“Wow, I guess you really have changed.”
“I’m trying not to be so rigid. Do we have a lot to work out? Absolutely. Am I going to run, hide, or bury my head with any of it? No. That’d be stupid.”
“Good. Because here are the things we need to discuss. Living situations. I’d like us to be living under the same roof, wherever it is, before the baby comes.”
“Agreed.”
Wow, that was easier than he thought. No need to push more there.
“The baby’s last name will be mine. If you want to open discussions about yours matching, I’m all ears.”
She lifted her head to look at his face. He dropped his lips to hers, the smile never leaving.
He was serious but could mask it behind humor.
“No problem on the baby’s last name. If or when mine changes, that’s something we can talk about later.”
“Are you open to it?”
“If I wasn’t, I’d say that, but don’t even think of making it a conversation now.”
“I’m getting to you,” he said, still throwing it out there as a joke. Sort of.
“You’ve been getting to me since you stepped foot on the island, Arik. Don’t doubt or question that. But I still need time to trust myself. And if you push more, neither of us is going to be happy.”
It didn’t sound great, but asking her to explain could end up sounding even worse. Especially if the truth was something that would cut deeper than silence.
41
EMOTIONALLY SMOTHERING
The following month, Natalie knew it was time to make her pregnancy known at work. At least to Hunter.
Sophie was flying in tomorrow via helicopter that Arik had arranged and staying for several days.
She was looking forward to spending time with the woman who was so close to Arik.
“He’s waiting for you,” Lori said.
“Thanks.” She popped her head in and saw her boss sitting in a chair off to the side. Not behind his desk and making this so formal.
She’d called the meeting, not him.
She shut the door and joined him in the chair across.
“If you tell me you’re leaving I’ll give you another promotion.”
He’d have no idea how it felt for her to hear those words.
To feel appreciated. That the effort, the work, and the long hours she poured into her job were recognized.
“I’m not leaving,” she said. “Or not for long.”
He lifted an eyebrow. “Oh, really?”
“I’m pregnant.”
Hunter nodded his head a few times, processed what she’d said then finally asked, “Can I say congratulations? The way you’re wringing your hands says you either think I’m an asshole or Arik might be one?”
