A Million Little Things (Mischief Bay, #3)

“You’re right about the big picture. Jack can talk. That’s what matters most.” She faked a smile, convincingly she hoped. “Enough about my stuff. What’s new with you? How are you feeling? Still good?”

“I haven’t been sick at all. I feel kind of guilty about that.”

Jen laughed. “Be grateful. Hormones are powerful little suckers. Don’t worry. There is plenty of unpleasantness to be had in the rest of your pregnancy. Enjoy this part of it while you can. Did you see the doctor?”

“Yesterday.” Zoe’s mouth twisted. “Since we know the exact date of conception, it wasn’t hard to calculate my due date. I’ve already had the first ultrasound and everything looks good. She told me to continue gestating and be happy.”

Easy advice for the doctor to give, Jen thought. She suspected it was more difficult for Zoe to take.

“How are you doing with that last one?”

“Being happy? I don’t know. Things are complicated. Chad wants to talk to me.”

“He knows?”

“Yeah. I told him. He said he needed some time to think about it. I told him I was okay with him giving up his child, but I don’t think he’s going to go for that. I’ve spoken to a lawyer. If Chad’s staying in my life, I want to get the parenting plan in place as early as possible. While the baby is still a theory.”

“Less is more?” Jen asked.

Zoe hesitated. “I want to be fair, but less would be great. He doesn’t have custody of his other two children. I don’t think he’ll want custody of ours. He sees them every other weekend and for part of the time on the holidays. So I’m hoping for something similar.”

“Will he want to spend every other weekend with a newborn?”

“I don’t know and as I plan to breast-feed, I don’t know how he can. We’ll have to figure it out.” Zoe plucked at the grass. “Are you mad at me?”

“What? No! Why would I be? You’re my friend. I’ll support you in every way I can.” She pointed to the stack of books she’d put out in the sunroom. “Would I be offering you my well-read collection of pregnancy books if I was mad?”

Zoe smiled. “No, and I had no idea that you owned so many.”

Jen looked at the pile of over a dozen books. “I guess it is a lot. Maybe start with two or three. I’ll show you my favorites.”

“Steven already bought me What to Expect When You’re Expecting. It’s very detailed.”

“A great resource, though. You’ll love that one. They walk you through your pregnancy, month by month.”

Jack stood up and waved at her. Jen opened her arms and her son ran to her. She pulled him close, turning him so he sat between her crossed legs.

“So, you’re still seeing Steven,” she said, as casually as she could.

“Yes.” Zoe eyed her. “What are you thinking?”

“That you’re far too good for him.” Jen smiled. “Seriously, I’m happy. Dad’s death changed us all. Steven finally had to finish growing up. He’s given up his bimbo-of-the-week dating and has been looking for someone for a while. I’m glad he found you.”

Zoe didn’t look convinced. “Even though I’m pregnant with Chad’s baby?”

“Even though. I know there will be issues, but every relationship has problems. You two know what you’re getting into and can plan accordingly. Everyone I know who has stepkids says the worst part is they didn’t have any say when the kids were young. Steven will be with you and the baby from birth. He’ll be a part of things.”

If he and Zoe got serious enough to get married and later there was a divorce, then Steven would be screwed. Stepfathers rarely got to see their stepkids again. But her brother was a smart guy—he would know the risks. If he wanted to be with Zoe, then she was going to support that.

“Thanks for that,” Zoe told her. She tickled the bottom of Jack’s bare foot. He laughed and she smiled. Then the smile faded.

“Your mom doesn’t share your generous spirit.”

Jen grimaced. “She’s being quite the beyotch right now and I have no idea why.”

“She’s protecting her son.”

“I find it fascinating that you’re making excuses for her. If I were you, I’d be egging her car.”

Zoe grinned. “Not my style.” The humor faded for a second time. “I honestly don’t know what to say to her. She’s so determined to see this as bad for Steven. For you, too, I’m guessing.”

Jen wasn’t going to talk about her recent fight with her mother. “You were the maid of honor at my wedding. Our relationship is important to me and my mom doesn’t get a vote.”

“I don’t want to cause trouble.”

“You’re not. Trust me. It’s all good.” Jen looked at her. “You’re dealing with so many things right now. Pregnancy takes a lot out of your body. You have to take care of yourself and surround yourself with people who will be there for you. I want to be one of them and it sounds like Steven does, too. So go with it. As for my mom—” she shrugged “—I hope she eventually gets it, but if she doesn’t, you’ll still have us.”





Chapter Nineteen

So far there weren’t a whole lot of physical disadvantages to being pregnant, Zoe thought as she crossed her living room and opened the door. But there sure were logistical ones.

“Hello, Chad.”

“Zoe.”

Having to deal with her ex was the biggest one. As much as she didn’t want to see him, she knew she was now in a position where she had to take his calls. And when he’d asked to see her, she had said yes.

It was the middle of the day, which meant he’d stopped by on his lunch break. Something she was grateful for—they could hardly get into anything significant in the forty-five minutes he had off.