“Stuff that couldn’t wait till tomorrow?”

I shrug not wanting to lie but also not wanting to tell the truth.

“You look like shit, man.” Jared always been known for his blunt honesty. I scrub my jaw that has officially become a couple days’ growth rather than just a 5 o’clock shadow.

“I’m just tired.”

“I’d ask if there was trouble at home, but that would be pointless.”

I shrug again. Reaching forward, I shut down my computer. Even though Jared is one of my best friends, I do not want to see where this conversation goes.

Jared follows me to the elevators. “You going to Derik and Becca’s party?” Jared asks as he stares at his screen.

“What party?”

“You know, the one they’re having to welcome their baby into the world.”

“Right. Right. I forgot. Yeah, we’ll be there.”

“We?”

“Brooke and I.”

“You’re going to take Brooke?”

I shrug. “Seems like the kind of thing you take your wife to.”

“Yeah, if you liked her.”

“I don’t not like Brooke.”

“Are you for real right now?”

“What?”

“Landon you can’t stand her.”

My stomach twists. I thought I appeared indifferent to my wife, never showed a definite feeling toward her. Apparently, I do though if Jared of all people is noticing. “Your so disgusted by me you have to get drunk and plan a two-week vacation for after the fact as if you have to wash me away from your memory.”

“Be that as it may, Brooke will accompany me.” I leave it at that finality and head to my car.

I pace on the back patio early the next morning. I do not know why I was so nervous to ask Brooke to go to the party tonight. Normally, I did not even ask, just made the decision for her. But something about that night made me feel like I can’t anymore. Like I don’t have the right to require her to go anymore.

I hear voices inside and…laughter? It is a beautiful sound. Like angels singing. It is a strange sound I am not accustomed to hearing. Suddenly, I am pissed at myself for not having heard the sound earlier. Not that I gave Brooke any reason to laugh. Or smile, giggle, screech. No, I have only seemed to make her cry. I shake my head to clear it.

Hearing Brooke’s footsteps shuffle my way, I take my seat, picking up my newspaper, trying to act casual. I take a sip of my coffee just as Brooke steps out on the patio.

I choke on my coffee.

The morning rays outline her curves, giving the illusion that she was glowing. glistening, like a snowflake in the sunlight. But her beauty is not what had me choking on my coffee. No, what left me gasping for air is the slight curve of her stomach. She was showing. It was slight; just a small bump, but a bump it was.

“Oh! Landon… I didn’t know you were home.”