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“Yeah, ht unawares by any of this”

“I don’t know if she’s going to stay”

“What? Why not? You guys are sickeningly in love with one another I’ve seen it firsthand”

“Because she doesn’t want kids How can I ask her to change her life plan for me?”

“Whoa First of all, you don’t know if this is your kid, and second of all, you can’t put words in her mouth You have to lay all your cards on the table, and see where they fall Don’t count her out because of what Marilyn did That bitch is deter He who shall not be named”

I snort “Thank you for that laugh I needed it”

“I’h, explain it all to Ef, and don’t jump to any conclusions”

Thunder rumbles overhead, and I can’t help but think a storm is an appropriate end to my day

“I will I’ets here I’ht It’ll help keep me busy and sane”

Ad clamps his hand on my shoulder “For the record, you’d make an excellent father However, I know that’s not what you want, so I’ for your sake this isn’t your baby”

“Thank you for understanding and not judging me, brother I know to some people my response would seem cold”

“No, I always understood why you opted out of parenthood You spent your early twenties to late thirties doing that for your siblings I saw the struggle you and yourfriend in my corner Whatever you need, I’m here for you”

I nod, unable to talk around the luirls, man I’m solid now”

“You sure?”

“Yeah Efia will be here in a few more hours, so I won’t be alone either”