Page 118 of Secret Baby for My Brother's Best Friends

He nods. “If you think that’s right, then you should go for it. You know your brother better than I. Do you want me to drive you?”

I shake my head. The last thing I want is for James to see Jake and flare up again. He’s not going to hurt me, but he might choose to pick a fight with Jake just because. Besides, this is probably a conversation we should have alone.

“I’ve got it,” I tell him and kiss him on the cheek. I also go over to kiss Sam, who stirs, once I do. When I draw back, he pulls me in for an even longer kiss, nipping my lips in a way that almost convinces me to get back in bed and have my way with them once more this morning.

My phone beeps to distract me and remind me of my doctor’s appointment later tomorrow. It also reminds me of the fact that I still haven’t chosen who to accompany me to that appointment. It feels like an ultimate test because whoever I choose is going to feel like they’re the one I prefer to be my partner.

I hate thinking about them in terms of choices. It also feels so unfair and dishonest.

Especially since I don't have a preference. I love all of them.

But I can’t exactly go with all of them, can I?

Can I?

No, that would be ridiculous. Although now that my brother already knows about it, I’m really not sure who I’m keeping it from anymore. No one else's opinion matters that much to me, not even my parents. It’s not like they’ve evernotbeen disappointed in me, and I can’t make them proud anyway, no matter what I do. They simply don't care either way.

Still, I think as I pull out of the parking lot. What about strangers? Or my coworkers. What would they say about me? And if I’m actually going to consider a relationship with all fourof them, I have to think about my kids too. They’ll be teased in school over it and bullied. Maybe even isolated. Am I willing to put my child under that?

The drive to James’ is filled with a lot of anxious thoughts and worries. At every traffic stop, I take deep breaths to soothe myself.

When I arrive, James' car is still parked in his driveway. I take a deep breath before I step out.

When I get to the door, I knock, and his girlfriend, wearing leggings and a sports bra, comes to open it. She smiles kindly.

“I guess you didn’t sleep much either.”

I shake my head. “Did he tell you what happened?”

“Not in so many words. I could only parse together that the two of you fought, but he wouldn’t tell me why, and he’s been walking and muttering like a bull with his balls cut off all night. Getting on my fucking nerves.”

I snort. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault. I guess this is all because of him playing the overprotective older brother again, right?"

I nod wanly. "More or less.” I don’t want to get into more of it with her without talking to Adam first. “Is he awake?”

“Yeah. Making breakfast and banging about like an idiot. I’m going to go out for a nice jog, so the two of you can talk.”

I smile at her. “Thanks, G. You know he’s so lucky to have you.”

"Yeah, that’s what I keep trying to tell him, but he doesn’t listen." She shakes her head and winks at me one last time as she walks through the door, starting to stretch as she goes.

I enter and shut the door behind me. The sound of sizzling in the kitchen announces my brother’s presence.

He doesn't turn around when I get there, not even when I clear my throat, obviously, and say, "Hello."

He doesn’t answer at first, still focusing on his pan. Then finally he releases a heavy sigh and says, "Hey."

I walk closer and glance down at the pan where the sausage is sizzling brown. “You’re going to burn it.”

No. I’m not. I’m just waiting for it to crust."

"It’s already crusted; now it’s on the verge of burning."

"No, it's not."

"Yes, it is."