The Temporary Roomie (It Happened in Nashville 2)

“It means eating is going to be the furthest thing from your mind.”

Jessie’s face looks panic-stricken. “So is it too late to cancel?”

“The camping trip? No.” I’m already pulling my phone out of my pocket. “I can just—”

She stills me with a firm hand on my arm, wide crazy-eyes staring up at me. “No! The birth! I changed my mind. I don’t want to do it anymore. Or maybe you can just whip me up a C-section real quick? Ooo, yeah, that’s a fun idea! You can do it for me. It’ll be a good bonding experience.”

I smile and pull Jessie into my chest. “You’re going to do great, Oscar. And I’ll be there the whole time, but preferably not with a scalpel in my hand.” I whisper over Jessie’s head, asking my sister to take Jessie for a sub sandwich tonight. “Just…if you start having any pains at all, call me. I’ll come straight home.”

“Okay, I will.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

Cooper and Lucy say goodbye on one side of the truck and Jessie and I do so on the other. I’m sure we look like teenagers after school, leaned up against the truck making out with our girlfriends. The neighbors hate us, no doubt. Somewhere a twelve-year-old boy is pressed against the glass and his mom is about to yank him away by the ear.

Once we are on the road, I fidget with anything and everything. The radio. My coffee lid, unscrewing and screwing it back on again. Cooper didn’t like it when the lid came off, giving me a death glare that warned I better not spill a single drop on his seats.

When I check my phone for the fifth time, he asks, “You okay?”

I look out the window, feeling like I’m leaving my world behind. When did this happen? How did I become this guy so quickly? The one who’s so in love he wants to ditch the rest of his life in favor of spending time with his woman? “Yeah. I think. I don’t know. I’m a little worried to be leaving Jessie this close to her due date.”

“Say the word and I’ll turn around.”

I smirk over at Cooper. “You’re supposed to be telling me there’s nothing to worry about.”

“Yeah, but I’m dreading this stupid camping party, so I’m totally in favor of leaning into your fears.”

I shake my head as I check my phone for the sixth time. Stupid. She won’t need me this soon after leaving. I need to chill.

“Seriously though, she’s going to be fine. She’s staying with Lucy and Levi, and you know Lucy will be obsessive in her care of Jessie.”

True. That does make me feel better. I let out a deep breath and turn on the radio. It’ll be fine. I’ll be back tomorrow night, ready to be by her side as soon as Jessie goes into labor.

“Okay, I’ve got the popcorn, I’ve got the candy, Levi is asleep, and now we are ready to binge on—” Lucy breaks off when she looks at me. “What’s that?” She points to my face.

I clear my pinched expression. “Hmm? Nothing.”

Lucy cocks her head to the side. “It looked like you were in pain…”

“Did it? How strange. Oh, you know what? I farted. You probably just saw me when I was letting it out.”

“JESSIE ALEXANDRIA BARNES—”

I gawk up at her. “Is that what you think my middle name is?!”

Lucy puts her hands on her hips and stares down at me over the pile of junk food on the coffee table. I’m on the floor sitting cross-legged against the couch because this is the only way I’ve been able to get comfortable the last few hours. “I don’t care what your middle name is right now—”

“Jane.”

“You tell me right now…wait, Jane? Are you serious? Your full name is Jessica Jane? What was your mom thinking? It’s like the female version of Jessie James.”

I shrug. It’s always stumped me too.

She shakes her head, resurfacing from her mental detour. “Jessie, are you having contractions?”

I squint one eye and make a thinking face. “No. I’m fine. Let’s start the movie.”