For Their Child's Sake

“Sam stopped by the bar the other day.”

Tara shifted her focus to Kate. “Is that right?”

She knew Sam always hung at the bar, mostly to visit Gray, and Gray would keep his eye on Sam. Over the past year, Gray had been a huge help in keeping Sam on the right path. Gray had been big brother, best friend, counselor...whatever Sam had needed.

Tara had kept her eye on him from a distance, praying and hoping he’d find his way. They’d kept their conversations cordial during drop off and pickup with the custody agreement. Sam had worked his ass off to crawl to the point he was at today and she was so proud of how far he’d come.

“He was there to see Gray, but he got me, instead,” Kate stated with a smile and a shrug. “He’s carrying quite a bit of emotion around.”

Tara nodded, torn over how much to divulge, even to Kate. Everyone was invested in Sam and his recovery journey, but at the same time, Tara didn’t want to say too much because her friends, Sam and even her own heart could take her words the wrong way.

The last thing she could afford was anyone thinking there was some happily-ever-after at the end of this. She knew her friends wanted the best for both her and Sam, but not everyone was meant for a happily-ever-after.

“He’s carrying quite a bit,” Tara agreed with a slow nod. “He told me he took indefinite time off to be with Marley and me. I worry with this new job that maybe he should go in so he doesn’t lose it.”

“He’d do anything for you guys. There’s no job that compares to his family.”

That familiar prick of burn to her eyes and clogged throat had Tara coming to her feet and crossing to the door. “Well,” she said as she cleared her throat. “Tell me those baby names.”

Kate slid her hand over Daisy’s head and stroked her ears. “Obviously you and Sam are off the topic table, so I’ll give in and tell you.”

Tara opened the screen door and waved her hand. “Come on, Daisy. Let’s go.”

“Oh, you don’t have to send her out on my account,” Kate declared.

Daisy galloped out the door, nearly knocking Tara over in the process. The poor thing had a tendency toward the clumsy side.

“She hadn’t been out in a while and she needs to run around the fenced-in yard to work off some energy...and to dispose of that slobber outside.” Tara took a seat at the table. “Now, tell me the names. Wait, did you already tell Lucy?”

Kate shook her head. “Not yet, so don’t say anything.”

Tara patted the table. “Out with it.”

“Well, if we have a boy, we’re naming him Liam Gray Gallagher to carry on with Gray’s Irish heritage, and if we have a girl, we’re naming her Fallon Katherine Gallagher.”

Well, there went those tears she’d been trying to keep under control. “Those are beautiful. I can’t believe we’re going to have a little one in less than two months.”

“Might as well be forever,” Kate said on an exasperated sigh. “I feel like my skin cannot possibly stretch any more.”

“Oh, it can and it will.” Tara laughed.

Kate cringed. “Don’t tell me that. I’m in denial and I know that my waist will never be the same.”

“You’ll bounce right back,” Tara assured her. “But no matter what you look like, having a baby is life changing and the most rewarding, stressful, important job ever. It’s seriously all emotions wrapped into one little being that you created.”

Kate smiled and rubbed her belly. “I can’t wait. Gray has spurts of overprotectiveness, which can be sweet but annoying and then he relaxes. But then he reads something else online and worries again, so the cycle starts all over.”

Tara had a pang of longing. She’d been alone when she’d been expecting Marley. Her jerk of an ex had abandoned her at the mere mention of pregnancy and she hadn’t met Sam until Marley was around two. She couldn’t help but wonder what Sam would’ve been like as an expectant father. Definitely attentive, most likely overbearing and hovering.

“What’s that smile?” Kate asked.

Tara blinked away the mental image and shook her head. “Just thinking of you and Gray as parents. You’re going to be amazing.”