“Court, there isn’t going to be a child on earth who is loved more than this one.” I patted my belly, which looked more like I had just eaten a large meal than an actual baby bump. “This baby has you, and me, and crazy Nana-Annie to take care of it.” We both smiled at the thought of my wacky boss, Annie. She was already totally head-over-heels in love with this baby. I fervently wished that my parents were still alive to meet their grandchild, but I also knew that, short of them, no one could love my child as much as Courtney and Annie already did.

“This baby needs a father, and Seth would make a great one.” Courtney tried again.

“Seth will make a terrific father someday,” I agreed with her, “but what this baby needs is love, and I don’t think there’s going to be a shortage of that with the little family we’ve made for ourselves, Court.”

“Just promise me you’ll take a day or two and think about it. I want this baby to have it all, and having it all includes a father.”

I told her that I would think about it, but I already knew that my mind was made up. I couldn’t and wouldn’t do that to Seth. I cared about him way too much to let him be second choice.

4

It was difficult, but I was determined not to sink into a state of depression. Court was right––it wasn’t just me anymore. I had a baby to think about now. I needed to keep my chin up and try to forget about how much I craved Sam.

I had figured that Annie would be on my side, since she had wanted me to choose Sam all along. When I explained the situation to her at work the next day, though, she surprised me by saying, “Courtney’s right, Dear. You need to make a go of it with Seth. Forget about Sam. He’s a bad news bear cub.”

I was floored. Too shocked to even acknowledge her latest mangled idiom. “I can’t believe you’re even suggesting that, Annie.” I shook my head at her. “You’re the one who is always telling me to follow my passion, and how rare it is to find someone who makes your whole body come alive, like Sam does for me and J.D. did for you.”

“I’ve been questioning my choice lately, Ab,” she answered honestly. “I gave up a wholesome, solid relationship for hot, steamy sex. I chose J.D., and he betrayed me. I haven’t been able to find a relationship with a fraction of either the pure, sweet romance I had with Adam or the unabated lust I felt for J.D. in all the years since.”