I nod. “And then I went to a bar afterward with Beckett.”
This time, Noah nods. We’ve all hung out with Beckett over the years. He quickly made a name for himself in the business world with a few of his friends, and it’s impossible not to know them or the empire they’ve built. Beckett is very career-driven but definitely knows how to have fun every once in a while.
“Well, let’s just say neither one of us left that bar alone.”
His head bobs up and down as he follows my story. Nothing truly jarring so far.
I scratch the back of my neck, my heartbeat picking up at what I’m about to say out loud for the first time to someone. “I’m going to be a dad.”
Noah’s eyes widen, and he stays completely still.
A few weeks ago, I would have felt light-headed admitting this. Now, it fills me with a mixture of wonder and anticipation. And I think . . . excitement.
“Shit, man.” Noah rubs his hand over his forehead. “I knew something was going on, but I didn’t expect that.”
“Yeah, it was definitely a surprise.” I turn my head to look at him. “I haven’t told anyone yet.”
He understands the implication. “Got it.”
“Thanks.”
“How are you holding up?” He shakes his head. “I can’t even . . . I have so many questions.”
“Good, I guess? She’s really nice.” Calling Harper nice is an understatement, but I’m not going to gush about her to Noah.
His back straightens. “Wait, you were in New York. Does that mean she lives there?”
“Yup.”
“Crap.”
“Yeah, that’s the bad part.”
I know this conversation can’t change anything about my situation, but somehow, I feel better that someone knows.
Noah takes another sip from his bottle. “Are you considering moving?”
“To New York?” My breathing has evened out, and my head’s mostly back to normal.
He nods. “Unless she’s moving here. That’s serious shit, man. I mean, you’re going to have a baby together.”
I snort. “Just tell me how you really feel.”
Noah grimaces. “Ah, sorry, man. Just trying to wrap my head around this.”
“I know, it’s a lot.”
“It is. Just be sure you really know what you want. You don’t want to screw things up with the mother of your baby.”
He’s right. The whole scenario would be easier if it was only about Harper. Although a relationship is a big thing, it definitely gets more intense when there’s also a baby in the mix. We’d be a family. If things don’t work out, how will that affect our child—our future adult-child—and my relationship with him or her?
Harper said her relationship with her dad has always been good, yet they’ve lived away from each other. I don’t know if I could bear being three thousand miles away from my flesh and blood. It doesn’t feel right.
But isn’t there a risk every time you enter a relationship? No matter if the baby comes first or the relationship, the outcome is still the same. Unless you never have kids.
Definitely a life-altering decision.
He nudges my knee with his. “But hey, you said she’s nice, right? That’s good. Does that mean you like her?”