His tone is unreadable, and I’m not sure how to respond. I stand up, running a hand through my hair.

“Wow. Okay. Well, congratulations, first of all,” I say, figuring that’s a safe reply.

Fish laughs. “Thank you. I was a little spun out about it at first because it was obviously not what I was expecting. But I’m kind of excited about it.”

A smile splits my cheeks, and a surge of happiness floods me. “I think it’s great.”

“I’m gonna be a dad, dude. Isn’t that wild?”

“Wild as hell.” I chuckle. “So, what’s this mean for you?”

“You mean with me and Nicole? I asked her to marry me.”

I walk to the sink and stare out the window into the backyard.

Although Fish getting married and having a baby wasn’t something that I would’ve bet on happening in the near future, I wouldn’t have put money down on me wanting to settle down with a single mother in Ohio either. But both things make sense in the most organic way.

“I better get an invitation,” I say, grinning. “Even if you pull a stunt and elope—I better fucking be there.”

“You know it. Now, what about you? You coming home or what?”

I turn away from the window and walk to the table. Glancing down at my to-do list, I exhale.

“Actually, I think I’m going to relocate,” I say carefully.

“To Ohio?”

“Yeah.”

I bite my lip and wait for Fish’s response. Aside from my parents, he knows me better than anyone. If this idea is asinine, he’ll tell me.

“That’s fucking awesome,” he says, catching me off guard. “Are you hitting it off with . . .”

“Palmer.”

“Yeah, Palmer.”

“You could say that.” I laugh. “We’re having a conversation tonight to make sure we’re on the same page.”

“Dude, you’ve been on the same page since the day at the restaurant.”

“I have a few things to get together before I fully commit . . .” My phone chirps, and I pull it away just long enough to see an incoming call. “Hey, Fish? I need to take this call. Can I call you back?”

“Of course. Talk to you later.”

I click over to the incoming line. “Hello?”

A voice clears on the other end. “Is this Cole Beck?”

“It is.”

“Hi, Cole. This is Dr. Miigi. You are a hard man to get a hold of.”

Sweat dots my forehead despite the cold chill racing down my spine. I move the phone from my right hand to my left.

“Yeah,” I say, clearing my throat. “I’m sorry about that. I, uh . . .” Didn’t want to deal with this. “Headed back east to see my parents for a while.”

“Well, now that I have you on the phone, let’s have a chat.”

Fuck.