“River!” Benita calls, waving me over. “I wanna introduce you to the ladies.”

I set down the bags and walk over, smiling wide. Between having breakfast at the diner and shopping at Dollar General, I’d already met handfuls of people from this small town. I’m actually surprised there are some I haven’t met at this point.

“River, this is Mrs. Hattie and Mrs. Savanna. They’re Aunt Rose’s choir friends.”

“It’s great to meet you both,” I say, reaching out to shake their hands.

They ignore my hand and wrap their arms around me instead. “Oh, River. It’s such a pleasure to meet you.”

“You’re just so darling. Look how big you are already.” Their eyes dart down to my belly, making me feel self-conscious. I’m only in my fourth month, but at my last doctor appointment, I measured just right.

“Oh, um, thank you.” I find myself a little taken aback by their sudden affection. I’m starting to learn people hug down here a lot. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“We heard the rumors, and to be honest, we weren’t sure what to believe. That Alex isn’t exactly known to settle down.”

“I don’t think any of those Bishop boys are actually.” Mrs. Hattie snickers.

“Okay, well we better start setting up, or we’ll be here all night,” Benita interrupts, saving me from this awkward conversation. “My mama’s in the kitchen prepping some of the food if you two wanna go help.” She directs them away, and I mouth a, “Thank you,” to her.

“Sure, no problem. See you girls later.” They smile sweetly, and I force another smile out, grinding my teeth.

“Don’t put too much stock into small town gossip. You can’t escape it, but most of the time it’s hogwash anyway,” she says, trying to comfort me. I have a lot to learn living here—their mannerisms being one. You hug someone you just met in Milwaukee, you risk getting mugged or shot.

“Well, where should we start?” I ask, walking back to the bags we brought in.

This morning, Benita picked me up and took me to the Main Street Diner where I officially met the infamous Mrs. Betty. Once we were full of eggs and pancakes, we went shopping. Something new I learned today: Dollar General is the only store in town. At first, I cringed when she told me that’s where we were headed but quickly realized it’s nothing like the one back home. We stocked up on plates, plasticware, cups, and napkins—all color coordinating to Rose’s favorite colors, red and blue.

We just about cleared out the decorations aisle. Balloons, streamers, confetti, table centerpieces with “50” on them, and tablecloths.

“What do you think?” Benita had asked me when the cart was piling over.

“It looks like Uncle Sam threw up in here.” I chuckled.

“Perfect then. Aunt Rose loves the Fourth of July!”

I hadn’t realized just how much stuff we got until we unpacked all the bags and everything is sprawled out on the table. “Geez.” I laugh.

“Yeah, I go a little extra on parties. Something you’ll have to get used to.” She winks.

I narrow my eyes, curious to what that means. “Don’t think you’re having that baby without a proper baby shower.” She points a finger at my belly with determination.

A baby shower? I hadn’t even thought about that.

“I-I don’t know.” I wrinkle my nose. Honestly, I’d feel guilty taking anything from Alex’s family. I just met them, and I don’t want it to seem like I’m taking advantage.

“Oh, it’s not optional.” She grins.

I can’t help but laugh. Shrugging, I change the conversation. “Okay, so tablecloths and centerpieces, I can figure out, but where do you want the balloons and streamers to go?”

For the next hour, we work together on decorating the tables and setting up the buffet line with the plates and plasticware. Centerpieces and confetti are sprinkled down the middle of the tables. Next, we work on the streamers. Benita stands on a ladder and attaches them to the middle of the ceiling until three blue and three red pieces are hanging down to the floor.

“Aaron will be here soon, so he can help us twist these and stretch them across the room. It’ll look awesome once all six are spread along the ceiling,” she explains, stepping down. I can envision it already and know it’ll look great.

“I love it.” I smile. “What about the balloons?”

“Hmm…” She thinks for a moment before her eyes light up. “What if we blew them all up and found a way to attach them to the ceiling, like with a net or something? Then when she walks in, we pull a string that releases them at the same time!” The excitement in her tone is short-lived when Aaron comes strolling in with their twin boys.

“That’ll never work,” Aaron says, setting the boys down so they can run over to Benita. She wraps her arms around them and smiles.

“Don’t underestimate me,” Benita warns without taking her eyes off the twins. I love how they cling to her as if she’s their whole world. When they finally turn around, I see the resemblance of Benita and Aaron in both of their features. “Daddy has a fishin’ net I’m sure I can borrow. Tack it up and attach it to a string so once it’s pulled, the balloons all come down.”

Aaron keeps his stance, crossing his arms over his chest and pouting. “There’s no way that’s going to stay, babe. Trust me.”

She narrows her eyes and scowls. “Nope. I’m callin’ Daddy.” She reaches for her phone before looking up at me. “Oh, River, this is my stubborn ass husband, Aaron. Stubborn Ass, this is River, Alex’s…lady friend.”

I snort, shaking my head at her description. Though she’s not really wrong either. We aren’t putting labels on our relationship at this point since we’re taking things slow, but I’m definitely more than just his friend.

“It’s nice to meet you,” I say, wondering if he’s the shaking hands or hugging kind. He steps toward me and takes my hand.

“You too. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

I blush. “It’s all probably only half true,” I joke, and Aaron laughs.

A few moments later, Benita is off the phone and smiling wide. “Daddy’s comin’ to help. You and the boys can go play out back since you don’t believe in me.”

Aaron groans as if he’s been through conversations like this before. “C’mon, boys. Let’s leave Mommy to drive other people crazy for once.”

“Okay, you two are kinda made for each other,” I tell her once they’re out of earshot.

“I know.” She beams. “Though he drives me up a wall, I love him so much.”

“All good men do, honey,” one of the ladies I met earlier says from behind us.

We continue decorating, and twenty minutes later, Benita’s dad arrives with all the supplies we’ll need to make a balloon dropper. After she introduces us, he puts us both to work. I take the opportunity to sit and start blowing up the red and blue balloons. We also picked up a few that had “50” scattered over them. I’m nearly out of breath when Benita announces the net is ready.

“Oh my God!” She claps her hands. “It’s going to be epic.”

“Should we try it out first? Put a few in there and test the string?” I ask.

Benita’s dad releases a loud humph. “This ain’t my first rodeo, darlin’.”

“Oh.” I feel bad for doubting him now.

“That’s not what she meant, Daddy.” Benita comes to my rescue. “Better be sure than find out tomorrow.” She grabs a few of the balloons and climbs back up the ladder to stick them inside. “Want to pull the string, River?”

“Sure.” I walk toward her, and just for fun, start counting down from three.

“Three…two…”

“One!” Benita yells, and I pull the string. “Yes!” she instantly cheers when the net releases and all three balloons fall.

“Told ya.” Her dad snickers, and I chuckle.

“You did great, Daddy. Thank you!” Benita sets it back up, so I can start tossing the balloons up to her. Takes us a good five minutes to get all the balloons packed, but once it’s done, it looks awesome.

“That was a great idea,” I tell her, looking around the dining hall and seeing how amazing everything turned out. The buffet table is set up minus the food. All the round tables are decorated. The streamers are twisted and hung up, and so is the balloon drop. “Well, you weren’t lying,” I say after giving the room another once-over. “You’re definitely extra.”

Shortly after, Alex surprises me when he walks in with a bag from the Main Street Diner.

“I thought Benita might be working you to death and you’d be hungry.” He smiles before kissing the top of my head and sitting down next to me at one of the tables.

“Oh, you’re a smart man.” I smile, reaching for the bag, and moan when I see a juicy cheeseburger inside.

“Hey, where’s mine?” Benita teases, peeking inside the bag.

“You’re not eating for two,” he retorts.

“Oh, so only when I’m pregnant you’ll get me food?” I look at him, sucking in my lower lip to hide the smile.

“Dug yourself that one,” Aaron blurts.

I chuckle, taking the burger out and taking a bite.

“Everything looks great in here.” Alex looks around. “A bit much for a spaghetti dinner though.” He laughs.

Benita reaches over the table and whacks him one. “We worked hard, thank you very much. Aunt Rose is gonna love it.”

“She is,” Alex confirms, narrowing his eyes on the balloon dropper.

“Benita risked her life for that,” I joke.

“Well, Daddy helped.” She grins.

I continue stuffing my face when everyone stops and stares at me. “What?” I ask around a mouthful of food. Once I swallow, I look at Alex. “Do I have something on my face or something?”

“Nope.”

Turning my head toward Benita, I ask, “What? Do you not eat burgers down here or something?”

“No, you’re just eating like you haven’t eaten in a week,” she teases. “It’s cute. You’re pregnant.”

“I’m just worried I didn’t bring you enough,” Alex jokes, and I scowl at him.

“You both suck. Picking on a pregnant woman. Shame on you.”

They laugh, and I finish my burger in two more bites.

“My sister wants me to FaceTime her, so I can show her the hall and meet you.”

“Now?” My eyes widen. I’m hot and sweaty.

“Yeah, that okay?”

I wipe my mouth and feel around my head for how messy my hair is right now. “Sure, if she doesn’t mind that I look like a hot mess right now.”

“She’s almost seven months pregnant with triplets; I can guarantee you she feels more of a hot mess than you do,” Benita says.

“Okay, well that makes me feel better.”

I know I’m not meeting Courtney face to face, but I’m nervous. I want Alex’s family to like me, and since he only has one sister, I’d really love if we could have some kind of relationship, too. Especially since our kids will be cousins.

“Hey!” she shouts, waving. Alex has his phone aimed at both of us when he makes the call.

“Hi,” we both say in unison.

“This is River.” Alex points the phone directly at me. “And this is my annoying little sister, Courtney.”

“Hey!” she scowls. “I don’t know how you put up with my brother, but bless your soul for doin’ so.”

I laugh, already loving her personality. “Yes, please pray for me.”

“I got your back.” She winks.

“So how are you feeling?”

“Um, pretty much like I’m carrying triplets.” She half-laughs, half-sobs.

“I can only imagine. Geez, makes me feel bad for complaining about the heartburn.”

“Yeah, let’s talk when you can’t see your feet or vagina anymore.”

I nearly choke and die laughing, especially when Alex’s face turns red and Benita chuckles.

“I like her,” I tell Alex.

“Yeah, I had a feeling you two would hit it off.”

“You break her heart, Alex Bishop, I’m taking her side,” Courtney warns.

He rolls his eyes, adjusting the baseball cap on his head. God, I love when he wears that hat. It’s the one he wore in Key West, too. It’s dark gray and worn to shit, but there’s just something about how it looks on him that makes me want to jump his bones.

Oh God. I need to get those images out of my head. We’re not having sex, at least not for a long time, even if my hormones are going wild for him.

“It was great to finally meet you, River. Tell Alex to give you my number so we can text, okay?”

“Definitely! It’d be nice to chat with a girl Bishop for once.” I grin. “Bummer you can’t be here.”

“I tried to talk Drew into flying there first class, but it was a hard no.” She pretends to pout.

“Well, as a nurse, I’d have to agree with your husband on that one.” I smile.

“I know.” She sighs. “All right, now give me the grand tour of Mama’s party,” she tells Alex.

He takes his phone and walks around the hall, showing her the decorations, the buffet table, the balloon drop, and the centerpieces. I hear her aahing and oohing, and it makes me feel good about helping Benita get things done today. I’m slowly getting closer to his family, which makes me feel better about uprooting my life and moving down here.

“Well, the boys are getting into everything, so we better get going,” Benita says. I stand up, and she wraps her arms around me—always the hugging down here. “Thanks again for your help.”

“No problem, but it doesn’t feel like I helped that much.”

“You did great. My mama ran out to pick up more food from the grocery store. If she asks, we went to get the boys ready for bed.”

“Sounds good.”

“We’re heading out too,” Alex interrupts. “Haven’t seen my girl all day.”

My heart beats a little harder.

We exchange goodbyes, and when Alex and I walk out to his truck, he grabs my hand and leads me to the passenger side.

“I was thinking we could take a little detour before going home. Whaddya think?”

“I think I’m okay with that.” I grin as we get in and buckle.

He drives us down a country road that takes us out of town. I love watching out the window because everything is so open, and the land goes on for miles. It’s easy to see why Alex and his brothers love it out here so much. A rush of emotions overcomes me as I think about raising our baby in the same small town community where Alex was raised. The baby will be cared for and watched over by so many who love him or her. A warm feeling rushes through me.

“You okay?” Alex reaches for my hand and squeezes it three times.

Turning to look at him, I can’t contain my smile. “I’m great.” I squeeze his hand back.

Several minutes pass when Alex drives the truck off road and parks at a lookout area that gives the most breathtaking view of an ongoing prairie and rolling hills.

“Where are we?” I ask.

“Found it four-wheeling one day. It’s a great place to view wildlife. Just far enough from the road, so they don’t get spooked. Sunset is the best time to come up here.”

I check the clock and see it’s at least another two hours till then.

“It’s so peaceful,” I say, sinking into my seat as I stare out at the vastness. “Makes me think about how busy city life is, speeding along, always having somewhere to go. There’s no time to stop and take in the fresh air and just breathe. So much is taken for granted rushing through it.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

We sit in silence, and it’s not even awkward anymore. Being comfortable with Alex has never been an issue, but the sexual tension in the air is always lurking between us. Not that it isn’t now, but both knowing that we’re taking things slowly takes away that pressure.

“A deer,” Alex whispers, pointing to the right.

“Wow.” I smile. “The only deer I’ve seen in Milwaukee were on the side of the highway.”

“That’s morbid.” He laughs. “What about where you grew up?”

“Eagle River,” I say. “I lived in town, so I never saw any close up like this.”

“Weird,” he murmurs.

“What?”

“That some people don’t see wildlife like this. There’s turkeys ’round here sometimes too.”

“Well, there’s petting zoos, but I don’t know if you can really call that wildlife anymore.”

“Yeah, don’t get me started on those.”

I chuckle.

“Told you. It’s a different world down here.” The closest town barely has a population of two thousand people. There’s a church, grocery store, Dollar General, small health clinic, feed mill, gas station, diner, and school. Everyone knows everyone, and the old ladies who sing at church run the rumor mill. It’s absolutely nothing like home, which terrifies yet comforts me. It’s the ultimate fresh start.

He turns his body and faces me, reaching for my hand again. “Do you think you’ll miss it?”

“Wisconsin?”

“Yeah. Where you grew up. Your home? I don’t want you to resent moving here for me even though I’m really, really happy you’re here.” He flashes a small smile.

I contemplate how to answer. “Well, there is something about city life. It’s definitely not for everyone, but it’s exciting. It’s always busy, something to do, and someone to talk to. There are touristy parts of Milwaukee, but not where I worked and lived. I guess if I wasn’t used to it, I’d hate it. I moved there for college first from a small, boring town, so the city life was exciting at first. However, it’s hard to compare to a place like Texas.”

“That’s because Texas fuckin’ rocks.” He smirks.

“I made a lot of great memories there, but I know I’ll make great ones here, too.”

“Good, I hope so.” He brings my hand to his lips and places a soft kiss. “I’d really like that, too.”

“Can I tell you a secret?” I ask, swallowing hard at what I’m about to admit.

“You can tell me anything.”

It takes me a moment to collect my thoughts, but I know I’ll feel better once I get this off my chest.

“I know I’ve told you about my sister, Rylie, and how having a baby scares me because of the what-ifs and complications than can arise.”

He nods, keeping his eyes planted on mine.

“On top of those fears, I’m terrified I’ll be one of those parents with no maternal instincts. I know my mom did the best she could, given the circumstances, but between my dad’s distant attitude and their divorce, I didn’t have the best example. I know the basics of parenting, but that’s all textbook stuff. I love working with kids and helping them through their illnesses, but in an effort to avoid getting too attached, I’ve always blocked a part of that getting too close connection out of my brain. It’s like they drill it into your head in nursing school. Learn the facts, don’t get too close, do what you need to do to diagnose and treat your patient. It’s why so many of our doctors are great. They keep a healthy distance because if you got emotionally invested in every child you lost, you’d be an emotional wreck.”

I finally take a breath, letting Alex catch up on my rambling. He’s listening so intently, which I absolutely adore about him, but now I’m afraid I’ve scared him.

“I’m an emotional dud,” I add.

“You are not,” he finally says. “Keeping an emotional distance so you can do your job right and loving your child are going to be two completely different things.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I’ve seen how you’ve opened up to me in the short amount of time we’ve known each other. I’ve seen the effort you put in to get to know Mama and my dumbass brothers.” He grins. “I’ve seen your friendship with Natalie. You’re not giving yourself enough credit.”

His words sink in, and I hope he’s right. I know I’ll love this baby no matter what, but the insecurities continue to weigh on me. I think about the times Rylie looked so helpless, and how badly I wanted to fix it all for her but couldn’t.

“After Rylie passed, I shut down. For a long time. I think part of that still haunts me. Then when I started nursing school and my clinicals, I dug back to that time and shut down that part of my brain, so I could emotionally separate myself from getting too close. Focusing on the facts and patient treatments was my way of keeping those feelings at bay. My professors would praise me for how well I handled certain situations, and the more I heard it, the more I kept it below the surface. I don’t know. Now that I’m saying it aloud, it all sounds so stupid.”

Before I can drop my head, Alex catches my chin and tilts it toward him. “It’s not stupid, River. Nothing you feel is stupid. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t carry my own burden of insecurities. I’m scared shitless to be a father. I still can’t believe it, but I know when the time comes, as long as you’re by my side, there’s nothing we won’t be able to figure out.”

“You really think so?”

“I do.”

“This kid is going to have the most obnoxious uncles.” I laugh.

“They really are.” He chuckles, and soon we’re both laughing hysterically.

“It’s hard not to think about Rylie at times like this because I want nothing more than to be able to talk to her about everything. About you. About her being an aunt. I know she was sick, but she had so much life in her. Had so much life to live that she was robbed of. It’s not fair.” I close my eyes when the tears start to surface. I hate crying in general but even more now that I’m pregnant. The emotions are ten times more intense.

Alex doesn’t speak. Instead, he crawls over the center console and wraps me up in his arms. While he holds me, I cry against his chest until the tears dry out.