“I had a feeling you were trying to leave.” Her voice was still soft and sleepy, but I knew me leaving in the middle of the night had done damage.
My heart sank as I rubbed her back. “I’m just gonna make breakfast for you. And coffee. I won’t be going anywhere.”
“I don’t have anything for you to make.”
“I can go to the store.”
She blew out a breath. “Stay here. With me. I sleep better when you’re around.”
“Really?” I asked. “I’ve heard that sleeping gets harder later in pregnancy.”
“You’re actually an incredible cuddler,” she said with a laugh. “I didn’t even need my pregnancy pillow to fall asleep.”
“You were exhausted.”
“Oh, trust me, I’ve been kept up by this little one when I’ve been exhausted.”
“Are you keeping your mama up, baby? That’s very rude.”
“It’s more like my body does.”
“Shh, I’m talking to my kid.”
She went silent, but I could see her cheeks turn red. I sat up, getting a better view of her belly.
“I can’t wait to meet you so you can kick me instead.” I rubbed my hand over the skin there. “Your mama has been doing too much work.”
“I’ve not. Just my job and growing a kid.”
“That’s still a lot.”
She laughed. “Perfect boyfriend material.”
I didn’t know why I was so afraid of this with her. It was easy. Like coming home after a long time away.
Our moment was interrupted when her stomach growled.
Her lip poked out. “I’m not gonna say you’re right.”
“And I know better than to ask for you to. What are you in the mood for?”
“Gummy bears and ice cream?”
“Somehow I feel like you should also have nutrients too.”
“Boo.”
“How about gummy bears and yogurt?”
“That’s not a terrible idea.”
I pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Be right back.” I got up and threw my shirt on while she groaned. “Shut up and let me feed you.”
“I like it when you talk dirty to me!” she yelled as I left. I couldn’t keep the smile off my face as I drove into town. I got what I needed from Food ‘n’ Things and walked up to the checkout.
I’d dealt with the people in town enough to know when one of them was about to strike up an annoying conversation, and Dale was bouncing on his feet when he saw me.
“So, you and Grace are in hot water already, huh?” He sounded like that would be the best news in the world.