Page 73 of Theirs to Treasure

“Yeah,” he counters. “I do.”

After paying, we move to the end of the counter, and we watch my beverage being made.

“That’s for you?”

“Every delicious drop.”

His laugh is an easy sound, making me realize again how much I miss him being in my life.

When we’re settled at our table, I ask, “Where’s Forrest?” The two are usually together.

“The Braes.”

Where we had our wedding reception.

“He won’t know that we are together or where we are.”

“Oh?”

“He was on his second or third whiskey when I left his sorry ass there.”

As I take a sip of the heavenly concoction, I raise my eyebrows.

“Wasn’t Bonds.” He lifts his mug. “So he’s going to have a world-class hangover tomorrow.” He pauses. “Which he deserves.”

“No sympathy from you?”

“Act a fool, suffer the consequences.”

Quizzically I study him. “Why did you invite me?” Did Forrest send him?

“I miss you.”

His simple response disarms me.

“And I was hoping you’d say yes.”

We both know I wouldn’t have if Forrest was around.

“I wanted to see how you were doing and if you needed anything.”

Though I haven’t meant to share much, I answer honestly. “More tired than I’ve ever been.”

“From what I’ve read, that’s not uncommon. Or is it something more than that? Should I be concerned?”

“You’ve been reading?”

“You matter to me,” he replies bluntly.

Warmth spreads through me.

“Is there anything we need to worry about? Do you need a consultation with the doctor?”

“She checks in with me every week.” No doubt, something Forrest arranged. “And it’s totally normal.” Especially since I have barely been sleeping. “What else have you been reading?”

“Parenting books.” He shrugs. “And I enrolled in an online class for expectant fathers. My parenting one starts next week.”

I blink. “Really?”