“Give me a minute.” He scrolled, and then grinned. “This.” He turned the phone and showed her a photo of her and David learning to rollerblade. They were clutching each other and laughing so hard their faces were contorted.

She remembered that day, and the fun they’d had, and felt a pang. “We were so bad at it. And that’s a terrible photo. I don’t know why I keep it.”

“You keep it because it’s an important memory. And look.” He flipped through her photos and found another one. “Here’s one of the two of you at that festival.”

“He was trying to be cool. He bought a new shirt specially because he didn’t want to embarrass me by wearing his usual shirt.” She sniffed. “I miss him so much. I wish he was here now. But I’m pleased I have those photos. And you’re right, they’re perfect. They’re not staged, or edited, but they’re real.”

“And David was real. Your real dad. Cliff wasn’t your dad, Ash.” Jon handed the phone back. “Not in any real sense of the word.”

He was right. She knew it. Why was she worrying so much about Cliff, when he’d never played even a small part in her life? When he’d made it clear he didn’t want to be in her life?

He’d never been a part of her life in the past, and he didn’t need to be a part of it in the future.

“It’s just embarrassing, that’s all.”

“So? Who doesn’t have an embarrassing family member? Wait until you meet my aunt Maud. She makes Cliff look respectable.”

He made her laugh. He always made her laugh, and feel better about everything. Even Cliff.

“I can’t believe you’re here. I can’t believe you love me.”

“What will it take to convince you?”

“Well, you’re here, so that’s pretty convincing.” She leaned her head against his shoulder. “But if you wanted to tell me a few more times, that wouldn’t hurt.” She felt his arms tighten.

“I love you. I love you, I love you, I love you. Are you tired of hearing it yet?”

She knew she’d never get tired of hearing it. “I love you, too.”

“That’s good to know, because we’re having a baby.”

“Oh.” She sniffed and hugged him back. He smelled good. He felt good. “That photographer is taking photographs.”

“I don’t care. I’m happy to share my feelings with the whole world if that’s what it takes.”

“You’re going to college. You have plans. Your life is all mapped out.”

“Plans change, Ash. We’ll make new ones. We’ll figure this out together. My mom sends her love by the way.”

Ashley groaned. “She probably thinks I ruined your life.”