“Sunshine, if you want the baby to be an Ainsley that’s fine, it’s just…” He trails off, biting his lip.

“Just what?” I push.

“I guess it’s just that you and Jack are both Ainsley. It’s stupid really, but I guess if the baby is Ainsley too then I feel like I’m not a part of the family.” When his dark eyes meet mine they are glazed over. My heart drops into my stomach at the sight.

“Liam.” I wish I could be even closer to him, wish I could give him comfort, and he must agree because he pulls me even closer until I am sat on his lap.

“I know it’s stupid, this baby is my family. Hell, you and Jack are part of my family too, but I guess I feel a little left out.” He tightens his arms around my waist as his hand settles on my bump before he continues. “The baby will live with you and I know I am going to miss out on a lot because of hockey. I just feel like a background character in all this.”

“You will never just be a background character, do you hear me? You’re their dad, Liam. You always will be no matter what. Even when you annoy me you will still be their father, nothing will take that away.” Shock laces my words at his revelation; it never crossed my mind that he would feel less than. I’m still a little bit mad that he told his team and mad that he is so attractive it hurts, but I know he cares about this baby. My hands come up to cradle his jaw to offer him some comfort. Liam is the more rational out of the two of us and it never occurred to me how hard this must be for him. Again, I know that’s selfish, that I have spent so long thinking about all the things changing in my life that his life has barely crossed my mind.

I don’t know what else to say to make him feel better so I settle for putting a hand on his shoulder, hoping it will bring comfort. If we were dating I might have stroked my fingers through his hair but that isn’t my comfort to give. I have to remember that I’m the one who fought for co-parenting and nothing more.

“I have an idea,” Liam says, rubbing circles on my bump. It seems like it is as calming for him as it is for me.

“Oh, do you now?” I ask with a small laugh. Liam’s ideas are rarely plausible, but I will let him tell me anyway if it makes him feel better.

“Yep, and it’s a pretty flawless one in my opinion.” The look in his eyes has shifted from sadness to mischief.

“Hit me with it.”