Just prior to leaving the trailhead behind, Paul managed a quick glance at his phone.  There were texts and voice mails from Jemma.  He cursed silently to himself.  When it rained, it literally poured, just as it was still doing outside.  It never let up once the entire time they were here.  But then, they had been a little preoccupied to really take note of what the weather was or wasn’t doing.  At least the windows were finally clear.<br/><br/>Charlette’s hand on his knee was a comforting gesture to him.  At times, she seemed mature beyond her years.  Which might go a long way in explaining why she preferred not to date guys closer to her age.  Paul wondered what she was thinking.  Their thoughts were probably similar, at least in subject matter.  It was the minute details that differed.<br/><br/>He reckoned there were worse things than becoming a dad.  Paul was gutted, on the other hand, for her.  Charlette was in the prime of her life and she’d just started her nursing studies.  The last thing she needed was an infant to look after, although he realized he’d have to pull more than his weight while she concentrated on her school work.<br/><br/>Irritated at mostly himself, Paul forced those thoughts from his mind.  They would burn that bridge if they ever got to it.  He sincerely hoped they never did.