So, taking a deep breath, I just said, “Everything’s fine. Ky was just doing his big-brother thing.”
“Which means he was probably worried about something.” Theo’s mouth tipped into a faint smile, like he had a good idea of what our conversation had entailed.
“He’s concerned about us,” I admitted.
“Yeah?” Theo’s brows lifted a fraction.
“Yeah.” I sighed, trying and failing to sound casual. “He was just asking what exactly we’re doing. And where I see things going.”
Theo looked ahead again, walking in step with me. “And what did you tell him?”
I opened my mouth.
Then closed it.
The honest answer was complicated, and I didn’t want to dump any unnecessary pressure on Theo.
Didn’t want to make it sound like I’d already looked at engagement rings or matching sets of Christmas pajamas.
But I also don’t want to make it seem like I don’t care.
“I told him I don’t really know where we stood yet,” I said honestly, watching his reaction carefully. “But that I’m hopeful for the future…”
Theo’s gaze shifted back to me. And when he didn’t seem too startled or upset by my words, my shoulders relaxed a little.
“And then,” I added, forcing myself to continue since I knew it was important as well, “Ky brought up my career and where I see that going if things work out with us.”
“Ah.” Theo nodded slowly, pulling his bottom lip between his teeth. “He’s worried that if things continue, I’ll hold you back.”
“No,” I said quickly. “I mean… not exactly.”
Theo’s hand stayed in mine, warm and steady, but I could feel him listening in a way that made my pulse pick up.
“He’s just worried,” I went on, “that I’m going to get swept up in the comfort of it. Staying at your place. Taking care of Charlotte every day.” I swallowed. “That I’ll forget why I worked so hard for my degree.”
Theo didn’t say anything right away. He slowed, then stopped altogether, turning toward me so he could really look at my face. “Do you think that would happen? Are you worried you’d lose yourself in the life Charlotte and I already have?”
My chest tightened, not because the question was unfair, but because it mattered that he asked it like that. Like he was trying to understand, not accuse.
“No,” I said. Then hesitated. “Not really.” I took a breath, choosing my next words carefully. “I get why Ky’s worried. Because the job with you did kind of fall into my lap. And it would be easy to just keep going on like we’ve been doing the past few weeks.”
Theo’s gaze didn’t leave mine.
So I kept going. “And it has been really good. Being with Charlotte during the day.” I glanced down, then back up. “And then hanging out with you guys at night.”
“But?” he asked, the word landing like he already knew there had to be more.
I gave a small shrug. “But I can’t predict the future. I’m not trying to pretend I have some five-year plan figured out.” I looked out at the water, then back to him. “I just know I’m happy right now.”
“I get that,” he said, his expression relaxing slightly. “And I’m right there with you.” His thumb brushed over my knuckles. “I’m not exactly living proof that you can predict anything.”A quiet pause. “If the last few years taught me anything, it’s that life does what it wants.”
I nodded, my throat tight. Then I remembered the other part. “Ky also said something else.”
Theo’s eyes sharpened. “He did?”
I nodded, holding his gaze. “He said I should be careful because whatever happens between you and me… it also affects your sweet little girl.”
Theo went still for half a beat, his jaw flexing.