It’s been two months since my first appointment. I got a job as a receptionist at a law firm because Luke knew a guy needing some help. It’s pretty boring work, but they’re great about my pregnancy and have been really understanding whenever I’ve needed to miss work for my appointments.

Luke has insisted on coming to every one of them, and I can see Dr. Fellows and him developing a great relationship. Apparently, he told Dr. Fellows about Adam while I was getting dressed after my first appointment, and since then, Dr. Fellows has been really sensitive to my situation.

While I’m grateful for Luke’s support and protectiveness, I often have to remind him that I’m not a delicate flower. I’m getting better. It’s taking time, but I’m moving forward. That’s the only thing I can do in my situation, and Adam wouldn’t have wanted me to mourn him forever. It’s only been five months, so I am definitely still mourning. But Adam was the happiest person I know, and he hated when I was sad. He would want me to be happy. Luke is good at reminding me of that.

He knows when I need a shoulder to cry on and will hold me, taking a walk down memory lane right by my side. He also knows when I need to take my mind off things. The stresses of today. The unknowns of tomorrow. That’s when we go on adventures, which might be a trip to the zoo, or a last-minute run to the grocery store for ice cream and a movie.

Luke can look into my eyes and see exactly what I need. Hell, he doesn’t even need to see me. I can send him a text and he just knows. It’s a gift he’s always had. I’ve never understood how he does it, but he just likes to call himself The Liv Whisperer. I like to call him The Jackass, although he knows I’m kidding.

I don’t know where I’d be without him, and it scares me how much more I’m relying on him.

--

It’s Thursday morning, and I have just finished putting on my fitted shirt and navy pencil skirt. I pause in front of the mirror, noticing the fabric stretching along my stomach. I’m going to have to get some maternity clothes soon. I’m excited to finally start looking pregnant, instead of like I just ate one too many pizzas.

Opening up my mascara, I start applying it to my lashes, my mouth forming a tiny ‘o’.

I see Luke out of the corner of my eye in the mirror as he leans his shoulder against the doorjamb. He’s dressed in a white button-down shirt with the top two buttons undone, his charcoal gray slacks molding to his muscular thighs. I rarely see him in anything but jeans and a t-shirt, and nearly poke my eye out as I take in his appearance. He looks good. Sophisticated. An alpha-male through and through. No wonder he has ladies chasing him left and right.

He clears his throat to get my attention.

“So, do you have any plans for tonight?”

I roll my eyes. He knows my only plans include a pint of Ben and Jerry’s, yoga pants, and the TV remote.

“Why yes, I do. Did I forget to tell you? I’m going to the Ball. My fairy godmother asked me to be ready by seven.” I bat my lashes at him, while giving him a cheeky grin.

“Perfect,” he says. “But tell her that the pumpkin carriage won’t be necessary. I’m more than happy to drive,” he smirks back at me.

I feel my brows furrow, my smile sliding off my face.

Am I missing something?

“I’m sorry, what was that?” I ask, confused.

Luke laughs. “Seriously, be ready at seven. I’m taking you out. There’s no way that much ice cream can be good for the baby, anyway.”

He pushes himself off the door and places his hand on my belly, rubbing it like a genie might pop out.

I swat his hand away. “There’s no such thing as too much ice cream, you silly man. Where are we going, anyway?” I ask, putting my hand on my hip.

He slips a piece of hair behind my ear, grinning mischievously.

“It’s a surprise. But wear something other than yoga pants, will ya?” He winks at me before walking down the hallway, leaving me to my own thoughts.

Did he just make fun of my yoga pants?

“Jackass!” I yell in reply, his laughter echoing down the hall.

--

Later that evening, I’m busy staring at my closet, having no clue what to wear. “No yoga pants” isn’t much direction, but I finally decide on a mint-colored sundress that falls just above my knees and does a pretty good job at hiding my baby bump. I almost feel normal as I pair it with some sandals and a simple silver necklace. My hair is down and curly, falling just above my shoulders.

I shrug as I look myself up and down. It’s not like I’m trying to impress Luke. And yet, I want to feel pretty tonight. It’s been a while since I had a night on the town.

That must be it.

I grab my clutch and walk out into the family room. Luke is sitting on the couch, staring at his phone. I can’t help but assume it’s Trisha that holds his attention. Does she know Luke and I are going out? It’s not like it’s a date. Obviously. He has a girlfriend.

He looks up, and I feel a little vulnerable as I see him slowly take in my appearance, starting with my toes. When he finally meets my eyes, I bite my lower lip and shrug my shoulders, mumbling under my breath, “Sorry I’m not a leggy chick with long dark hair and giant boobs.”

I turn my eyes toward the floor, praying he didn’t hear my ridiculous remark.

I’m nervous.

Why am I nervous?

This is Luke. My Luke. He’s seen me puke my guts up, on more than one occasion, and pee my pants from laughing too hard. He’s been there to hold me when I cry and to crack a joke when I’m grouchy.

What is wrong with me? All of a sudden, I feel like crying.

I think I just realized that he’s not my Luke anymore. He’s Trisha’s.

This is ridiculous. Come on, Liv…buck up. Stop being so emotional.

Luke steps forward and gently tilts my chin up so he can see my eyes.

“Liv. If I wanted a leggy chick with dark hair and giant boobs, I would’ve asked Trish to go with me.”

Shit. He heard me.

I feel my cheeks heat and try to pull away, feeling absolutely mortified and a little hurt, by how quickly he tore through my already shaky self-confidence. He grabs both sides of my face, making sure I have his full attention.

“You look gorgeous tonight. You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. I don’t want to be with anyone else in the world, except you. And only you.” He smirks. “And I guess your heirloom tomato can tag along, too.” I snort, knowing he’s talking about the baby.

He downloaded an app that sends notifications every week telling you how much the baby has grown, as well as the size of fruit or vegetable they are.

Apparently, my little one is the size of an heirloom tomato.

What the hell is an heirloom tomato?

Luke pulls me into a hug before kissing the top of my head, his lips lingering for a minute.

Hesitantly, he pulls away. “Come on. We don’t want to be late.”

--

We pull up outside a concert hall, and I give Luke the side eye.

“Seriously, will you just tell me where you’re taking me?” I yell, exasperated.

He grins widely. I can practically feel his excitement rolling off him in waves, reminding me of a kid on Christmas morning. He places his hand on my knee and squeezes playfully after turning off the car. I yelp, pushing his hand away. He knows how ticklish I am!

Bastard.

“We, my dear girl, are going to experience something we’ve only ever dreamed about.” He winks in my direction.

I raise one eyebrow at his cryptic statement, deciding he’s absolutely crazy.

He grabs my chin, turning my face toward the windshield. Luke leans in, and I can feel his breath on my ear as he whispers. “We’re going to see…” he pauses for effect, “Jerry Seinfeld.”

I hear myself squeal in excitement before he even finishes his sentence, and I bounce in my seat eagerly.

I think I may have peed myself a little.

“Yes! Are you freaking serious? You can’t be serious. I’ve wanted this for forever! How did you get tickets? How did you know about this? How did you keep it a secret?” I shriek excitedly.

He just smirks back at me, shaking his head back and forth and chuckling at my enthusiasm.

“So I take it this is a good surprise?” he asks me with a knowing grin.

“Hell yes, it is!” I say, doing another little happy dance in my seat. I can’t contain my excitement as we exit the car. I jump into his arms and squeeze him so tight I’m afraid I might break him. Which is ridiculous since they guy is like solid rock. Still, my enthusiasm is contagious as he swings me around in his arms, laughing with me.

He and I have been watching Seinfeld reruns since forever. Adam always made fun of the fact that we were obsessed with a show that was as old as we were. But I just couldn’t help it. I mean, it’s a show about nothing. What’s not to love?

--

Jerry was hilarious. Seriously. My sides still hurt from laughing so hard. I even cried at one point. Although that may have been the hormones.

Regardless, it was one of the best nights ever. After the show, Luke and I went to a little Italian restaurant where I loaded up on breadsticks and alfredo. After the waiter cleared our table, I ordered chocolate cake for dessert. Luke enjoyed watching me eat enough for two grown men, let alone an heirloom tomato.

I don’t ever remember laughing so hard in my life, and it wasn’t just Mr. Seinfeld. Luke knew just what to say to keep me in stitches all throughout dinner.

As I’m finishing up my cake, convinced my smile is etched into my face forever, Luke grabs my hand on the table.

“Are you doing okay, Liv?” he asks, his face sobering somewhat.

I pause, seriously considering his question. The low-lit ambiance of the restaurant adds to the intimacy of the question.

“Yeah.” I take a deep breath, slightly nodding my head. “Or at least, I think I’m getting there.” Luke sends a small smile across the table, encouraging me to continue.

“It’s hard, you know? And I’m sure it won’t stop being hard, but I’m okay.” I shrug one shoulder. “I’m having a baby and, even though I’m terrified, I’m excited too. I’ve always wanted to be a mom, and now I have the opportunity. It was like Adam’s last gift to me, or something. At first I thought it was a curse, but…” I shake my head slightly, “I can’t wait to find out if it’s a boy or girl.”

Luke’s smile begins to grow, until it’s covering his whole face. He squeezes my hand tightly.

“You’re going to be the best mom, Liv. Seriously. I’ve never seen a more incredible woman, and I can’t wait to see you in action.”

I blush at his compliment, lost in his intense gaze.

“I’m here for you, Liv. Always.” Luke squeezes my hand reassuringly.

I nod my head again. “I know.”

Luke

Last night was incredible. It couldn’t have been more perfect. The show was awesome, and the company was even better.

It almost felt like a date.

And that is the problem.

We’re not dating. At. All. This girl has more baggage than most people can carry, but that’s not the problem. The problem is how much I want to help her hold all of it. I can’t let myself get tangled up in her again. I can’t.

I don’t think I’d survive a second time. Scratch that. I know I wouldn’t. This girl broke my heart and doesn’t even have a clue.

I need to go see my girlfriend and forget all about the girl of my dreams. I need to leave those feelings in the past. Where they belong.

She doesn’t need me to make her life any more complicated than it already is.

We’re just friends. That’s all she’s ever seen me as, and that’s all she ever will.

I definitely need to call Trish.