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“Okay, then,” he says, raising an eyebrow but not pushing any further. Instead, he steps closer. “Get cleaned up and put on a nice dress. We’re going out.”

“Going out?” I echo, my mind racing. “Why?”

“Because I want to take you out,” he replies, as if it were the simplest thing in the world.

“Luke, I don’t think it’s a good idea right now,” I say, my voice shaky.

“Why not?” he presses, genuinely curious.

“Because I’m a mess,” I admit, my defenses crumbling under the weight of his gaze. “I’ve ruined everything. Remember?”

“What happened last night was unexpected, sure, but you didn’t ruin anything. I’m not going anywhere, Keke. I mean that. I want to be with you.”

“What if you change your mind once the reality of this sinks in?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. “Once I get fat and the baby comes and everything else?”

Luke reaches out, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “None of that is going to make me change my mind. I’m here for you, and I want to be part of this, whatever this is.”

Tears well up in my eyes again, and I try to fight them back, furious at myself for getting emotional again. Emotions are not me. Never me. “But what if I’m not ready for this? What if I can’t be a good mother?”

“Hey,” he says softly, his thumb gently tracing my cheek. “You don’t have to have all the answers right now. We’ll figure it out together.”

I feel like I’m about to fall apart, like the walls are closing in around me. “What if I fail?”

“You won’t fail,” he assures me. “But if you need a break, I’ve got it. That’s why parents usually come in twos.” He smiles.

I don’t know what to say to that. My heart is torn between wanting to lean into his comfort and the fear that I could be on the brink of losing everything.

Without warning, nausea takes over.

“I just need time,” I murmur, looking down at my hands as if they hold all the answers. “I’m not sure what I want yet.”

He nods, his expression patient, and I can see the concern in his eyes. “Then let’s take it one step at a time. But you need to let me in, Keke. Shutting me out won’t help either of us.”

“Okay, fine,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel. “Let’s go out.”

Maybe it will take my mind off of things. Maybe I haven’t ruined everything after all. Maybe this really is the start of something new.

Chapter 29

Luke

Michael Graham may have his chicken restaurant chain, but he also has a couple of high-end establishments throughout the southeast. Tonight, he gave us reservations at his crown jewel, Baiser.

This is the perfect place for what I have planned, a place with a romantic ambiance and impeccable food. I want this night to be special—more than just a dinner, a turning point for Keke and me. I’ll show her the man I can be.

I’d spent the entire afternoon running over every detail in my mind, convincing myself that this is the right move. I love her, and I want to create a future together.

We’re seated at a quiet candlelit table in the corner, away from the hustle and bustle of the restaurant. Keke looks beautiful, her hair cascading in soft waves around her shoulders. I can tell she has a lot on her mind, just as I do. It’s certainly understandable, but I needed to check in.

“Everything okay?” I ask, reaching for her hand across the table.

“Yeah, I’m just thinking,” she replies, offering a small smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes.

I want to push her for more but I hold back. I have to show her that I understand her boundaries, and I respect her enough to abide by them. Tonight is also about showing her that I’m serious about wanting to build a life together. The weight of her worries has been pressing down on both of us, but I’m determined to make this work.

After ordering, I ask, “How are you feeling? I know I was pushy about coming out tonight and I apologize for that. I should have asked earlier?—”

“You’re fine, Luke. Why do you sound so upset all of a sudden?”