Something akin to wondrous awe transforms Rhett’s usually frown-marred face. My own heart skips a few beats. Hearing that the baby truly does exist and is seemingly healthy is such a relief. But seeing Rhett’s reaction makes it all the better.
I’m really not alone in this.
I reach for him, needing connection, and am surprised when he takes my hand. He gives it a squeeze but doesn’t let go. It’s so wild being here with him and meeting our baby for the first time.
After the doctor goes over appointments, vitamins, and other information, we leave the facility and head for Rhett’s car. He opens my door and heat creeps up my cheeks. This isn’t the first time he’s done this. Is he a gentleman to everyone? To Angela? Or is it special to me because I’m carrying his baby?
Rather than reading too much into it, I talk his ear off about the nursery when he gets in the car.
“We need to get the crib. Stat. And probably need to start stocking up on diapers. I really want to buy clothes but until we’re sure it’s a him, I don’t want to.”
He chuckles and it warms me to my core. “He won’t be here for a while. I think we have time.”
“And names,” I say, grinning at him. “We have to start thinking up names. What about Buck?”
“I’m not naming my son Buck. We’re not rednecks.” He snorts. “What about William?”
“William came out of the womb with a country club membership,” I say in a snooty voice. “He can also discuss stock options with you.”
“Fair enough,” he mutters with a grunt. “What about Jackson?”
“Too common.”
“Finnick?”
“Not common enough.” I smirk at him. “You’re horrible at picking baby names.”
“Says the girl who likes the name Buck.”
I find my shoulders relaxing for the first time since I took my pregnancy test. Even though I have the townhouse Rhett’s renting for me, it still felt temporary. Being with him today and hearing our baby’s heartbeat gave my life some permanence.
Don’t get too used to it. You’re his dirty little secret.
The voice in the back of my head is a bitch who likes to remind me of reality. The truth is, he’s with Angela. After he drops me off, he’ll go to her.
Am I jealous?
I shouldn’t be. We hooked up and I took home a souvenir. That’s it.
Liar.
You’ve been pining for him long before she snatched him up…
“What’s wrong?” Rhett demands, worry threading his words. “You got quiet. Are you feeling nauseous? Do I need to stop somewhere to get you a Sprite?”
My eyes water. Stupid pregnancy emotions. “I’m fine.”
It takes everything in me not to cry as we ride back to Moonlit Gables. When he parks, I don’t wait for him to help me with my door, and race inside. Once upstairs, I change into some comfy stretchy pants that Rhett ordered for me and crawl into bed. I hope he just leaves. This is hard enough as it is.
The door to my bedroom creaks open and I sigh. “Don’t you have to go see Angela?”
“I’m not leaving until you tell me what’s wrong.”
I roll my eyes and turn away from him. He approaches and then the bed dips behind me. His warmth envelops me as he wraps an arm around me. I freeze at the unexpected affection.
“If you’re stressed, it’s not good for our son,” he murmurs, breath hot against my hair. “Talk to me, Abby. This doesn’t have to be dramatic. We can be friends through all this.”
I shiver when his thumb delicately rubs my stomach through my shirt. Other women get to experience this all the time with their significant other when pregnant. It’s a daily, probably even hourly, occurrence. To me, it’s foreign but feels like such a gift. Unfortunately, it’s setting me up for heartache. I can’t get attached to him like this.
