At almost four and half months, I was just beginning to show. And I could still easily hide my pregnancy with my clothes. Soon I wouldn’t be so lucky though.
School was on spring break for the week, but I would probably need to sit down with my boss when we returned and inform her of my pregnancy. With my due date the middle of September, they would need to have a sub for the start of the next school year. The more time I gave them to prepare the better. It was going to be nice to have the summer off and to be able to enjoy the last months of my pregnancy.
That was if they decided to renew my contract once I informed them of my unplanned, unwed, pregnancy. Sweet Alps was a progressive town, but there was a morality clause in my contract. The board might very well look at my unplanned, unmated pregnancy as me violating my contract.
The thought should have terrified me, but it didn’t. I’d cross that bridge if and when I needed to. That seemed to be my motto for a ton of things in my life now.
Right now, I intended to treat myself, since my stomach had finally, for the most part, stopped trying to turn itself inside out whenever I ate anything. I had actually lost weight the first couple of months of my pregnancy, because my morning sickness was so intense in the mornings and whenever I even sniffed food. A nice cup of tea, and a sweet treat from The Sweet Spot were in order to get this first day of my break started.
The temps were still a little cool in the mornings, even for the middle of April, so I tossed on a long-sleeved tee and some comfy sweats. Running a hand through my hair, I headed out, walking the couple of blocks from my parents’ house–nope, my house now–to Main Street.
The shop was fairly busy for a Monday morning after nine, with a waiting line. Likely due to the school holidays, if the many teenagers in line were an indication. Didn’t they sleep until noon, like little vampires?
Quinn Sinclair, the owner, waved at me from behind the register when he noticed me. Smiling, I waved back. I had taught one of his twins, Patrick, last year and had adored the bright, green eyed little boy. Keegan had actually worked here, it was where he had met Nik, but Quinn had no recollection of Keegan at all.
The line moved at a quick pace, and I was still trying to decide what I wanted, when Josh, the assistant manager, asked, “Usual today, Kendrick, or are you still sticking to tea?”
“Tea, please,” I gave him another smile, “The sweet tangerine, if you have it. And…” I nibbled on my lower lip, peering into the bakery cases, “A banana nut muffin.”
“You got it.” Josh bagged the muffin, passing it to Quinn to ring up, while he went about making my tea.
Quinn totaled my purchases, running my card and handing it back to me.
“How’s Patrick?” I asked, thanking Josh when he slid my hot tea to me.
Quinn smiled, “He’s doing good. They decided to put him and Rory in the same class this year, and that has helped with a lot of the issues we dealt with last year. I’m not sure we thanked you enough for being so understanding.”
“Well, she was determined to be with him,” I blew on my tea to cool it, “and it wasn’t a bother. Rory is a lovely girl, when she’s not plotting ways to sneak from her class to Patrick’s. Sadie–Miss Robinson–and I have learned to pick our battles and letting the twins be together seemed like a small price to pay. They learned the material no matter if she or I taught it.”
“Still,” Quinn nodded his head, his green eyes grateful, “we did appreciate both your understanding. I’m not sure what’s going to happen when they get older and have to be separated.”
“Oh, they’ll probably be happy for the distance by then.”
Quinn’s eyes narrowed as he stared past me at something, and there was a quiet murmur that went through the occupants of the bakery. Quinn let out a low whistle from between his teeth.
“I don’t know who that man is, but damn, he is F.I.N.E. fine. And, that hair! Fuck me.”
“It shimmers,” Josh whispered in awe. “I’m not even into guys and he’s seriously making me question myself. Do not tell Jenna I said that! Goddess, I thought your hubby was tall, Quinn. That dude has Lachlan beat by about half a foot.”
“He looks growly though,” Quinn commented, while I stared, mouth open, at the man in question.
Balfour.
Bal was staring at me through the glass, face looking like it was made of granite. He was dressed in dark jeans that hugged his legs, hiking boots, and a red and black flannel. He looked like any other person you would see on the street. That was seven feet tall, with shiny silver hair hanging nearly down to his ass. It was, at least, covering his pointed ears.
He started for the door, and I hurried to head him off. I did not need everyone in Sweet Alps knowing my business. Or possibly getting a glimpse of his ears.
What was he even doing here?
He hated the human realm and only showed up to bring me or my parents to Santa’s Village. He never interacted or dressed like a human. Not that the clothes helped him go unnoticed. All eyes were on him. Not that I blamed anyone for staring. The man was one tall, sexy being. He would get noticed wherever he went.
Deep down I knew there was only one reason for him to be here now, dressed to blend in.
My heartbeat sped up, my breaths coming quick and fast, as I barreled out the door and past him.
He knew.
He knew about the baby.
