Page 98 of River Wild

“You bought a car,” he says in a rough-sounding voice.

“I did.” I smile.

His eyes move to the trunk and the paint cans sitting inside. “You’re painting?”

“Yep. I’m decorating the baby’s room.”

He finally looks at me. “You want some help?”

I smile inside. “I’d love some help.”

He reaches in the trunk and grabs the rollers, trays, and cans of paint. “You okay with the rest?” he asks.

I look down at the pack of paintbrushes and floor sheets. “I think I can just about manage,” I say dryly.

He follows me to my front door. I unlock it and let us inside. I put my stuff down and crouch down to fuss over Buddy.

“Where’s the baby’s room?” he asks, lifting up the paint cans.

“Down the hall, door on the right,” I tell him, rising to my feet. “You want a coffee?” I ask, walking toward the kitchen before he disappears down the hall.

“Sure.”

I turn the kettle on and let Buddy out, watching him putter around the garden and do his business.

I call him inside when the kettle boils. I make River’s coffee and a decaf tea for myself and carry them through to the baby’s room.

I see River has also brought through the paintbrushes and sheets that I left in the living room. He’s already opened the pack of sheets and is laying the last one down.

I cross the room and hand his coffee to him.

“Thanks.” He takes it and has a sip. “You’ve already primed it?” he asks.

“Yep.” I nod, taking a sip of my tea.

“You did a good job.”

“Thanks.” My eyes smile at him. I swallow another sip of my tea and put it on the windowsill.

“Do you have any stepladders?” he asks me. “If not, I have some—”

“Oh!” My hand goes to my stomach, my eyes looking down at my bump.

Was that …

“What’s wrong?” River puts his coffee down on the windowsill next to mine and approaches me.

“Nothing’s wrong. I think … the baby just … kicked.”

“Has it kicked before?”

I shake my head. I can feel tears welling in my eyes. I don’t even know why I’m getting emotional. “No, that’s the first time,” I whisper.

He smiles, moving even closer, and I feel some unnamed emotion expand in my chest.

I stare up into his eyes. “I mean, it could’ve been wind or—not!” I laugh at the feel of another kick. A strong, healthy kick.

“The baby’s kicking right now?” he asks.