I never thought I wanted to be a dad until my bartender told me she was pregnant. Tabitha and I have worked together for a decade, and she's been my right hand for almost as long. Which is why her news hits me like a sucker punch, awakening feelings I'd buried deep. And suddenly Tabitha-my Tabby-is all I can think about. When the baby's father bails, I know I have to step up to take care of my girl. Whether it's delivering groceries to her door step, helping her buy a new car, or going to ultrasounds, I will do whatever it takes. Even move her in with me. Because I'm all in.

But her past trauma makes it hard for her to trust anyone, and that's okay. I'm willing to be patient. At least until the baby arrives.