Rex yawned, making Eden giggle. “You’re the cutest dog I’ve ever met.” She looked up at Steve and her smile disappeared. He was looking at her with an intensity that made her toes curl. She cleared her throat, hoping something intelligent popped into her brain to clear the tension in the air.
“Did I tell you I’m helping to organize a baby shower for Shelley? It’ll be a lot of fun.”
Steve tilted his head to the side. “Have you organized any others?”
“My younger sister has three children. I organized her first two baby showers. By the time her third baby arrived, she was too tired to have a party.”
Steve put his cards face down on the coffee table. “Do you want a family of your own someday?”
Eden swallowed the knot in her throat. Thinking about the plans she’d made was hard. “When I was going out with my last boyfriend, I had my entire life worked out. We’d have four children by the time I was thirty-four, two dogs, a guinea pig, and a house with a wide veranda and lots of flowers. When the relationship fell apart, I didn’t plan anything anymore.”
Steve leaned against the sofa. “Why not?”
“Because I didn’t want to tempt fate. I moved to Boston and focused on teaching and not much else. Then, after the shooting, I realized how isolated I’d become.”
“So, you moved to Sapphire Bay. Do you feel less isolated now that you’ve been here awhile?”
“Definitely. It’s hard to remember just how sad I was when I arrived.” She grinned, trying to lighten the tension between them. “If I ever want to have children, I’ll need to find a husband. Preferably one who’s prepared to change dirty diapers at two o’clock in the morning and make wonderful breakfasts in bed.”
Steve chuckled, and the tension between them eased, replaced by a light-hearted banter. “You make it sound so easy.”
Eden shrugged playfully. “Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. It depends on how good a cook he is.”
Steve nodded, a thoughtful look on his face. “I’m a good cook, but it hasn’t helped me. What do you think I’m doing wrong?”
“You aren’t doing anything wrong,” she answered truthfully. “You’re perfect the way you are. Isn’t that right, Rex?” The sleepy smile on Rex’s little face made her smile. “See. Rex agrees with me.”
Steve’s eyes filled with warmth. “In that case, I’d better practice making pancakes and waffles. I’ve heard that’s the way to a woman’s heart.”
Eden wasn’t sure where he’d heard that, but she wouldn’t complain if he wanted to test them on her. “Only if they come with whipped cream and strawberries.”
Steve laughed and picked up his cards. “Where were we?”
Eden focused on the fourteen cards she was holding. “I believe I was about to ask you if you have a ten of diamonds.”
Steve handed over the card. As they continued playing, their conversation flowed naturally, their laughter mingling with the sound of Rex snoring.
“Tell me more about the baby shower,” he said. “Does Shelley know you’re organizing it?”
Eden re-organized the cards in her hand, hoping it gave her a competitive advantage. “It’s a surprise. We’re planning all sorts of games and decorations. Shelley’s friends are amazing, and they have so many creative ideas. It’ll be a mix of fun and heartfelt moments.”
Steve smiled. “It sounds like it’ll be a great party.”
Eden nodded. “I hope so. Shelley deserves a relaxing afternoon. She’s finding the last few weeks of her pregnancy the toughest.”
“In what way?” Steve asked.
“In every way,” Eden said, leaning back slightly as she spoke. “She feels uncomfortable most of the time. Whenever she eats anything, she gets severe acid reflux, and sleeping is impossible.”
Steve nodded, sympathy etched on his face. “Sounds rough. The baby shower is a great idea. I’m sure she’ll love it.”
Eden smiled. “I hope so. It feels good to do something that’ll make her happy, especially after everything she’s done for me.”
They continued their game, the cards becoming secondary to their easy conversation. The room was filled with warmth and laughter, and everything that was good between them.
Steve studied her for a moment, his expression serious. “You know, I admire how you’ve thrown yourself into helping at The Welcome Center. It’s not easy moving somewhere new and doing something completely different.”
Eden looked down, feeling a little shy at his compliment. “It helps to stay busy. Plus, Shelley had an entire folder full of instructions, and everyone’s been really welcoming.”
