Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 100661 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 503(@200wpm)___ 403(@250wpm)___ 336(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100661 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 503(@200wpm)___ 403(@250wpm)___ 336(@300wpm)
“Let me,” he said, taking it from my hands and holding it open for me. “Is this new?”
“Yes.” I slipped my arms in and buttoned it up. “It was a gift from Julia and my dad. I opened it last night.”
He frowned. “I have something for you too, but I was so concerned about the drive, I left home without it.”
“It’s okay. We can open gifts later.” I smiled. “I have something for you too.”
He held my arm as we walked through the lightly falling snow. When he opened the passenger door for me, I laughed. “Remember the night of the wedding when you gave me a piggyback ride out to the car?”
After helping me into the passenger seat, he said, “I remember everything about that night.” He closed the door and went around to the driver’s side while I clenched my thighs together and tried not to recall his body moving over mine.
And I realized Ari was right. This man got to me.
“I was thinking, we should probably talk about the birth day,” I said on the drive down to the Lupos’ house.
Joe winced a little. “Yeah, I haven’t exactly gotten to that section of the book yet. I’ve been scared.”
“Scared of what?”
“Knowing things. Right now I only suspect them.”
I laughed. “It’s up to you what you want to know, but you definitely don’t have to see anything you don’t want to see. I don’t expect you to be in the room.”
He glanced at me. “You don’t want me there when you have him?”
“Well, I wasn’t sure it would even be possible. I mean, I don’t know exactly when it will be. What if you’re in the middle of a game when I go into labor?”
“I’m going to give you the number of someone who can get word to me right away—one of the manager’s assistants. And I’ll get there as quickly as I can.”
“Okay. First labors take a long time, so unless you’re super far away, you’ll probably make it.” I hesitated. “But I don’t expect you to abandon a game to get there. What if it’s a must-win for the playoffs or something?”
“Let’s not jinx anything, okay? Right now we’re playing well, and that’s what we need to keep doing. And I want to be there when the baby is born.”
“Like, in the room?” I asked tentatively. “Or out in the hall?”
“In the room. If it’s okay with you.”
“It’s okay with me,” I said, growing nervous about it. I honestly hadn’t thought he’d want to watch the delivery. “But I have to warn you—it’s not going to be pretty.”
“I understand.”
I twisted my hands together above my belly. “Like I almost wish you didn’t want to be in there so your memories of my body would be more aesthetically pleasing.”
“Hey.” He reached over and took my left hand, giving it a squeeze. “Nothing can touch those memories. And for the rest of my life, I will be grateful for what your body is doing. I want to be there for you.”
With my free hand, I unbuttoned my coat. Despite the winter weather, I was starting to overheat.
He kept my other hand in his the whole ride.
When we entered the Lupos’ house, my mouth watered immediately. “God, it smells good in here!”
“My parents have been cooking and baking for days,” Joe said, closing the door behind us. “Let me take your coat, and I’ll hang it up.”
I shrugged out of my coat and brushed snow off my knee-high boots. As I straightened up again, Coco came into the front hall.
“Mabel! You look gorgeous!” She enveloped me in a tight hug. “That burgundy color is stunning on you. And look at that little belly!” She reached out her hands and then pulled them back, her expression frightened. “Sorry! I should ask first.”
I laughed. “It’s okay. Go ahead.”
She placed her palms on my stomach. “Is he moving?”
“Not right now, but I’ll let you know when he does. He’s been quiet on the car ride.”
Nick entered the front hallway. “Mabel, it’s great to see you.” He took both hands and kissed my cheek. “You look wonderful.”
“Thank you.” Reaching for my bag, I pulled out a gift-wrapped package and handed it to Coco. Inside was a scented candle and soft throw blanket from one of my favorite Cherry Tree Harbor boutiques. “Merry Christmas. And thank you very much for having me today.”
“Of course!” Her smile was bright. “We’re so happy you were able to come. The food is in the dining room and it’s all-day buffet. There are all kinds of things, but if your appetite is funny and there’s nothing there that looks good to you, let me know and we’ll make you something else.”
“I’m sure everything will look good to me. My stomach is growling just from the smell!”
She squeezed my hand. “I’m just so happy you’re here. Joey, why are you just standing there? Get her something to drink.”