Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Everyone questioned if we were secretly dating, and I explained the truth—we’re just friends who were emotional and got excited about the news.
Regardless, they still didn’t buy it.
“Sorry. I swear the baby uses my bladder as a trampoline. I barely made it.” She smooths her hair out of her face.
“How’s she doin’ today?”
Kaitlyn places her hand on her belly. “I feel like it’s gonna be a good day. I usually know first thing in the morning.”
“That’s perfect.” I meet her eyes and smile. “Because I planned somethin’ for us.”
She gives me a puzzled expression. “I don’t want to do anything too physical.”
“No, nothing like that. Dress in something comfy.” I look at the clock on the wall. “Let’s try to leave in an hour.”
A smile touches her lips. “Ohh, I like the sound of that.”
I stand, then give Kaitlyn space to get dressed and ready.
After I shower, I throw on jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, then grab my jacket. Considering it’s the middle of November, I even wear a beanie.
Before I can ask if she’s almost done, Kaitlyn comes out with a scowl. “I look stupid.”
“You look gorgeous.”
She takes her empty mug to the sink and rinses it.
“And that ass,” I offer with a smirk.
“At least I still have that. ”
I grab my keys, hoping today will brighten her mood. “It’s only temporary, Kate.”
“Tell that to my vagina.”
“I’ll be happy to,” I quip.
When she fully comes into view, I can’t help but admire how pretty she is. Kaitlyn’s wearing a red sweater with black leggings and adorable ballerina slippers. Pregnancy looks good on her. Knowing it’s my kid in there makes her even sexier.
“Am I dressed appropriately?” She swings out her arms.
“Yep. Perfect.”
“I guess we should go, then.”
When we drive down the gravel road and the B&B comes into view, I slow down and ask if she wants to stop and eat.
“I want donuts. Like glazed, chocolate, blueberry, and raspberry filled.”
“All at once?” I say.
“Wouldn’t that be amazing?” She laughs. “And a pickle, too.”
“With the donuts?”
She shrugs. “Your child is makin’ me crave the weirdest things.”
Chuckling, I shake my head. “Why am I not surprised?”
I drive past the B&B and continue until we get to the county road. When we get to Eldorado, I head downtown to one of the donut shops on the corner. Kaitlyn’s face lights up when she spots it. I love how something so simple makes her happy.
After we get a dozen donuts in all flavor combinations, we grab two bottles of milk, then sit at a small table by the front windows.
“These are so good, I just had a foodgasm,” she says around a mouthful.
I burst out laughing, grateful no one else is in the lobby area to overhear us.
“So you gonna tell me what you have planned for us today?”
“Thought we could do a little shoppin’.”
Her jaw drops, then her face splits in two. “I swear. It’s like you’re downloading my thoughts. I was just thinkin’ I needed to start my Christmas shopping.”
I shake my head. “This trip is for you. Thought we could work on our registry, maybe get some baby things, and you a new wardrobe.”
She tucks her lips in her mouth. “I might cry.”
“Oh no.”
“Sorry, I’m not used to feeling so emotional over every little thing. Thank you.” A few tears spill down her cheeks.
“If you keep that up, people are going to take away your hard-ass card,” I tease, though I enjoy seeing this vulnerable side of her.
That makes her snort. “You better keep my secret safe.”
“Always.” I wink.
When we’re done eating, we head to San Angelo. On the way, we chat about the rescue and how well Fancy’s improving.
“Zach’s really attached to her,” she tells me. “I swear I overheard him telling her all about Lilia and how he can’t wait to see her at school.”
I laugh. “What a stud. Makes me happy he’s grown so close to her,” I admit.
We pull into the mall, and I love seeing her excitement. I’m tempted to interlock my fingers with hers when we get inside. I want the world to know she’s carrying my child and I’m in love with her, even if she doesn’t see it.
The first store we go to is full of baby clothes and toys. The many options are overwhelming, but Kaitlyn is like a kid in a candy store. I ask the clerk where we can register, and she directs us to a kiosk in the back. Once we sign up, we download an app on our phones, then start scanning things.
“I’m going overboard,” Kaitlyn tells me after she’s added at least fifty items.
“This is cute,” I say, holding up a stuffed buck toy with a big rack. It looks majestic.
“It is!” She scans it. “This is the fun part of being pregnant. Oh my goodness, look at this.”