Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 72561 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72561 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
“I love you, too.”
Chapter 17
Me, crazy? I should get down off this unicorn and slap you.
-E-card
Channing
I walked into the room slowly, wondering what I’d find when I got on the other side of the wall.
We’d shown up so late last night, that I didn’t meet Loki’s mom. We’d just gone straight to bed after showering.
I’d woken to an empty bed, and the afternoon sun shining in through the wooden blinds straight into my eyes.
I’d gotten dressed in a pair of sweats that were out of Loki’s bag, the same ones I’d worn just yesterday; even though it felt like the night at the safe house was eons ago.
Which led me to now.
I was walking as quietly as possible, not that I understood why.
“She’s been sleeping a really long time, honey. Maybe we should go check on her,” a woman’s voice said.
I stopped in the kitchen doorway in time to see an older man, wearing blue jeans and a black t-shirt reply. “Andrea, Bryce said to let her sleep, so you’re going to let her sleep. He said they witnessed that pile up on I-10 yesterday. The poor girl needs sleep; what she does not need is to be badgered on whether she’s planning to bring any grandchildren into the world any time soon.”
He was tall, with buzzed gray hair, and a five o’clock shadow that really made him look good. He reminded me a lot of George Clooney, in a rougher, more bad-ass kind of way.
I smiled, and my hand absently fell over my stomach. Which reminded me that I’d managed not to barf this morning. Score one for me!
“I wasn’t going to badger her about a baby. I was going to make sure she was okay. That’s all,” the woman said.
She was cute. She had a short, pixie haircut that allowed her red hair to flow freely around her face. She had laugh lines around her eyes and mouth, offset by a peach colored lipstick that matched her flowy chevron printed dress to perfection.
She looked like one of those people that probably got dressed up just to run to the supermarket, but that was all right.
“I’m awake,” I said, startling the two of them.
Both of their eyes pinned me to the spot, and I waited patiently while they surveyed me for long moments.
“Channing!” Loki’s mom exclaimed. “Come over here. Are you hungry? I’ve started sandwiches, but I’m more than happy to make you anything you want.”
I shook my head and walked up to the kitchen island where they were standing side by side making said sandwiches. “No, sandwiches sound heavenly, thank you. Can I help?”
“No, girly girl, you just sit right there and take a load off. We’ll make the sandwiches. Anything special on yours?”
I pursed my lips and thought about it for a few moments. “Pickles. Lots of pickles. And relish. And olives if you have any.”
“Pickles used to be my favorite when I was pregnant. Sounds like they’re your kryptonite, too,” she smiled wistfully.
I blinked at her stupidly. “H-how did you know?”
“That would be because I told her,” Loki said from behind me.
I turned in surprise to find him leaning against the entranceway of the kitchen. He said it so casually that it took me a few moments to react.
“How did you know?” I glared.
He gave me a ‘you’ve got to be joking’ look. “Honey, I’ve been a police officer for a long time now. I’m not stupid. I can put two and two together to make pregnant.”
I snorted, which was repeated by the two behind me.
“Well, you could’ve at least said something,” I accused. “I’ve been trying to tell you for a while, I just didn’t’ know how to.”
“Would’ve been nice to know here, too. How long have you known?” Loki’s stepfather asked from behind me.
I turned to find him staring at his wife.
She raised her eyes. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
He pointed the mayonnaise-covered knife at her. “I’ll remember this.”
“Ohh, I’m so scared,” she said sarcastically, as she waved her hands in the air.
I was too busy reeling about the revelation that Loki knew to continue listening to their bantering.
When I felt his body behind me, I turned to look up at him. “How long have you known?”
“After our shower the other night. I felt pretty dumb that I hadn’t put those two things together before that. Some detective I am,” he muttered.
I laid my head against his chest, and listened to his slow and steady heartbeat. Cool as a cucumber. No freaking out, or screaming, as I’d feared. Only calmness.
“You’re okay with it?” I whispered against his t-shirt covered chest.
“It’s not the most ideal of situations, but I’m not unhappy about it. Do I wish we were married first? Yes. With that said, that doesn’t mean that I’m not over the moon about being a father. I wished you would’ve told me earlier, though. Not that I don’t understand what kept you from telling me, however.”
I nodded against his chest. “I missed a doctor’s appointment yesterday, FYI. I rescheduled for the day after Christmas, so we have to make sure I’m home by then. It’s the important one where they test my blood sugar and all that fun stuff.”
He rumbled his agreement. “I’ll get you there.”
“Well, now that that’s settled, how about some lunch?” Loki’s mom clapped.
***
“This is a really nice place you have here,” I said to Andrea.
I’d started out calling Loki’s mom Mrs. Merritt, but she’d nipped that one pretty darn quick. “You call me Andrea...or mom. You’re family,” she’d said.
“Oh, yes. This is a big step up from where I lived with Bryce. Zeth is so good to me,” she smiled wistfully.
We were sitting on the back porch watching while Zeth, Loki’s stepfather, and Loki worked on the motor of the boat that was tied to their dock.
Sterling, Cleo, Parker, and Silas all sat on the dock, bullshitting with the two inside of the boat.
“I wouldn’t mind the water every once in a while, but after Katrina, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to live this close to water ever again,” I shivered.