“Evan just moved into his new place a few months ago,” Aaron says.
“Oh, that’s right. I’m excited to see it.”
“Well, here we are.” Aaron stops in front of a two-story house. It’s beautiful. The front is brick, a mix of light and dark browns, with tan siding the rest. Dark green shutters adorn the windows, and a porch, which crosses the front and both sides.
“Does the porch wrap all the way around?” I ask as I take in the beautiful structure. I love this house. It’s my dream house, but I would want a basement and for the porch to go all the way around.
“Yes, four bedrooms, full basement. It’s massive for one guy, but you know Evan. He says this is going to be his home and he wants to be able to grow into it.” He shakes his head as if he doesn’t understand his best friend. Aaron is the type of guy who would need his future bride to be in the building process, discussing and analyzing every room, every fixture.
“Wow!” is all I can manage to say as I reach for the handle and climb out of the beast. I meet Aaron at the front of the truck, and he throws his arm around my shoulders as we walk up the front porch. Evan opens the door as we reach it.
“McKinley, welcome home.” He wraps his arms around me and I go willingly into his embrace. Only a crazy person would pass up a heartfelt hug from Evan Chamberlin. He’s tall---six foot four to be exact---with broad shoulders, and he’s…defined. It’s been a few summers since I’ve seen him with his shirt off, but I have a very vivid memory of the rigid planes of his stomach. It’s not an image a girl is quick to forget, especially a girl with a teenage crush as big as the state of Kentucky.
“Thank you. It’s good to be home,” I say, stepping away. Not that I wanted to, but it’s the right thing to do.
“Come on in.” Evan moves back and allows us in.
“What’s up, man?” Aaron gets right to it.
I watch closely as Evan pulls the ever-present Alabama hat from his head and runs his fingers through his hair before placing it back on. He’s nervous. I start to panic. Did something happen to his dad?
“You might want to sit down for this,” he tells us.
I do as I’m told. Kicking off my flip-flops, I curl my legs under me as I take a seat on the couch. Aaron takes a seat in the chair. Evan remains standing, staring out the window. The house is quiet as we let him gather his thoughts. Looking over his shoulder, he takes a deep breath before walking to the couch and sitting beside me. Pulling one leg up, he faces both of us. My heart is beating like a drum as we wait.
“I got some news this morning.” He pauses and squeezes his eyes shut.
I tell myself not to panic, but then a slow grin tips his lips as he opens his eyes.
“It’s news that shocked me, but I can’t be upset about it. Well, not now anyway,” he says.
“Shit, man, you’re killing me here. Spit it out,” Aaron complains. I’m in agreement but keep it to myself.
“Misty stopped by this morning.” I remember Aaron telling me he was seeing someone. “She’s pregnant.”
“Wow, congratulations, man.” Aaron stands to give him a man hug. Once he’s seated, I lean over from my spot on the couch and hug him as well. It’s quick and I fall back into my seat.
“Yeah,” he says shyly. “I’m going to be a dad.” His voice trails off and a haunted look falls over his eyes.
“And?” Aaron prompts.
Evan laughs humorlessly. “Let me tell you about my morning.” He tells us the details of his conversation with Misty—how she’d wanted to end the pregnancy and he’d begged her not to, and her finally agreeing to sign over all rights to the baby.
As I sit and listen, I can see how much this is hurting him. How the thought of Misty doing something to harm the baby or worse, end the pregnancy sits heavy on his mind. I scoot closer to him and lay my hand over his on the couch, offering what little comfort I can as he continues to talk.
“I called our attorney. He’s getting papers together as we speak. I don’t want to give her time to change her mind.”
“Good,” Aaron replies.
“There’s more. She’s two months along and today she had a doctor’s appointment. She was going to tell them to end it, but she wanted to tell me first. Thank the angels above she did. I was able to convince her, and then we went to her appointment.” My eyes follow his every move as he leans his head back against the couch and closes his eyes. His chest gently rises and falls with each breath. Again, we wait for him to collect his thoughts. “I heard it,” he says softly. Turning to the side, he opens his eyes. Big brown eyes, glassy and filled with emotion, collide with mine. “I heard my baby’s heartbeat.”
I can’t prevent the broad smile that takes over my face. “That’s amazing.”
“Yeah,” he says.
“Shit, man. That’s intense,” Aaron adds. Evan tears his eyes from mine to look at my brother.
“You have no idea. We’re sitting in this exam room, tension in the air. The room is so quiet you can hear a pin drop, and then there it was, sounding through this little speaker. It was amazing.”
“So, what now?” Aaron asks.
“Well, hopefully, the papers will be ready in a day or so. Once she signs, I prepare to be a dad. I told Misty I want to be there for all the appointments and I would pay for anything she needs, clothes and things like that.” He looks at me.
“Dude, how do you know what a baby needs?” Aaron questions. I want to smack him. I’m sure Evan is nervous enough without him adding fuel to the fire.
“It’s not that hard to figure out,” I say.
“Really?” Aaron asks. “Maybe not for you. It’s born into women or something. For guys, it’s different.”
“I don’t have the first clue. I know I’ll need a bed, and the websites I’ve been on said a baby’s room is called a nursery,” Evan offers.
“Yes, it’s called a nursery. You need a bed, changing table, dresser, and the small little baby hangers because the clothes are way too small to fit on ours,” I say.
“Gram said she would help. I haven’t called Mom and Dad yet. I know it’s going to be hard for them, since they’re in Alabama and I’m here. I’m going to be a single dad. I need to learn how to figure this shit out.”
“I can help.” The words fall from my lips before I realize it. Not that I mind. Evan’s a great guy and Aaron’s best friend, so of course I’ll help him. I admire him for what he’s doing. I don’t know many guys, if any, who would do what he’s doing.
“Really?” Evan asks with hope in his voice.
“Kinley can shop with the best of them. You’re in good hands,” Aaron says.
“Thank you. I can use all the help I can get.”
“You’re welcome.”
“We better get moving.” Aaron stands from the chair. “I just picked Kinley up from the airport. I want to get her home, so she can settle in.”
“Sure, thanks for stopping by. I didn’t want to tell you over the phone.” Evan walks us to the door and the two of them make plans to get together later.