Her Dad’s Best Friend

He stuffs some papers in my hands. I don't read them, but I can see that there's almost zero chance that I'm the father.

I've been given the all-clear to pursue whatever I need to do with Camilla. I turn the papers over and snatch a pen from Dr. Mike's table.

"Here's the phone number of the PI that I use the most. Tell him to bill me for whatever work he does for you. I'll text him right now to tell him that you're coming with my blessing." Marcia's voice is sad and timid. "I can't thank you enough."

I cared about her once, conniving witch that she is.

"I hope it works out for you."

Suddenly, she looks ten years older than she did when we came in. She's going to lose her gravy train for a while.

"We're going home, Ryan."

"This whole thing was a waste of time," Ryan spits. "I could be doing something worthwhile instead of being in a smelly clinic."

I hope Marcia gets a better handle on him, even though he's basically teenager. Maybe he'll grow out of his rudeness. But it's not my job to care about it.

"Thanks, Mike." Mike shakes my hand and gives Marcia a handshake, too. Ryan is already walking out of the room.

When we get to the parking lot, I turn to her. "This will be the last time I'll see you in a long time."

She nods. "Take care, Link."

"You, too." I watch her get into her car. I feel like I have a new lease on life.

I know my next stop: the jewelry store. I need a rock that tells everyone Camilla is taken until the end of time.

Ring

Camilla

I'm toweling off after a bath. I don't know what's going on right now, but I know that I trust Link to do whatever's right. Kelly texted me to tell me that she was going to be back tomorrow. They were going hiking or something. If I could list people least likely to go hiking, especially without gear, Kelly would be in the top spot. But I also know that Kelly must not be actually planning on real hiking. Whatever floats her boat

My mind is in a tangle. First my dad and then Marcia barged in on us. What if Link actually does have a kid? What would that mean for us?

I know that I would fight for him, even if he had other responsibilities. I touch the soft curve of my stomach. His baby could be inside of me right now.

I get wet thinking about the way that he took my virginity. He's an incredible lover. I'm so glad that I gave it to him, no matter what else happens.

I hear a knock on the front door of the apartment.

"Coming," I call. I slip on a dress, no bra, no underwear.

When I look through the peephole on tiptoe, I see Link outside.

I unlock the door, then he's rushing inside and falling to the ground.

"Link! What are you doing?"

He's on one knee. He has a bouquet in one hand and a ring box in the other.

"I haven't asked you yet, but I'm going to fix that. Right now." He brandishes the bouquet. "These flowers are for you." They're pink roses. I smell them. "They're lovely."

"Not half as lovely as you." He opens the ring box. "Camilla, will you make me the happiest man alive? Will you marry me?"