We sat like that a little longer, both of us watching Huey as he waved his arms around on the playmat, trying to reach the brightly colored bugs next to him.

Eventually, I sighed. “Devan was right today. It’s hard to overcome my pride and accept things from you guys. It’s like you’re trying to trap me with things, when I’ll never be able to pay you back. I haven’t done any work in two weeks, my savings are dwindling, and it’s just so easy to let you guys take care of everything.”

His hand stroked up and down my back. “What’s wrong with that?”

“I feel like I’m being bought, and I hate it.” I huffed, thinking I should definitely move away to make my point, but honestly, his warmth felt like it was filling up an empty well inside me.

“Nova, you have to understand. These guys have nothing else to give yet. They don’t know how to be parents, because they have no good examples. They don’t see themselves how I see them, but they will. They’re the kind of friends who are there for you whenever you need it. They care, and no one has told them that's all there is to being a parent. You need to care so damn much, just show up and show love. That’s it. The rest we can all learn on the fly, though I’m fairly sure Dev’s read every baby manual on the planet and has each one memorized.”

He huffed a laugh. “What I’m trying to say is that they don’t know how to show Huey, and show you, that they care outside of grand financial gestures. But they’ll get there—just give them time. Emotionally stunted fuckers,” he grumbled, and the vibration in his chest tickled my cheek. “But don’t be scared to call them on their bullshit. They need Huey, and I know it's a lot, but I think they need you too.”

He squeezed me one more time and then moved away. “I better go and put the grill on. We bought Huey swim trunks—they’re in the third drawer, along with some swim diapers. Put on your swimwear too, because what's the point of having a damn pool if you don’t use it?” He stood with a groan. “It was leg day, and I feel like I’m paralyzed from the quads down.” He gave a little stretch, showing me the V of his obliques, making my mouth water.

I climbed to my feet too. “Rigby, can I ask you a serious question?”

He tilted his head, giving me true golden retriever energy. “Sure.”

“Do you have a girlfriend?”