With an upward nudge of his chin, we step up onto the sidewalk. “You’re what, thirteen weeks along now, right?”

“Yes.”

“Miranda had the same thing around that time. They said it’s just the baby growing.” My shoulders sag in relief. “You still might want to call your doctor to let ’em know what’s going on.” He holds open the door to the building for me to enter before him.

“I’ll do that.”

“Where are you going?” he asks after we both step onto the elevator.

“Clay and Willow’s. I’m just going to pick up PJ to hang out with me for a bit, and then I’ll drop him off again before I head back to the hospital.”

“How’s your dad doing? Dayton’s been keeping us updated but hasn’t checked in today.”

“It’s going to be a long recovery, but I think he’s going to be okay.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“Me too,” I reply softly as the doors open for his floor, and he steps out of the elevator.

“Let us know if you need anything.”

“I will. Thanks, Tucker, and tell everyone I say hi.” I give him a wave as the doors close, then step off the elevator on Clay and Willow’s floor.

After knocking softly, Willow answers the door and smiles before she wraps me in a hug and whispers, “Hey, how are you doing?”

“Okay.” I hug her tight, then let her go to pick up PJ, who is jumping up to greet me. “I missed you too, buddy.” I smile as he licks my jaw and then focus on Willow. “I really appreciate you looking after him for me.”

“Are you kidding? He is the best dog.” She smiles, closing the door. “I told Clay I want to get a Havanese when Rowen is a little older, and the only reason I want to put it off is because we are going to start potty training soon, and I don’t think I can handle a kid and a puppy peeing everywhere.” She laughs, and I laugh along with her.

“That’s probably smart. It took about four months for PJ to catch on to going outside, and all the accidents before that were exhausting.”

“I bet.” Her eyes move to my stomach. “How are you feeling?”

“Tired, but I think that’s just from not getting much sleep the last few days.”

“Keep lying to yourself. Being pregnant is exhausting; I would fall asleep anywhere and everywhere.”

“You could have fibbed and told me it gets better.”

“It does when the baby gets here, and your partner can take over. Right now, you’re doing all the work.” She tips her head to the side. “Speaking of partners, where is Dayton?”

“At work. He’s meeting me at the hospital when he gets off.”