Chapter 5: Jealousy, Babies, and Forever

After I got pregnant, Carter worried every day.

He hovered over me like a mother hen, fussing over every little thing. Endearing. And exhausting.

“Harper, I want to ask you something.”

I was in the middle of a fierce match, casually brushing him off.

I barely looked up, too focused on the game. "What is it, Carter?"

“If it’s a son, will you love him more or me?”

I snorted, rolling my eyes. "You, obviously."

He looked relieved, but I could tell he wasn’t convinced.

“Then let’s have the nanny take care of him after he’s born. I’ll take you to Europe after your maternity leave...”

Me: ?

I paused the game, turning to stare at him. "Are you serious right now?"

If kids are the proof of marriage, they’re more like happy accidents.

I laughed, shaking my head. Carter just pouted, looking adorably put out.

Since I got pregnant, Carter has been gloomy every day, afraid I’d forget him after having the baby.

He was convinced the baby would steal my affection. I tried to reassure him, but he was stubborn.

So he often has childish, even irrational, thoughts.

Savannah tried not to laugh, I frowned helplessly.

She covered her mouth, eyes sparkling with amusement. I shot her a pleading look, but she just shrugged.

“Harper, I’m really worried about my brother’s mental state. Will he get postpartum depression?”

I seriously considered it. At this rate, it’s very possible.

I nodded, deadpan. "Maybe we should get him a support group."

“That pageant or whatever you mentioned, maybe let Ethan take him to see?”

Savannah stared at me, shivering. I turned and saw Carter behind me, looking miserable.

He was the picture of dejection, arms crossed and lips pursed. I couldn’t help but laugh.

Seeing he was about to start a melodrama, I quickly pulled him into my arms and comforted him softly.

I stroked his hair, whispering reassurances. "You’re my number one, Carter. Always."

“Who said that? How could I let your brother go to that kind of place? I wish I could hide him away, just for myself to see—I couldn’t bear to..."

He brightened instantly, his mood swinging from gloomy to ecstatic in seconds.

“Good, then let’s move out tomorrow, to a place no one knows us, just the two of us, okay?...”

I laughed, shaking my head. "We’ll see, Mr. Rivers."

“SAVANNAH RIVERS, go home right now!”

Savannah ran off laughing, leaving me to face this jealous rival alone.

I glared at Carter, but he just grinned, unrepentant.

Three months later, I gave birth smoothly.

The delivery was quick, and Carter never left my side. He cried more than I did, fussing over every detail.

Every time I nursed, Carter looked like he wanted to strangle his own son.

He watched us with a mix of awe and jealousy, convinced the baby was out to steal me away.

To avoid leaving him alone with the baby, my mother-in-law kept a close eye on him.

Mrs. Rivers was a lifesaver. Every time Carter got too possessive, she stepped in. Honestly, I was grateful for her—and her sense of humor.

Every day at home was a drama of jealousy. After Carter swore 10,086 times not to have a second child, our son was finally weaned.

He kept a running tally on the fridge, just to make his point. I rolled my eyes, but secretly, I found it adorable.

The first day after weaning, his dad tossed him into his own room.

Carter insisted it was for the best—"boys need independence," he said. I just laughed, shaking my head at his logic.

His excuse? “Boys need independence from day one!”

I rolled my eyes, and Carter, finally satisfied, held me and drifted into sweet dreams.

I nestled into his arms, feeling safe and loved. Whatever the future held, we’d face it together—jealousy, chaos, all of it.