“Definitely not a family trait. Alice is amazing. I’m really lucky I had her because… Well, you obviously know. It’s what you and Mayhem do.” She put her hand on my leg. “I knew you thought my ex was dead, and I didn’t correct you. I didn’t want to think about him. I didn’t want to talk about him. In my mind, he was dead because even though he wasn’t around, he haunted me like a ghost. I kept waiting for him to show up. But then he didn’t. I began to let my guard down. I thought maybe I could actually move on. Not pretend to, but really do it.”

“Know that, baby, but—”

“And even with everything he did, I never thought he’d snap like that. If I did…”

You wouldn’t have gotten involved with me.

The idea was a knife to the gut.

Except when she continued, that wasn’t what she said. “I would’ve told you earlier. I would’ve given you a heads-up to protect you. But I was selfish and cowardly and—”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Grabbing her, I gingerly lifted her to straddle me. “You’re none of that shit.”

“I am. By the time I knew I could tell you, I didn’t want to. And then so much time passed, and I didn’t know how to even say it.” Tears filled her eyes, dripping slowly down her cheeks. “I was mad at myself for waiting so long to tell you. Scared you’d leave. Heartbroken at the thought. And it just got worse the longer I waited because you’re so good to me. Not just me but to Squish, too. She isn’t even here. She’s not even your—”

“Stop yourself right there, Mac. I got eyes. I knew you were pregnant the first time I saw you. Knew you and Squish were a package deal when I started chasing you and knew I was lucky to get that deal when you finally let me catch you. Thought it then. Think it even more now that I know all the bullshit you’ve been through. As far as I’m concerned, she,” I put my hand on her stomach, “is my baby. And I’ve felt that way for longer than you’re gonna wanna hear.”

“How long?” she asked anyway.

“Wanted to be involved when I found you crouched next to the fence so you could smell the barbecue. But she was mine the first time Squish rolled under my palm. And when I saw her on the ultrasound? Fuck. I was done for.”

Like she knew I was talking about her, Squish kicked my hand.

“Not even born, and she’s already got me wrapped around her little finger.”