I smiled before I could stop myself.
My belly had grown round over the last few months, stretching my sweaters and shifting my balance in ways I was still learning. I rubbed slow circles over the curve. “Easy, baby boy,” I murmured. “We’re almost done.”
“Are you okay?” Jenna asked from across the prep table, already alert.
Jackie’s head snapped up from the register. “Is it time?” she hollered, even as she handed the guy his change and bouquet. “Because I told you I needed a warning.”
I laughed and shook my head. “No. Just him playing soccer with my bladder.”
Jackie groaned dramatically. “Absolutely unacceptable behavior. I can’t do false alarms anymore.”
Jenna smiled, relief softening her shoulders. “That kid likes to make his presence known.”
“He gets that from his dad,” I said, fondness threading my voice.
I tied the ribbon, slid the bouquet into a vase, and set it carefully on the counter.
A year ago, I’d been drowning here.
Now, I was standing solidly in the middle of it, with a baby on the way and so happy I thought my heart was going to burst.
The bell above the door chimed.
I didn’t look up.
I didn’t need to.
I felt him.
The subtle shift in the air. The presence that had become as familiar as the shop itself. My heart fluttered still, even after a year of mornings and nights and shared routines.
“Asher,” I said softly.
He pushed his sunglasses onto the top of his head as he walked in, leather jacket unzipped, beard neatly trimmed, eyes already locked on me. He didn’t pause to take in the room. Didn’t scan the chaos.
He came straight to me.
He stepped behind the register like he belonged there and pulled me carefully into his arms, one hand braced at my lower back, the other cradling my head as he kissed me.
Slow. Soft. Familiar.
The kind of kiss that said I’m here without needing words.
His hands slid down to my stomach, and his thumbs brushed over the fabric like he was greeting someone important. “Your mama working too hard?” he murmured to my belly.
I snorted. “Excuse me, I am not working too hard.”
He bent and pressed a kiss to my stomach, completely unconcerned that we were very much not alone. He straightened and looked me in the eyes. “Doctor said you need to take it easy.”
“Well, the doctor didn’t have forty-three red rose bouquets to get done today,” I added dryly. “He can take it easy, and I will once we close the doors tonight.”
He smiled and pressed a kiss to my lips. “You need to take it easy,” he repeated.
I rolled my eyes. “I am taking it easy.”
He lifted a brow. “You’re standing.”
“I own a flower shop, Asher, and most people stand for their job.”