emma that I’m all in. For her and the baby.