Page 79 of Line Change

“Do you want to try these on?” The saleswoman asks from behind me.

“That’d be great.”

I look around for Bash and spot him walking toward me with a pile of clothes. I swallow. He may have gone a little overboard.

She nods, gesturing for me to follow her to the back of the store where she proceeds to open one of the dressing rooms for me.

“You sure picked out quite a few things,” I tell Bash.

He shrugs as the saleswoman takes the clothing from us and hangs it up inside the dressing room.

“I found a couple pairs of stretchy shorts that seemed like they’d be comfortable and a few shirts that felt super soft, including a few sleeveless ones. Figured you’d want to be comfortable come summer. Plus, I grabbed a couple of skirts like those flowy ones you always wear.”

“Thank you.”

“Of course, love. Now go try them on.” He tips his chin toward the dressing room door where the sales lady has reappeared.

“If you need anything, just let me know,” she says as I step inside, closing the door behind me.

All the hooks are filled with clothing, and even the small bench in the corner has items piled on it. This is going to take a while.

I grab the blue sundress in the smaller size and tug it over my head. It fits, but it hugs my boobs and belly tighter than I’d like. Sighing, I take it off and reach for the bigger size and pull it over my head. That feels better. I guess. I stare at myself in the mirror, my hand drifting down to rest on my pregnant belly.

The woman looking back at me is unrecognizable. She has my hair and my eyes, but her body has changed. I take a shaky breath.

“You doing alright in there, love?”

“I don’t know …” I whisper because while physically I’m fine, I’m not sure if I am emotionally.

A light knock comes on the door. “It’s me. Open up.”

I unlock the door and pull it open.

“What’s wrong?” He looks me up and down. “It’s pretty on you, but if you don’t like it, there are plenty of other options …”

“I don’t recognize myself,” I whisper, gesturing at my body. “It freaked me out a little.”

“Sutton, love.” He crowds into my space, tilting my chin up. “You’re beautiful. You’re glowing. Have been for months. You’re growing a human. Of course your body is going to change.” He rests his hand on my belly, leaning closer to whisper in my ear, “Your pregnant belly is so sexy. It’s hard to keep my hands to myself.” I swoon at his words. “I want to drop to my knees and worship you right here.”

I clench my thighs together at the thought. Okay, maybe being pregnant has its perks.

“I know my body is changing. I guess I’ve just been in denial as to how much. The harsh fluorescent lights in here aren’t making me feel any better.” I let out a watery laugh.

He furrows his brows, studying me. “Anything I can do?”

“You telling me you think I’m sexy is enough. I appreciate it and you.”

“I’m glad I was able to help.” He drops a kiss to my cheek before letting me go and taking a step back. “I’ll be over there.” I peek my head out and look to where he’s pointing at two chairs lined up next to full length mirrors on the other side of the other dressing room. “If you need me, just yell.”

I step back into the fitting room to try the rest of the clothes on. When we leave the store an hour later, it’s with what feels like an entire new wardrobe for me.

Bash kept bringing me more things to try on, and he even got the sales lady involved. Eventually, I had to put my foot down and say no more, because I’m pretty sure I have enough clothing to last multiple pregnancies. But given what he said earlier about how he finds me being pregnant sexy, maybe that’s his intention. Crazy as it sounds, I don’t think I mind.

“Thank you,” I tell him once we’re back in his car.

He leans over and kisses me, gently, sweetly, leaving me breathless.

“You don’t have to thank me, love.”