That’s nice to hear.
Because I’m doing my best not to be that other Tate, the one who was such a dick to her. I still have moments where I freak out a little—I just keep them to myself. Upsetting her doesn’t accomplish anything. And I don’t want to upset her. I’m crazy about her. I was from the moment we met. The baby adds a layer of complication to things. Except we wouldn’t even be together if not for the baby, so I’m trying to wrap my head around all of that.
We only have time to drop off her things before we have to head to the venue, and I sense her nervousness as we head down to the bus to meet up with everyone.
“It’s going to be fine,” I whisper in her ear.
“I don’t know why I’m so nervous,” she says, squeezing my hand.
“New people. New circumstances. New everything. But they’re going to love you. Especially when they see what’s in the shopping bag.”
She laughs. “So the way to everyone’s heart is through pie?”
“Exactly.”
She’s still smiling as we get on the bus. I get on before her, holding her hand, and make quick work of introducing her to the ladies.
“What’s in the bag?” Angus asks automatically. “Please tell me it’s pie.”
Summer just laughs. “It is. Three chocolate peanut butter, one peach, one cherry, one apple.”
“Oh. My. God.” Mick holds out his hands, wiggling his fingers. “Please pretty please?”
“You wait your turn!” I say, sinking into a chair with Summer next to me.
“I’m very excited to try this pie that Angus has talked about nonstop,” Ryleigh says.
“Business has picked up quite a bit,” Summer says. “Thanks in part to everyone tagging me on social media. I’ve had dozens of people ask me if I ship, so while I don’t currently ship, I’ve been researching what it would take. I think it would price me out of the market, unfortunately, so I’m not sure how to make it more affordable.”
“People will pay top dollar for something they perceive as special,” Angus says thoughtfully. “But let me think about it and do a little research myself. There are some discount shipping options, and if you buy the packaging materials in bulk, it brings the cost way down.”
They start talking business and it’s interesting to see her morph into not just a baker but a businesswoman. In my head, her pie baking was a delicious and fun way to make extra money. It didn’t occur to me that she’s serious about it—and genuinely wants to branch out.
By the time we get to the club, Angus has texted her a bunch of links and promises to do some more research. Of course, he comes from a family of billionaires so he cut his teeth on this kind of thing—and I love how happy it seems to make Summer.
“Can I leave her in your hands?” I ask Ryleigh as we head in to oversee where the crew is in set-up.
“Of course. Go on.” Ryleigh links her arm through Summer’s, and I press a quick kiss to her lips before jogging after the guys.
“How is she feeling?” Mick asks me once we’re out of ear shot.
“A lot better. I ordered her some safe anti-nausea stuff and in conjunction with eating crackers before she even gets out of bed, she’s doing great.”
“The first trimester is supposed to be rough for some women,” Angus says, “but I’m glad you’ve found ways to mitigate that for her.”
“I’m still trying to navigate the health insurance thing,” I admit. “But Sasha says we can’t add her as a domestic partner on our plan. The only way to do that would be to get married.”
“Are you going to?” Mick asks.
I freeze, mid-step.
I hadn’t really considered it and I’m not sure why not.
“I don’t…know,” I admit. “It seems too soon.”
“Get a prenup to protect yourself, but you’re having a kid together. You’re also committed to trying the relationship. What’s the risk?” Angus asks. “I mean, that piece of paper has nothing to do with a potential broken heart. Beyond the money thing, why wouldn’t you do this and save yourselves a ton of aggravation? Having a baby is going to cost tens of thousands of dollars. Maybe more. Why not bite the bullet?”
All I can do is stare.
