“Damn hormones,” I mutter as I push through my want. As I open the front door, I notice something sitting on my porch: a little brown bag.
I look around searching for whoever delivered it before carefully reaching inside to pull out a sachet of Pink Stork nausea tea and a little package of sour candies. Instead of being full of sugar like the ones I’ve been wolfing down, they’re natural and organic. A little note sits atop the bag.
Better than that Sour Patch shit, A.
I bite my lip and smile to myself.He’s looking out for the baby. This isn’t about me.
Still, I can’t resist texting him. I send a picture of the candies.
ME
How did you get this so quickly?
He answers right away.
A
Amazon.
He sends a meme of The Rock putting on sunglasses I laugh, popping one of the candies into my mouth. God-damn, it instantly settles my stomach. What kind of crazy science is this?
A
I’m helping Wade at the cabins this morning, but I should be able to pop over when you meet Shane at 1.
I breathe out a sigh of relief, glad he’ll be there to ask the questions I probably won’t think of as Shane discusses next steps. I definitely want to be involved in the design, but baby brain is a real thing and an extra pair of ears, particularly ones that understand all this stuff, can only be a good thing.
ME
You don’t have to if you’re busy.
I hate sounding insecure, but this man makes me feel like I’m floating half the damn time.
A
Liv, I think we’re past this.
A
You’re the mother of my child now. This is a way I can help you. Let me.
The butterflies resurface at the way he calls me the mother of his child, and my filthy mind goes wild as I think of a few moments earlier when I could’ve used his help. I wonder if that counts?
A
See you at 1.
A
Blue is your color, by the way.
He can see me? I turn in the direction of the new wedding cabins in the distance. My eyes fall on the closest one and I immediately spot Asher; he’s on the roof, tool belt around his waist, wearing jeans that fit just right. Although I can’t see his expression from here, he gives me the two-finger salute and tips his hard hat in my direction. I wave back, my chest heating as I head down the driveway to my car.
He’s taking care of the baby,I repeat to myself. As I start the engine, I realize what I have to do, and that’s build up my tolerance for the next seven months, becausethisis new territory for me.
I’ve handled quiet Asher, pissed-off Asher, I’ve even handled animalistic lust-filled Asher. Butthis? The doting dad? This is next level and I’m not really sure what to do withthisAsher besides maybe invest in some extra batteries. Because something tells me my vibrator is gonna be working overtime.
CHAPTER 22
