Page 17 of Upon an April Night

“I know you do. It’s just a lot of change with the church and the gym taking over my room and all.”

“There’s nothing wrong with wanting to better ourselves. Maybe you should try it.”

Mom’s words surprised her, and now she wasn’t sure she should reveal her plans.

“I wonder what you’ll have.” Mom got a far off look. “Oh, can you imagine a little girl running around in the back yard? We’ll have to get a swing set. Remember the one we used to have for you?” She giggled, clearly giddy at the thought of a grandchild.

“I remember.”

“And that newborn baby smell. You will never forget that. It stays with you forever.”

Jamie pushed the teacup and plate of unfinished toast across the counter.

“How are you feeling?”

“Not good,” Jamie snapped.

“The first trimester is always the worst. It will get better in a month or so. The second was a breeze when I had you.” She clasped her hands together. “Oh, and wait until you feel the baby move for the first time. It’s the funniest fluttering sensation.”

“Mom, stop.”

“I know it’s scary right now, but you can do this. I’m here for you if you have any questions or need someone to go to appointments with you.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

Mom’s brow furrowed. “Why not?”

“I’m not keeping it.”

Chapter 8

I wish I didn’t have to go. This has been such a wonderful trip.” Dréa wrapped her arms around Duncan’s waist, and he rested his chin on her shoulder.

“I’m glad you came home with me.”

“Your family is so wonderful. I love them all.”

He pulled back but kept his arms around her. “And they love you.”

“I wish you were coming back with me. I’ve never been in a long-distance relationship before, and I don’t like the idea of being apart.” Her bottom lip stuck out in a little pout.

“It won’t be forever. You’ll be back in a few weeks for the Fourth of July.”

She leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “That’s too long.”

He pulled her close again and hugged her tight. “We’ll talk and text every day. It will fly by.”

“If you say so.”

When she pulled away this time, he was surprised to see tears. He’d not seen Dréa cry since they’d been dating, and it was a vulnerability he hadn’t expected. She came across as so confident. He had no idea she’d be this sensitive about temporarily parting ways.

“I love you,” she smiled sweetly at him.

“I know,” he said with a laugh.

She eyed him warily.

“It’s a line from Star Wars.” He searched her face. “When Leia tells Han she loves him, he says ‘I know’ and then he’s hauled away and frozen in carbonite.”

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