Partners

"I'm not trying to judge you. I just don't want you to be upset," Richard said quietly.

Laney sighed. "It's really not a big deal. I'm used to stuff like this."

"That isn't something you should be used to." 

He meant it. She might be perplexing but if she wanted to be loved, she should have that. With someone who wasn't romantically involved with her best friend.

She let out another slightly bitter laugh. "It's far too late for that. Don't worry about it, Richard. It's not your responsibility to make sure I'm happy. You're already doing enough to make sure I'm taken care of."

Richard didn't feel like he was though. He was responsible for her well-being as long as she was carrying his child.