Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,130

me. To be honest, he probably saved me from a lot of heartache.

Within minutes, we are piled into his new truck and on our way. “So, I know why I’m excited to find out, but I didn’t expect you to be,” I say.

Aaron throws a hand over his chest, as if he clutching his heart. “Sister, you wound me. Of course, I’m excited my best friend is going to be a dad,” he replies.

“You’ve just never been one who’s been much on kids.”

“Well, I’ve not really been around many. It’s not that I don’t like kids, but guys are different than girls. You want to cuddle, hold, and kiss on them no matter whose kid it is. Me, I’m going to be Uncle Aaron to this kid. Of course, I’m excited. I’ll be the same way when you have kids.”

“And what about you?” He’s never mentioned really wanting kids before. I know he’s waiting for “the one.” He’s been vocal about that. At first, I used to think it was just a cop-out to keep from getting serious with anyone, but over the years, he’s convinced me to his way of thinking.

“Yeah, I mean, it’s not like I’m itching for them or anything, but when the time is right.”

“You know, what happened to Evan could happen to anyone. Not many would handle it the way he has.” It’s true. Evan has fought for his unborn child since the minute he found out about him or her. Gah! I can’t wait to find out what he’s having. This “him or her” stuff is for the birds. Evan took to calling the baby peanut, but it seems odd for me to use the nickname and I hate when people say it. It’s a baby, people!

“You’re right, it could. I don’t know that there are many guys out there who would have fought as hard as he did.”

“Would you?” I ask him.

I watch him as he furrows his brow. He’s really considering my blunt question. “I would like to think so, yes,” he finally says. “It’s hard to put yourself in someone else’s shoes though. Walk a thousand miles and all that jazz.”

Just like that, we’re in the parking lot of Mike’s. My excitement simmers back to the surface; that is until Aaron turns the questioning on me.

“What about you? What if you were in Misty’s shoes?” he asks.

“Never!” I say with conviction. “Never would I ever give my baby up. It might be a hard struggle if the dad didn’t want to be in the picture, or my family for that matter. Not that you all would ever turn your back on me; but I can tell you with complete certainty that I would never make the choices she has. I don’t know many women who would.” I end the conversation by climbing out of the truck.

I stop at the front door and wait for Aaron. As soon as he reaches me, he throws his arm over my shoulder and pulls me close. “You’re good people, McKinley Rae.”

I can’t help but chuckle as I elbow him. “Right back at ya, big brother.”

Chapter 9

Evan

After I told my grandparents, I called my parents to give them the news. Today has been…life-altering. I’ve known Misty was pregnant for a while now, and I’ve seen the slight swell of her belly with my baby. However, today was an experience I will never forget as long as I live. I’ve heard women—my mom, both of my grandma’s—talk about ultrasounds and everyone always seemed to be so excited about them. As a guy, I never really paid much attention. It didn’t affect me, so why would I?

I don’t have words for the onset of emotions that flooded me the minute my baby appeared on that screen. Misty kept her eyes closed and earbuds in her ears. She literally wants nothing to do with this. I still struggle with that, especially after today. Ten fingers, ten toes, and a strong heartbeat. The tech assured me the baby is healthy. Still measuring a little small, but Misty has not gained a lot of weight either. The doctor counseled her once again about eating more since she’s eating for two. It took extreme effort to bite my tongue and not lash out at her. She missed her appointment this week. Took me two days to get her to call me back and get the appointment rescheduled. She doesn’t look strung out, just too thin. I handed her some money today after