Page 42 of Mia Amata

“I was just going to watch some TV and work on the baby blanket I’m making.”

“Can I keep you company for a while?”

“Won’t you be bored?”

“Is that your way of telling me you want me to leave?” He tried to look so sad, I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Of course not.”

We picked out a movie, sitting on the couch together. I crocheted for a while until my eyes were tired. The baby blanket was coming along nicely. I wasn’t sure how much time I could dedicate to it when I started working on Monday, but I vowed that I would try to do a little every night, even just a few rows.

I had plenty of time to finish it before the baby came as long as I dedicated time to it on a regular basis. I crocheted until the end of the movie, then put it away.

“You are talented,” observed Jacob. “That blanket is cute.”

“Thanks, my first attempt at crocheting. The next movie looked interesting, want to stay? I’ll pop us some popcorn?” Surprising both myself and Jacob by asking, I think.

“Sounds wonderful,” he smiled at me. “As long as I am not ruining your evening.”

I shook my head, “I’m glad you are here.” I meant it too. I enjoyed his company tonight.

Popcorn was popped, I turned the lights down, sitting back down by Jacob, so we could share. He put his arm around me, and we settled in to watch the next movie. When the popcorn was finished, I covered up with a blanket from the back of the couch.

We both dozed off, and the next thing I knew Lucky was whining to be let outside. I sat up and looked at the clock, realizing it was three o’clock in the morning. Jacob didn’t stir, as quietly as I could, I took Lucky outside.

I stood outside on the deck, shivering, while I waited for Lucky. Jacob came out, wrapping a blanket around me. We stood there in silence until Lucky came running back up the steps. Going back inside, Jacob looked at me. “I should go.”

“No, Jacob. It’s too late. You can stay here tonight.”

“Thank you. Do you have a pillow and blanket I can use on the couch?”

“Yes, I’ll be right back.” I soon came back out with a blanket and pillow for him.

“Thank you,” He looked at me intently, then leaned over and kissed me softly. “Good night, Mia Amata.”

“Night, Jacob.” I went to the bedroom, and as quietly as I could I locked the bedroom door, wondering why Jacob was here and why I was letting this happen.

***

The next morning, Jacob and I were enjoying coffee on the deck watching Lucky run around in the yard playing when we heard Josh and Randy hollering from down by the lake. Lady ran up, greeting me as usual, then ran down to play with her brother in the yard. I waved at Randy and Josh; they headed up toward the deck to join me.

I looked at Jacob, he looked back. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” I asked, confused.

“They are going to think I spent the night.”

“Well, you did,” I replied.

“You know what I mean.” Jacob smiled back at me.

“I do, but it was perfectly innocent. There is nothing to hide.”

“No, but I don’t want anyone to draw the wrong conclusions if it would bother you.”

“I’ll be fine Jacob. Besides, it could be fun seeing them try to resist asking questions.”

Jacob laughed, “Yes, that would be fun.”

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