Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

NERVES

JOSH PRESENT

I left practice feeling on edge, my nerves stretched thin. I'd been trying to focus all day-running plays, hitting drills, anything to keep my mind occupied-but it wasn't enough. The urge to check in on Asha had been clawing at me from the moment I left her at daycare that morning.

Jess had told me I needed to trust people more. That I couldn't hover over Asha forever, but that advice was easier said than done. She wasn't the one who had to wake up in the middle of the night to a quiet house that used to be full of life.

Still, I forced myself to let go, just a little. I didn't text the nanny. I didn't call the daycare. But Miss Worth-well, she seemed to know the nerves of a new parent when she saw one. She'd sent me updates every couple of hours without me asking, a surprising kindness I hadn't expected.

At first, when I saw the notifications pop up, I thought they might've been from a reporter or some random stranger trying to get a reaction. But when I opened them, they were just short updates, simple and reassuring.

"Asha had her snack and loved the banana slices!"

"She's been playing with the blocks her favorite color seems to be blue!"

And finally, a picture.

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gripping a stuffed bear as she smiled up at the camera. Her cheeks were round and pink, her curls wild

knot in my throat returned, tight and suffocating. I swallowed it down

buzzed again-an email this time. Dr.

I didn't open it.

same way I had with the last few monthly updates. They'd call if it was serious. I'd made that clear to them. The

But they don't.

Not for us.

gym bag over my shoulder, and

sun dipping low in the sky. I was paying extra for Asha to stay a little later, giving me time to get through practice. When I walked into Miss Worth's classroom, the soft hum of her voice caught me

was sitting cross-legged on the floor, Asha

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room was calm, the walls painted in soft blues and whites, with the rainbow mural casting a gentle

at the door,

Then I knocked softly.

looked up, startled. "Oh gosh, Mr. Saunders. I didn't see

back down at Asha, brushing a hand lightly over her curls. "She just passed out a few minutes ago. Should make for a peaceful ride home." I stepped farther into the room, my boots heavy

standing up and holding her as if she weighed nothing. "Here you go," she

over to me.

into my arms, her tiny body warm and relaxed against my chest. She stirred slightly, letting out a soft sigh before settling

said, my voice low. I adjusted Asha, cradling her against me as I looked down at the woman in front of

ear, her glasses sliding down her nose again. "Of course," she said, her gaze shifting back to Asha. "She's a joy to have here. Really. You don't need to worry