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I nodded, but I could feelto do with the baby

He walked over tomy face in his hands I felt tears threaten at the soft, sad look in his eyes I shookthat I wasn’t going to like

"Baby, I love you…I do And I know you lovespecial You love each other so much more than you and I love each other No," he cutyou don’t loveI don’t love you But the love we feel for each other isn’t even close to what you and Jackson share If you’re really true to yourself, and to ree with ether…and…I think it’s best if I bow out"

"No," I choked out, the tears falling faster now, dripping down my cheeks "Why? Why would you do this now?"

He kissed hed, pressing his forehead againstinto my eyes "This is for the best, Allie I know it doesn’t feel like it right now, and trust me…it hurts me God, does it hurt And don’t think that Jacks didn’t try to talk uing when you ca but shake"I’ized for that, Brandon! Please, don’t do this!"

"Shhh…Allie…calently "Trust me, I think this is best for us all But I’ll still be here for you and for the little one here" He pulled one hand away froainst my belly "And for Jacks Always"

He took a deep breath, kissedtattoo convention out in LA that Luke and I have been toying with the idea of attending I told hione for teeks or so because Chloe is going with ht back I already hired athis weekend to move Allie’s stuff into the new house I left you a present in one of the rooms, too"

He turned to Jackson "Take care of our girl"

Jackson nodded, but his eyes were sparkling with emotion "Take care of my sister…and you always have a home with us, Brandon No matter what"

Brandon inclined his head, but we all knew that it would never happen Not now that Brandon alking away

"This isn’t goodbye Not by a long shot Let’s just say we’re closing a chapter of our lives andon to the next Okay?" he asked "Take care, baby" He reached his hand out to run it down my arm, and thehimself- physically and emotionally Without another word, he turned and left

The door closed softly behind him and the finality of that movement piercedacross his face; regret, sympathy, sadness…and love I wiped my tears and cli into his embrace with a s me with his presence After a minute, I reached out for my purse and pulled out the strip of photos the ultrasound tech had printed for row until he was bea with pride

"This is our baby?" he asked reverently

I nodded, s back at him "Yep That’s our little peanut And he or she will be here in about six and a half months"