Something Like Rain (Something Like... Book 8) (59 page)

“Think we should stop her?” William asked.

“Who are we to stand in the way of love?” Jason said. “All we can do is chaperone.”

“Together?” William asked, putting an arm around his waist.

Jason nodded. “Always.”

Chapter Twenty-five

“Merry Christmas,” Jason said, sliding a rectangular shape toward him.

William accepted the present, already perfectly content without it. They were sitting cross-legged on the floor beside a small artificial tree decorated with lights. Outside the day was fading to night. Favorite holiday songs were playing elsewhere in the apartment, which they had to themselves because Emma had gone to stay with her family in Houston. This was all the gift he needed—a long night off with just the two of them.

“Don’t get too excited,” Jason said. “I suck at gift-giving.”

“You don’t,” William said, carefully unwrapping it. A book, which he had already guessed from the heft and size. He recognized it instantly.
The Finest Hours
.

“It’s a true story about the Coast Guard,” Jason said. “Do you have it already?”

His instinct was to say that he didn’t and leave it at that, but he knew what Jason was asking. Had he read it? Yes, when Christie loaned him the book. “I loved it the first time I read it. I don’t have my own copy though. Now I do!”

“Dang it!” Jason said, looking annoyed. “I told you, I’m not good at this.”

“You did fine,” William said, although he did feel proud that his two presents had gone over so well: a Blu-ray set of the
Nightmare on Elm Street
movies and concert tickets to see Spoon later in the year. “Maybe you could read it. That way we could talk about it. Like a book club.”

Jason nodded. “Okay. But don’t worry, I got you one more present.”

The next box he handed over was small. William shook it, feeling something slide around inside. He was clueless about this one, and still a little puzzled after opening it. The Coast Guard theme continued with this gift: a round medallion engraved with the official seal and attached to a keychain. He liked that. What confused him was the attached key. “What’s this go to?”

“My place,” Jason said. “Or what I hope you’ll start calling your place. I want you to move in. I know you’re sick of living with your mom. I already talked to Emma about it, and she’s fine with the idea.”

William looked up, at a loss for words. Except for the two-week-long separation right before Thanksgiving, the previous six months with Jason were the happiest he’d ever known, at least when it came to his personal life. He still wasn’t convinced he had chosen the right occupation, but he kept hoping he would get used to being a paramedic.

“No pressure,” Jason said hurriedly, misinterpreting his silence. “At the very least, I want you to have a key so you can come by any time you want.”

William smiled. “Thank you. I’ve never had my own place before. Unless you count the barracks, but they weren’t exactly private.”

“Is that a yes? I can make space for you. Half of the closet, half of the bedroom. We’ll put a line down the middle like siblings who are forced to share.”

“Don’t bother,” William said, leaning close. “I’d be on your half of the room every night.” After they kissed, he reconsidered. “Well, maybe not
every
night. You know how crazy my work schedule is. Depending on my shift, we might not see much of each other.”

“But we’re more likely to when living together,” Jason said.

“True.”

“You still haven’t answered. Remember what I said before about no pressure? I take it back. Say yes.”

“Yes,” William said with a chuckle, “but you have to be the one to break it to my mom.”

After a few more kisses, they walked around the apartment to make plans. William was even more excited by the prospect when he remembered the apartment complex had its own pool. That would save him trips to the YMCA, assuming it met his needs. He didn’t have a lot of possessions, so he wouldn’t have much to move. Maybe a shelf for books, or more important things, like his Transformers. He liked the idea of sharing a home with Jason. This was a major step in their relationship, one he felt ready for.

“Is that your phone or mine?” Jason asked when they heard muted vibrating.

“Mine,” William said after checking it. “Text message. It’s Lily!”

Merry Xmas! I’ve got a present for you. Can you come by?

He grinned and texted back.
Sure! Is tomorrow good?

I was hoping today. While my family is still out.

That gave him pause.
You know I’m with Jason, right? And you have a boyfriend!

Oh. My. God. Someone is full of himself! I’m not trying to seduce you, asshole. I just can’t stand the idea of seeing my family fawn over you. Again.

He laughed and looked up. “She wants me to swing by.”

Jason made a face. “Does it have to be today?”

“She says it won’t take long.”

Jason grabbed the Blu-ray movie set, no doubt eyeing the extras again. “Fine. But tomorrow you’re all mine.”

“It’s a deal. I promise.” He kissed Jason and held up the key. “When I come back, I’ll let myself in. Make sure to lock the door! I want to practice.”

Jason laughed and swatted him on the butt to send him on his way. William grabbed a bottle of wine and his backpack before leaving, wanting to have something to give Lily in return. Despite all the dreaming, Austin rarely had a white Christmas. He was glad, since it meant he wouldn’t have to navigate snow while on his bike. The house where Lily’s parents lived wasn’t too far anyway. He texted to say he’d be there soon and felt giddy on the ride over. He hadn’t seen her since summer, but they had kept their promise and stayed in touch by texting or sending the occasional email. Catching up in person would be fun. So much had changed since they last saw each other. He was back with Jason, back in Austin, and back to waiting for the next emergency.

Her family had a nice house at the end of a cul-de-sac, the one-story home spread out over a fair amount of property. He remembered them as private people. William had only visited a few times for birthday parties or school projects. He and his friends usually convened at Holly’s house instead. Once the girls had even snuck him in so he could take part in a slumber party.

He smiled at the memory as he walked up to the front door, the darkness of night chased away by festive Christmas lights lining the roof. He didn’t envy whoever had the job of taking them down again! He rang the bell, putting on an exaggerated grin and holding the wine bottle at an angle like a waiter presenting it to a customer. When it came to making an appearance, Lily had him beat. In spades. The door swung open, revealing a beautiful woman with a white shirt stretched over a large belly. On it was a big red bow. Lily had either developed a passion for junk food, or she was pregnant.

“Surprise!” she said.

William nearly dropped the bottle. “Oh my gosh!” he said, staring at her belly. “You have
got
to start doing sit-ups!”

Lily pretended to glare, then stepped forward for a hug. William made sure to embrace her as gently as possible. Then he leaned back to look down. “I take it Dave was the one with a fertility problem?”

“Apparently so!” Lily ushered him inside. “You have no idea how much satisfaction it gave me to call him and tell him the news.”

“This is amazing,” William said as they sat on a couch. He set the wine on the coffee table. “I guess you’re not going to be needing this.”

“Enforced sobriety.” Lily sighed. “It better be worth it!”

“Was your boyfriend excited?”

“No,” Lily said. “Definitely not. In fact, he’s out of the picture.”

William’s smile faded. “Are you serious?”

“Yup.”

“What an asshole!”

Lily peered at him, as if trying to decide if he was kidding. Then she reached her conclusion. “Oh.”

“What?” William said, not understanding what he’d missed. He looked her over again, stopping at the bow on her belly. She had promised him a Christmas present. The pieces clicked into place, except for two that he wasn’t sure fit together yet. “How many months?”

“Six,” she said, appearing vulnerable.

He didn’t need to do the math. Lily had met her new boyfriend a month after they had been together. Maybe two. There was no way that… She had an active sex life though. He probably seemed like a jerk for asking, but he didn’t want to react until he was certain. “Is it mine?”

“Yes,” Lily said.

“You’re sure?”

She nodded. “Dave and I hadn’t slept together for months, and it was six weeks before I met—”

“It’s really mine?” William said, voice cracking, but he didn’t need any more reassurance. He wanted it to be true! Forget all the consequences and complications, he was going to be a father—something he had never thought possible—and the idea alone filled him with joy!

“Are those happy tears?” Lily asked, looking a little concerned, “or are you freaking out?”

William wiped at his cheeks. “Can I touch it? Please?”

Lily stared a second longer and then smiled, lifting up her shirt. William placed the palm of his hand on her belly. She took his wrist and moved it lower down. Then they locked eyes, and he held his breath, waiting for some sign of life. “I just ate,” Lily said, “and it usually doesn’t take long before—”

A kick! Or some other tiny movement, he didn’t know. He smiled up at her. “I felt it!”

“I’ve been feeling her nonstop, especially in the last few weeks. She loves to kick. Maybe she’ll be a swimmer, like you.”

“She?” William said, another wave of emotion hitting him. “Are you sure?”

Lily laughed. “I can show you the sonogram. Want to see it?”

William pulled away. “Wait. I need… This is too much.”

“I understand,” she said. “Take a deep breath. There’s no rush. I’m sure you have a lot of questions.”

He did. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

Lily exhaled. “I wasn’t sure if it would be fair. This was an accident, I promise. I had been careless a few times before Dave, and I never got pregnant then either. When he was a teenager, Dave got a girl pregnant. She had a miscarriage, so we both felt sure that I was the problem. Either that girl had been with someone else, or something happened to Dave since then. I don’t know. Maybe it’s just really hard for me to get pregnant and you have—” She snorted and covered her mouth. “I was going to say strong swimmers.”

“I knew all that training would pay off,” William said, matching her happy expression. Of course there was plenty to worry about too. A number of negative consequences were nibbling at the edge of his consciousness, but he ignored them, wanting to enjoy what still felt like a miracle. “You should have told me.”

“I didn’t know how you would react. When I explained to my boyfriend what had happened between us, he acted like he would be there. He said he wanted to be a father. I was pretty crazy about him, so I thought maybe it could work. My daughter would grow up believing that man was her father. I would have told you eventually, but you were starting your new life here. Then Rob broke up with me when I really started to show, and I decided I didn’t need anyone to help me raise her. I still feel that way.”

William frowned. “I want to be part of her life!”

“If that’s what you want, then I’m open to the idea.” Lily reached over to take his hand. “It’s important you think all of this through. I know it’s exciting now, but wait until reality sets in. We need to talk about how much of a role you’ll play.”

He swallowed. “I don’t think I can be your husband.”

Lily squeezed his hand and released it. “I wish all men were so sweet. I don’t want to marry you, or be in a pretend relationship. We’re friends, and I don’t see that changing. But if you decide you want to be involved, most of your life will be different because of it.”

Where he lived. The hours he worked. Jason. He tried to consider it all, but his mind was struggling to comprehend this twist of fate. As confused as his thoughts were, his heart felt certain of the answer. “I know I want to be involved somehow. There’s no way I won’t be. You’re right that I don’t understand it all yet, but I want to be a part of my daughter’s—” He could barely get the words out, maybe because he had never expected to say them. “My daughter’s life. Does she have a name?”

“Not yet.” Lily placed both hands on her belly. “It’s tradition in my family that the women all have flower names. My mother is Rose, and my grandmother is Petunia.”

William made a face.

“I agree,” Lily said. “My girl definitely won’t be called Petunia. Or Primrose. Heather is nice. Or Poppy.”

William thought about it. “Daisy?”

Lily cocked her head. “That’s nice too.”

“Maybe we should ask her,” William said, leaning close to the belly to address it. “Do you want to be called Poppy? Heather?” He looked up. “Holly is a flower too!”

Lily grimaced. “As much as I loved our friend, I’m hoping our daughter turns out a little brighter than that.”

“Okay then,” William said, addressing the baby again. “How about Daisy?”

“Whoa!” Lily sucked in air. “She kicked hard that time!”

William grinned. “Then we’ve got a name!”

“Maybe. I can’t believe how well you’re taking this. I kept trying to imagine your reaction, but I never thought you’d be this enthusiastic.”