One in a Million (Book 3 in the Four of Us Trilogy)

27 | Blast from the Past

Well I remember, I remember, don't worry

How could I ever forget?

It's the first time, the last time we ever met.

-Phil Collins, "In the Air Tonight"

Panama City Beach, Florida

Brooke

"Ugh," I groaned as I rolled out of bed.

And by rolled, I mean literally. Rolled.

My stomach was getting to be so big that I couldn't see my feet... but I had to admit I was happy about it. I actually loved being pregnant – the morning sickness hadn't been terrible, Luke waited on me pretty much hand and foot, and I loved eating for two.

"Brooke? Are you awake?" Luke called from the kitchen.

"Yes, I'm rolling out now," I called back, standing up and stretching.

"I'm making waffles!"

I grinned as I pulled my pajama shorts on. "And that's why I'm having your baby!" I shouted, and I heard him laugh.

When I padded into the kitchen, Luke was putting a waffle on a plate for me. I crossed the room to kiss his cheek, and he grinned. "Here ya go, B," he said, and I took the food gratefully, sitting down at the table and putting butter and syrup on it.

"Thanks, Luke. You're too good to me," I said as I took a bite.

He shook his head as he sat next to me. "No. You deserve everything in the world, and I intend on giving it to you. And our daughter," he said, leaning over and rubbing my stomach protectively.

I put my hand over his. "That's because you're amazing."

He smiled and we ate in silence for a few minutes until he finally spoke. "Hey, how's Rachel?"

I shrugged. "We haven't talked too much in the past couple weeks. She's been so down, but she hasn't really wanted to open up to me. But Jessica sent me a text and told me they went out for laser tag the other night, so at least she's getting out of the house."

Luke cocked his head to the side. "Did you say Jessica sent you a text?"

I nodded. "Yeah, weird, I know, but we have bonded a little bit over our mutual love and concern for Rachel. I mean, she's the one who's there with her all the time, so I need to know what's going on. Plus, Jessica is pretty cool."

Luke shrugged. "Well, good. That's not how things usually work out between an ex and a current girlfriend, but hey, props to you guys for being mature," he said, getting up and taking both our plates to the sink.

"Well, we figured that since I'm having your baby and she's basically living with Parker, we could move on from the past," I said, pouring myself another glass of orange juice.

"Touché," he said, closing the dishwasher and starting it. He walked over and kissed my forehead. "I have to go to a budget meeting with Dad this morning, so I'll be home a little later. Are you working today?"

I shook my head. "No, but I have to run a few errands."

"Be safe," he commanded as he put his fingers under my chin and lifted my face to his. "Okay?"

"I will," I assured him. "Stop worrying."

He leaned in to kiss me gently. "You're my entire world, Brooke. And you're carrying the next piece of that world in your belly. So I'm always going to worry."