“You told me once that bruises heal. Remember? When I broke up with my high school boyfriend.”
“Nah, I believe I said he was an ass. Not quite the same thing,” I remind her.
She shakes her head. “You did, but then you told me that I will heal and have a new chance for someone else.”
“I don’t want someone else.” I toss a throw pillow to the side.
Her cheeky look annoys me. “All the more reason that it will be okay. You have him.”
My heart pinches from the reality of it. Positive truth is heartwarming. “Anyhow, I’ll let you go. I know you’re busy with hockey players that you can’t flirt with.”
“Thanks.” She doesn’t sound enthused. “Oh, and Mom keeps mentioning that when you are further along, she’s hosting the baby shower.”
Now I have to laugh. “Good luck with that. I have a sixth sense that Carter’s mom will blow a gasket over that. I vaguely heard planning about a balloon wall or something when Carter was on the phone with her and trying to get her to simmer down.”
“You’re providing all of us with entertainment. Thanks.”
I shake my head ruefully, end the call, and then toss the phone to the end of the couch. I massage my neck and feel the need to stretch. I pull my leg close then hold the bottom of my foot before stretching straight out and high, nearly to my head.
“What the fuck.” Carter’s fumed tone causes my leg to instantly drop, and he must see that I’m confused as my gaze darts to him. Not because he must have arrived home and I didn’t notice, but because he appears agitated. “What are you doing?”
“Uh… stretching.” It’s obvious.
He moseys into the living room from where he was standing, grabbing the throw pillow on the ground in the process. “You’re pregnant. Take it easy.”
I roll my eyes, aware of where this conversation is going. “I taught a class this morning if you’re really in the mood to be annoyed.”
He lifts his nose with eyes unwavering. He isn’t impressed with me provoking him. “The class where you balance on your arms or bend like some mystical creature?”
My mouth gapes open. I’m not pissed off, more enjoying his protective side. “It’s not new. I’ve been doing it for years. I’m careful and it’s my job, so get a grip.”
Carter joins me on the sofa. “Rosie, I’m serious.”
I shove his arm, still completely unfazed by his concerns. “Settle down. I’ll stop teaching when I feel I can’t do it anymore. At home, I’m not going to stop, though. The movements will help when I deliver the baby.”
His eyes blaze at me. “You are not going to deliver our baby while you balance on your head.”
Giggling, I pull his arm to me to calm him down. “Relax. I promise it’s fine. Now tell me, how was your day?”
He loosens up. “Fine. Just had to check a few things at the station. Nothing riveting.”
“Well, that’s okay. You have enough excitement in your personal life to keep your dosage full.”
His cheeks tighten, and I can tell that he agrees and wants to smile like me.
“I should go change.”
I nod. “Sure. I’m ready to eat a solid meal. I’ll warm up the leftovers.”
The back of his hand glides down my cheek. “Good to hear. I’ll be back down soon.”
My smile hurts.
* * *
Music was on low,a mood candle lit, and we ate dinner together. Conversation was about his brother, the latest neighborhood gossip, and going over the baby growth chart on our apps. It was casual and almost felt as though we’ve reached a new normal on the living situation.
And just like last night, after closing up the house, we ascend the stairs. Except this time, the moment that my feet hit the hallway floor at the top of the stairs behind Carter, he grips my hips and half turns me just enough to lift me up, and my legs wrap around his waist to stay steady.
