Chapter 36 - Jim

“All things considered, that went as well as I thought it would.” I put my arm around Alyson and push off the ground, sending the glider back. It’s getting late, and everyone but Weston and Jackson has left already. Wes is working the night shift tonight, so Jackson is staying here with Alyson’s parents.

Alyson rests her head on my shoulder and closes her eyes. She looks exhausted. Physically, I know she will be for the rest of the first trimester at least. Emotionally, she’s spent.

And I still think she’s one of the fucking strongest people I know.

“Yeah. Only my dad and Jacob want to take you out back and cut off your testicles. But don’t worry, I won’t let that happen. I happen to like them. Well, more so what they’re attached to.”

I laugh and press my lips against the top of Alyson’s head. “Thanks for looking out for my balls.” The sound of katydids and crickets echo through the yard, reverberating off the tall corn that surrounds us. The sounds o