The next few weeks go by quickly. Neither of us mentions the almost kiss. Maybe that’s because it was all in my imagination to begin with, which means there’s nothing to mention in the first place.

I’m starting to feel Little Man wiggle, and it’s the best thing ever. Apparently I’ve been feeling him for a while now, and I just didn’t know it was him. Nevertheless, it’s awesome, and it totally makes puking my guts out for three months worth it.

Luke and Trisha broke up, which I think is probably for the best considering Luke’s little slip-up. And we’ve been having fun hanging out, just the two of us.

Not going to lie, it’s been awesome.

We’ve gotten into a routine of taking turns cooking dinner and watching Seinfeld or The Office every night on the couch.

I also haven’t cried since finding out my baby is a he, so I consider that a win, too. Maybe these pregnancy hormones are finally leveling out.

Hallelujah!

I think it definitely has something to do with my best friend being back. He was always there when I moved in, but since breaking up with Trisha, it’s like he’s stopped holding back or something. I’m not really sure how to explain it, and I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I think I like it. Scratch that, I know I do.

We have deeper conversations, diving right in, instead of scratching the surface and tiptoeing around certain subjects. Like Adam. I’m learning how to talk about him without breaking down into tears, which is an accomplishment in itself. Luke knows Adam was a huge part of my life and doesn’t get jealous when I talk about my relationship with him.

It’s therapeutic talking with Luke. I kind of love it, actually. It’s been great to see how much he’s changed, while still holding on to some of the same old Luke from high school.

A few nights before Thanksgiving, we’re binge watching a show on the couch when I feel my Little Man wiggle again. I’m lying on the couch with my legs in Luke’s lap, a bowl full of popcorn on my chest. I quickly grab Luke’s hand and shove it onto my stomach, spilling kernels everywhere.

“He’s kicking!” I announce excitedly.

Luke’s brows pinch in concentration, waiting for Little Man to move. For some reason, Little Man has been stubborn and refuses to kick when I actually want him to, so Luke hasn’t felt him yet.

I watch Luke’s face, my hand over his as he gently rubs my belly. I’m getting used to strangers touching my swollen stomach, but it’s different when Luke does it. It’s more intimate, I think. Like he’s trying to connect with Little Man, as well as with me. He’s not just feeling it out of curiosity or obligation. He’s genuinely trying to form a relationship with the little person growing inside of me. It kind of makes my heart melt.

“Hey Little Man,” Luke whispers, bending closer to my stomach. “I’m Luke. I know we’ve talked a few times before, but I think you got your stubborn gene from your daddy,” he jokes. “Do you think you can give me a little hello?” He waits patiently. I can feel the heat of his hand through my thin cotton shirt. “Please, buddy?”

I wait anxiously, praying my Little Man will throw Luke a bone.

No movement.

He waits another minute and still doesn’t feel anything.

After a little while longer, Luke starts to remove his hand from my belly. He looks at me, trying to hide his disappointment, and shrugs. “I guess he doesn’t like me,” he jokes, the right side of his mouth tilting up a little.

I give him a small smile before lifting my shirt and grabbing his calloused palm again. I place it on my bare stomach and nod encouragingly. His hand practically covers my whole core. “Keep trying, Luke. I never knew you were a quitter,” I tease, a smirk gracing my lips.

Luke laughs before scooting closer to my tummy. “Hear that Little Man? Your mom thinks I’m giving up on you. Little does she know, I’ve only given up one thing in my entire life, and it’s the biggest regret I’ve ever had.” His voice starts getting quieter, like he’s sharing a secret with my belly button. “And I’m not going to make that same mistake again.” His brilliant green eyes peek up at me, before he focuses on my stomach again.

I feel myself practically begging my unborn child to move. A nudge. A kick. A flutter. Anything. “Come on, buddy,” I whisper under my breath, my eyes zeroing in on Luke’s calloused palm.

After a moment, right when I’m about to tell Luke to try again later, I feel it. A tiny flutter on my right side.

Luke’s face lights up as he stares at my stomach in awe.

“Did you feel that?” he practically yells excitedly.

The baby kicks again, right on his index finger.

“He did it again!” he shouts triumphantly. He places his other hand on my belly so that both hands are fully covering my round stomach while the little guy goes to town twisting and turning as if dancing to music only he can hear.

The grin on Luke’s face is the biggest I’ve ever seen. It’s so contagious that my own cheeks start to hurt from smiling so hard.

It lasts for a few minutes as Luke laughs repeatedly from excitement. When Little Man starts to calm down, Luke leans forward and kisses my bare stomach softly. “Thank you, Little Man,” he whispers, sincerely. “Thank you so much.”

Luke

A little boy that isn’t mine just stole my heart. Sounds cheesy, I know. I haven’t met him yet, not formally anyway. But with each tiny movement I feel, with each time I listen to his little heartbeat thumping away, I fall a little bit more.

I’m not trying to replace Adam this time. I’m not stupid enough to think I could ever fill those shoes. But I can love him anyway.

I can be Uncle Luke, or something.

All I know is that this kid is stuck with me, whether he likes it or not.

And I can’t wait.