“Well, I'm not sure I'm technically dancing either… so just sway with me… You can do it.” Her smile widens, and that’s what has my feet moving. My eyes are glued to hers. The light’s hitting her just right, her soft body moving under my hands. She runs her hands down my arms, stepping out from me and grabbing my hand to twirl around. I ensure I keep her close, not wanting her to slip and fall.
“How does this help the baby?” Here in her arms, there’s nowhere for me to hide. I have a feeling she would see straight through it anyway. My feet shuffle like my shoes are made from lead. But I’m moving. I’m doing it.
“Well, Hudson said it could come any time, but it's not in position. Apparently, upright movement, hip swaying, and gravity all work together to open the pelvis, create more space, and gently guide the baby downward, ready for birth. And then I also made some curry and spicy pastries.”
“Mmmm. I can smell them.” My mouth waters. For her and her food.
“How long are you staying for?”
Forever. That’s what I feel like saying. I move my eyes from hers and look at her belly. If she could go into labor any day now, then I want to be close.
“I might stick around for a week or so,” I tell her and watch as her features soften.
“I’d like that,” she says quietly, and I tighten my grip on her, pulling her closer to me, her belly squished into my own as I bury my face in her hair and we sway.
If this is what Heaven feels like? Then I’m ready to die, because holding her and her holding me feels like a dream. One I don’t want to wake from. Yet like every night, it will no doubt turn into another nightmare.
Sweet kisses and soft dreams are not something a man like me gets in life. No matter how bad I want it.
"Actually… I feel like I might need a new mattress. Do you want to sleep over tonight and let me know what you think?" she murmurs against my chest, and I swear she’ll hear my heart explode.
I know what she’s really asking of course. Her mattress is fine.
"Thought it felt a little lumpy last time. Might be worth trying it again before you get a new one…" I offer, trying to tame the grin pulling at my lips.
And just like that, I'm staying. Sleeping by her side, right where I want to be.
19
Savannah
I step into the yoga studio and pause.
“Surprise!” the girls all yell, and I’m momentarily shocked into place.
“We wanted to put together a little party.” Victoria looks at me, waiting, since I haven’t moved a muscle since I stepped inside.
Snapping out of it, I smile wide and chest warm. “Oh my gosh… you did all this?”
“Victoria nearly hot-glued her fingers together trying to get those glittery signs on the wall.” Lacy chuckles.
“It was one time,” Victoria mutters. “And I stand by my commitment to glitter.”
“A baby shower?” Tears prick my eyes as I look at the pink and blue streamers on the wall. The cute tables and chairs have replaced the yoga mats and the tables off to the side house a large cake and refreshments, along with a mountain of gifts.
“Yes. We know the baby’s coming soon and wanted to make you feel special, before sleepless nights take over your entire personality.” Annabelle comes to my side, giving me a small hug.
I’m lost for words. I’ve never really had a party before. Celebrations were never something I grew up with. I told myself it was too indulgent, that I didn’t need the fanfare. But truth be told, I was always jealous when Eden had large birthday parties with her friends every year, and I was barely acknowledged on mine.
“Come on through here…” Daisy steps forward, placing a sash over my head saying Mom-To-Be.
“Oh, this is…” I’m trying to find the words while simultaneously trying not to cry.
“Now my cupcakes are not as good as yours, so be kind…” Rochelle, the lady who owns the local diner, teases, and I grin. “Honestly, if they taste terrible, just lie. I’m fragile today.”
“You’re always fragile,” Charlotte snorts.
“Excuse me, I am a delicate flower,” Rochelle says, flipping her hair.
