Page 27 of From Maybe to Baby

22. Makes me smile without trying

23. Knows exactly what to say

24. Makes family pandemonium seem... appealing?

Delete that last one.

But maybe keep it in mind.

I fall back on my suite sofa, staring at the ceiling. Through the wall, I can hear a family getting ready for bed—quiet voices, gentle laughter, the kind of domestic peace I've always run from.

Add to list:

25. Lives in a world of bedtime stories and morning routines

26. Makes me question everything I ever thought I wanted

My phone buzzes again. Jonas:

Also, Lukas wants you to know he's sorry about the laptop. He suggested we could fix it with his dinosaur band-aids

And again.

For the record, I told him electronics don't work that way, but he's very convinced about the healing power of T-Rex

Add to list:

27. His kids are actually kind of cute

28. I might be in serious trouble

The final text of the night:

See you tomorrow. I'll bring laptop options and coffee strong enough to make up for getting up early on vacation. Unless you've changed your mind?

The last thing I need is complications. The last thing I need is roots. The last thing I need is an attraction to someone who comes with two tiny humans and a whole lot of responsibility.

I text back:

I'll be there. But I'm not sharing my pancakes

His response is immediate:

Wouldn't dream of asking. But Jace's offer stands. She's very persistent. Gets that from her dad

Add to list:

29. Might be worth breaking a couple rules for

Delete that one too.

(But save it, just in case.)

Some predicaments requirea full-scale communication plan. I start with my best friend, because Lucy has talked me through every crisis since college:

SOS. Hot dad alert. Send help

Define 'hot dad.' Like, soccer practice hot or actual hot?