Evan’s soft, chocolatey eyes twinkled at me as he sensed my impending capitulation. “Exactly. And if we feel the need for, um, companionship, we can date discreetly outside the marriage. But right now, all I’m focused on is you, Cavanaugh Financial, and this little one right here,” he said, placing his hand on my barely bulging tummy.

The baby chose that exact moment to kick firmly against Evan’s hand. We both jerked in surprise, and our eyes met as Evan put his hand back on my belly. The baby kicked again. I had felt a few little flutters before, but this was the first time she had actually kicked with any force.

“Well, I think she likes the idea,” I said in wonder, and I couldn’t help but think that perhaps it was some kind of sign.

This was fucking crazy, but everything he said made sense. I would be helping my best friend fulfill his destiny, and my nugget and I would have stability. Being a single mother would be hard enough, but add in the grueling med school hours, and my life would be even more difficult. I knew Beau would do everything in his power to help me, but what about the times when he would be deployed? Evan could be there to help me on the late nights I had to study—which would be pretty much every night.

I grinned and said, “Evan, you’ve got yourself a fake fiancée.” He grabbed me in a fierce hug and whispered his thank you’s over and over. Returning his hug, I said, “But you’re not paying for my school. I’ll take out loans for that,” I said emphatically, earning me an eye roll from Evan. I looked out the window of the vehicle. “You know, ever since I was a little girl, I’ve dreamed of getting engaged in the parking lot of a Burger King.” Evan’s eyes widened in horror as he pulled away and took in our surroundings… the dim parking lot… the dingy building… the meth head on the corner.

“Oh my God, Blaire! I am so sorry. I’m such a jerk. I swear, I will do it right. A candlelit dinner or whatever you want.”

I laughed at his reaction. “I was teasing, you goofball. I don’t need a big romantic proposal. It would be kind of weird, actually, like getting proposed to by my brother or something.” Evan looked relieved. “So, what is your dad going to say about you marrying a knocked-up woman?”

“I honestly don’t know, but I guess we’ll find out, huh?”