“Oh.”
I heard the realization in her voice. I sniffed again. “Yeah. I’d handle it myself, but I just need a spot to think for a little bit.”
Caleb didn’t want me to handle it alone. I knew he didn’t. But he was just so overwhelming right now. So sure of everything when it came to us. He kept tossing around the love word with such earnest happiness.
For me.
With me.
With the little family we were possibly making.
“Anything you need. Always. You don’t have to handle it alone. We got you.”
I swallowed down the lump and dabbed at my eyes. “I love you.”
“I love you too, girl.”
Simple as that, I knew Ryan had my back. No question. “I need to take a shower and clean up.”
“Okay, we’ll be there in a little bit. Take care of you.”
“Take care of you,” I said back and held my phone to my chest.
Caleb didn’t deserve this. He didn’t deserve me. I should be thrilled that he was so sure. So ready for this. Was he faking it? It couldn’t be so easy to just accept me and an unplanned baby.
“I said I’d take you.”
I blinked out of my anxiety spiral. I looked up to find my brother in front of my window, his hands on his hips. “I know, but it was just easier. They’ll be here soon. I just really need to clean up.”
“You’re not going to pass out in the shower or something, are you?” He touched the back of his neck, rubbing at his shoulders.
“Don’t worry. I don’t think either of us could live that down, thanks.”
Relief flooded his face. “I’m staying until they get here though.”
I laughed. “I’ll allow it.”
He snorted. “Ass.”
With a sigh, I looked at my phone and tapped on one of Caleb’s half dozen texts. I couldn’t even read them all right now. I just needed a second to get my head together.
My fingers shook as I typed.
I need some time to think. I’m not sure when I’ll be back. Don’t worry about me. I’ll check in soon.
I locked the phone and flicked on the do not disturb option, then stood up. When Xavier rushed forward, I grabbed his hand and leaned against him. “I appreciate it.”
He kissed the top of my head. “Okay, go on. You are ripe.”
“Oh, I missed you so much.”
He curled his arm around my neck and dragged me in until my nose was jammed against his chest. “I did miss you, Lu. I’m go
ing to be here for you, no matter what.”
I pressed my cheek against him and drew in his comforting sandalwood scent. In all these years, that hadn’t changed. “Guess you’re going to be an uncle. How about that?”
“That’s fucking terrifying.”